The Enchanted Apple Tree
In the heart of an ancient town, beneath the bustling streets, teeming with busy bodies, nestled a small, quiet park. At the centre of the park stood a grand tree, fondly known as the Enchanted Apple Tree. For centuries, it had been the town's pride, its twisted branches reaching out toward the heavens as if in a gesture of grandeur while serving as a sturdy home to countless generations of birds, adding a melodic charm to the otherwise dull air.
It wasn't just a tree, however. Once in every ten years, on the eve of the Harvest Moon, the folklore stated that the tree bore a single golden apple, said to contain incomparable power. It was believed to be a gift from the celestial beings, granting the town its ‘never-ending prosperity.’
Olivia, a young, inquisitive girl, had grown up hearing tales of this magical tree, entranced by its mystical legend. Driven by a sense of adventurous spirit and childlike curiosity, she yearned to touch this ancient marvel and witness its magic unfold.
Time passed slowly, years meshed into a decade, and the eve of the coveted Harvest Moon finally arrived. The town was brimming with anticipation and excitement. Olivia, now a young woman, could barely contain her thrill. As darkness draped over the town, brilliantly lit lanterns guided the way to the central park where the magic was to unfold.
Waiting anxiously in the arriving crowd, Olivia watched as the moon gracefully ascended into the cloudless sky. Magic permeated the air, the sky turned melon orange, there was a hush, and then, a miracle. The tree's almost skeletal branches shivered, and a golden sphere grew in its midst. The crowd gasped, as did Olivia. A golden apple, glowing against the eerie calm of the night, dangled precariously.
Suddenly, the crowd surged forward; it seemed everyone had the same thought. They all wanted the golden apple. Filled with dread, Olivia watched as the townsfolk fought against each other to reach the tree.
Amidst all the chaos, she saw a young bird, displaced from the frenzy, struggling on the ground. Olivia rushed to its rescue, forgetting all about the apple; her heart captivated by the hapless creature. As she held the bird close, trying to soothe its fear, the apple fell. There was a mad rush to claim it but in the blink of an eye, it disappeared.
As the populous went into a frenzy, the bird in Olivia's hands fluttered its wings, nuzzled against her and disappeared in a puff of golden dust. In a moment of astonishment, Olivia discovered the golden apple nestled in her palms. The crowd was silenced, awestruck by the turn of events. An inexplicable warmth spread through her being; she didn't understand what was happening or why, but she knew in that moment, the golden apple had chosen her.
The legend had spoken of 'never-ending prosperity,' everyone assumed it referred to wealth, but it was more profound. Olivia brought the bird back to life, demonstrating selflessness and kindness. In the years to follow, the town flourished not just economically but in love, unity and understanding. Olivia taught them the true meaning of prosperity.
And so, the legend of the enchanted tree was reborn, giving the golden apple not to the powerful or ambitious, but to the pure-hearted, where true magic lies.