I thought inwardly for a few seconds, trying to cook up a reasonable reply, but then I just threw in the towel. With a defeated sigh, I accepted responsibility. "Alrighty, my bad. I neglected you, Geim. It's time for you to have a chat with Papa," I said before moving toward the tree and placing my hand on its trunk.
I ran my thumb over its surface in slow strokes, feeling the ridges and grooves beneath my skin.
"Guess I should've checked in on you more, huh? You grew fast, way too fast. Faster than I ever dared to even hope. Looks like the nutrients worked a little too well, or maybe you're just an overachiever..." The Geim gave no reaction.
