The Farmer's Magic Apple Tree
In a small village nested between the verdant hills and crystal clear streams, there lived a humble farmer named Ethan. Ethan was not just an ordinary cultivator, he was famed throughout the neighbouring – not for his crops, but for his apple tree. The apple tree in Ethan’s farm was no less than a miracle. Every autumn, while all the other trees in the village lost their leaves and stood bare, Ethan’s apple tree would bloom with luscious red apples that tasted like heaven. No villager could ever figure out what made this tree special – some said it was the way Ethan talked to it, others believe it was a divine blessing bestowed upon him.
One year, a severe drought hit the village. The streams dried up, the crops wilted and all the trees stood lifeless. The villagers were distressed but when they saw Ethan’s apple tree, it was still lush green and laden with sweet apples. This drew attention of the village elder, who approached Ethan and asked, “Ethan, in these harsh conditions when nothing seems to survive, how is your apple tree still thriving?”
Ethan simply smiled, and said, “I shall reveal the secret tonight at the village square for everyone.”
That evening, all villagers gathered, their eyes filled with curiosity. Ethan, as calm as ever, began his tale, “Many years ago, before I even owned this land, an old man lived here. He was considered as the village oddball. Isolated from society, he kept to himself, and his only friend was this apple tree. Day after day, without fail, he would take care of this tree. When he was on the brink of death, the old man summoned me, he had no family or kin, so he left me his land. His only condition was that I need to take care of his beloved apple tree.”
“From that day, I followed his instructions. I watered it, talked to it and most importantly loved it. I realised that the old man was not an oddball, he had discovered something that we hadn’t - the magic of unconditional love and care. This tree stays green because it’s not mere a plant, it’s a legacy of love and dedication. This tree and I have built a connection that can endure the worst storms or the driest drought. The secret, my dear friends, is love, pure, selfless love.”
The villagers stood in awe, their hearts touched. Ethan’s words had brought a fundamental change in their very perception. The people realised that love and care could not just nurture an apple tree, but it could transform their lives.
From that day, the villagers started treating their fields and animals with kindness rather than seeing them as just sources of income. The drought ended, but the change Ethan brought was everlasting. The village was known for its healthy animals, abundant crops, and most importantly - its loving and harmonious community.
The tale of Ethan and his apple tree was passed down to generations, becoming a symbol of unconditional love, commitment, and the might of nurturing. Ethan was not just a humble farmer anymore, he was a beacon of transformation and an embodiment of the true power of selfless love.