The Tree of Heaven

In the soft glow of a 1918 summer garden, Frances Harrison watches her children prepare for a first birthday party. The excitement of little Nicky, the teasing of his older sister Dorothy, and the gentle hum of old songs create a warm, domestic scene under the tree the locals call a Tree of Heaven. Beneath the leaves Frances drifts between simple joys and the quiet worries that come with caring for a growing family.

Meanwhile, the world beyond the garden hints at deeper shadows—grandfather's recent funeral, the looming expectations of relatives, and the strange, almost claustrophobic atmosphere of Grannie's house. As Michael delivers a tea invitation, he navigates memories of locked doors and whispered assurances that try to keep grief at bay. The story unfolds with tender humor and subtle tension, inviting listeners to share in the everyday magic and lingering melancholy of that era.