Friendship Through Change

In a quiet village nestled among rolling hills, a group of children gathered every afternoon at a large, gnarled oak tree. This tree, with its sprawling branches and thick trunk, served as the centerpiece of their adventures. As the children climbed its limbs and swung from its branches, they shared stories of bravery and dreams of distant lands. Over time, the oak became not just a tree but a symbol of their unity, dreams, and the passage of their youth. One fateful summer, a raging storm uprooted the oak, leaving the children devastated. However, they soon realized that the memories and camaraderie developed around the tree would remain in their hearts, guiding them as they ventured into adulthood. The loss of the oak taught them that true friendship and the shared experiences they cultivated were far more enduring than any single structure.

What is the predominant theme of this passage?