Because Life is too Short and a Lifetime is too Long (a work of fiction)

The sprite kissed Ellie on her forehead and said "You'd better be going".

"Why? I love it here!" Ellie retorted.

"As much as we have enjoyed your company and great spirits, we have to ask you to leave" the sprite let go of Ellie's hands and started flying away.

"No, no, no... why can't I stay? I promise I won't be much of a bother" Ellie pleaded.

"We can't let you do that. Once you start sprouting roots, you won't be able to leave. You will be part of the fauna, living and breathing, but rooted to the ground with birds pecking you for food" the sprite flew further away and started to turn her back against Ellie.

"... but" Ellie started again, torn between returning home and becoming a tree. 

She woke up in her bed seconds later. Her alarm clock showed 6.30am. The sun will be up soon.

In the silence of the morning hours, Ellie heard her mum walking down to the kitchen.. to her morning routine of getting breakfast ready. Maybe today Ellie would surprise mum. She quickly washed her face, combed her hair real quick (because mum doesn't approve of messy hair) and quietly walked down the stairs to the kitchen.

"Hey mum" Ellie peeked from the side cabinet as she entered the kitchen.

"Oh gosh, you startled me there. What got you up so early?" mum nearly dropped the jam jar that she was holding.

"Just because..." Ellie gave her trademark cheeky smile.

"Come here and help me mix this batter my dear" mum motioned with her hand for Ellie to come to her, and kissed Ellie on her forehead as she came in range. "That's my girl" followed by a hug.

Well maybe the sprite was right. Being a tree wouldn't have been a good choice.