When Ken Hutchinson was growing up, he had a favorite tree on his grandfather’s farm. It was perfect for climbing, and eventually its sturdy branches held the treehouse that Ken and his grandfather had built together over one summer.
Later, Ken would identify that it was the constant nature of the tree that was so reassuring. Every year, tentative buds would bloom into leaves which would turn lush and green before becoming brittle, dry, and shifting to fiery colors before falling to the ground. Birds and nests and snowfall would adorn its branches in turn, and everything, even the eventual dismantling of the treehouse, was borne with a certain stoicism.
Hutch isn’t sure why this year is so different from any other, why the shift of the general population from the everyday malaise to a seasonal cheeriness should grate on him with such ferocity. But there’s something unsettling in the way it’s snuck up on him this year. Back home in Duluth, there’s always at least one layer of fresh snow to alert him to the change (and perhaps to cushion him from its impact) but Hutch hasn’t been home in a long time.
The tree that Starsky brings over and places on Hutch’s table is artificial. But Starsky’s smirk is genuine, the spring in his step more optimistic than grating. “The kind you put presents under,” he states in a tone that’s more than a hint. But Starsky has chosen blue and silver decorations that are easier on the eye than garish gold and red baubles, and Hutch can’t help but wonder if he’s done it on purpose.
“They say it’s only about fifty yards from the horse shoe pitch.”
The look on Starsky’s face is a predictable blend of incredulity and disappointment. Just as predictably, he joins in the laughter and jostles Hutch’s leg with his own.
Molly and Keiko are safe and well, and throughout the day there’s Starsky’s steady presence. It’s the best Christmas Hutch has had in a long time.
The artificial tree is still sitting on Hutch’s table on December 29th. Starsky seems to be scrutinizing its branches, brow furrowed and eyes narrowed.
“Wondering if any belated Christmas presents are going to magically appear under there?”
Starsky’s mouth twitches as he turns toward Hutch. “Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree.”
Starsky laughs at Hutch’s expression. “Don’t look so surprised.”
What Starsky doesn’t realize is that Hutch is startled by a flash of memory of his favorite tree, and the sudden realization of how much Starsky really does resemble it.
Hutch just offers a shrug and a small smile. “Just a favorite poem is all. Haven’t read it in a while.”
Oooh, this is very nice! I love how you highlight how trees were featured in Little Girl Lost, and make it even more meaningful with a special tree from Hutch’s past, and what Starsky and that tree have in common.
I especially love it because, yeah, Hutch’s gift to Starsky in that episode can be read as just a joke, but it can also be read as the kind of gift that means something to Hutch even if most people might find it worthless. And your fic does that in a beautiful, understated way.
Thank you Garrideb. I can’t remember what fic it was, but there’s one in which Hutch makes the point that the tree will be around for years to come to provide enjoyment for so many people. So I have to agree, as funny as it can read in the episode, there are other possibilities there 🙂
Lovely insight into Hutch’s past. Garrideb says it perfectly, totally agree. Thank you.
Thank you 🙂
This is lovely, Exbex. Just what Hutch needed.
Thank you 🙂 I think Hutch does know how lucky he is, usually 😉
Such a sweet story. Starsky is a constant in Hutch’s life, just like a tree. Always there, always sheltering and providing enjoyment.
Great gift, exbex, thank you!
Thank you Nancy 🙂
I’m one of the few fans that loves that Hutch gave Starsky a tree planted in his name. I gave that gift to my future Husband in 1978, planted it myself at an Arbor day event. Two years ago after 38 years of marriage we went back and found that tree growing tall and splendid on our old college campus. My daughter just got married in October and her wedding keepsake gift was a live Michigan White Pine. Mine is planted outside our home. So, this story meant a lot to me. Thank you so much for a wonderful gift.
Thank you 🙂 When I moved away from Michigan twelve years ago, I didn’t know how much I was going to miss the trees. Thank you for sharing this story about your family.
Love this! So poignant and beautifully written. “Back home in Duluth, there’s always at least one layer of fresh snow to alert him to the change (and perhaps to cushion him from its impact)” “The tree that Starsky brings over and places on Hutch’s table is artificial. But Starsky’s smirk is genuine. . . “
Thank you Spencer 🙂
Such a lovely story, thank you for sharing!
Thank you Mortmere 🙂
Sweet, exbex; very nicely done. Thanks!
Thank you pat 🙂
Lovely, insightful. Thanks ? for sharing!
Thank you 🙂
Lovely. I have always thought Hutch gave Starsky the tree as a sign of permanence and love, and not as a joke the way some view it. Trees are special to Hutch, as is Starsky.
Thank you Dawn 🙂 I don’t see Hutch as going quite that far just for a joke.
Very poignant. A great snapshot character study. Thank you!
Thank you Keri 🙂