One Leaf On His Tree

I am currently reading Toni Morrison's A Mercy (Knopf, 2008). The following passage I am quoting from the book I find really moving:

He had already ruined Florens, since she refused to see that she hankered after a man that had not troubled to tell her goodbye. When Lina tried to enlighten her, saying, "You are one leaf on his tree," Florens shook her head, closed her eyes and replied, "No. I am his tree." A sea change that Lina could only hope was not final. (p. 61)

I was Florens not so long ago. But not anymore.