On a cliff overlooking Lake Michigan there stood a beautiful oak tree. On the side of the cliff, out of everyone's view, a fragile elm tree protruded out of a rock wall. Day after day the oak tree embraced its company: robins hopped in the grass and ate seeds on the ground; people sat on a nearby bench, reading or admiring the scenery with a friend; and children came to play games within the fresh air near the lake.

One day, as the children raced around playing tag, they circled the delighted oak until one child ran close to the edge of the cliff and fell off it. To his good fortune, the elm tree broke the boy's fall, and it offered its branches for support until the boy's friends arrived to help him.

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