The Miracle Fruit of Marrakesh
Once upon a time in the old city of Marrakesh, there lived a humble fruit vendor named Aziz. Aziz was known for his sweet and juicy oranges, the finest in all of Morocco. Yet, despite his popularity, Aziz led a solemn life. His heart was weighed by a deep-seated sorrow that loomed over him like a shadow. He was a father of a boy named Salim, who had been bed-ridden with a grievous ailment for the last three years.
Aziz used to sell his oranges in the busiest square in Marrakesh. One day, a stranger, extravagantly dressed and carrying a staff adorned with shiny stones, stopped at Aziz's cart. The stranger was Youssef, a celebrated magician, renowned for his mystical wares and supernatural abilities.
He selected an orange, rolling it between his fingers before biting into the juicy flesh with an air of satisfaction. 'Your oranges are as sweet as the legends claim, Aziz,' he complimented. Intrigued by Youssef's aura, Aziz shared his plight concerning Salim's health.
Youssef, touched by Aziz's tale, decided to offer help. From his bag, he extracted a peculiar seed. 'This seed,' he said, 'holds within it the power to heal any ailment. But it comes with a price.' The price was all the gold Aziz had saved for his son's treatment. Desperate and hopeful, Aziz made the trade, receiving the miraculous seed from the magician.
Three full moons later, a unique tree grew from the seed. It bore sapphire apples, sparkling in the sunlight. Aziz picked one and gave it to Salim. Miraculously, Salim started to get better.
Word spread around Marrakesh, about Salim and the magical fruit that cured him. Soon, people from far and wide came to witness the miracle. The sapphire apples from Aziz's tree began healing ailing people all around. Overwhelmed with gratitude, they showered Aziz with gifts, making him wealthy beyond his wildest dreams.
Salim grew healthy and robust, and their life was filled with joy - until Youssef returned. 'The price for the seed has not yet been fully paid,' he said ominously. Dumbfounded, Aziz asked what more he could give, as he had already given all his gold.
'The seed and the tree,' Youssef explained, 'were born out of a drop of my magic, which sustains its power. To keep the tree alive and thriving, I need to replenish that power. But to do that, I require something pure, something untouched by human greed—a good soul. I require Salim.'
Aziz was shattered but determined not to give up Salim. In his despair, he turned to the tree and begged it to protect Salim. As if understanding his plea, the tree shimmered and a single golden apple appeared.
With heavy heart, Aziz approached Youssef, offering him the golden apple, pleading for him to take it instead of Salim. Intrigued by the apple, Youssef took a bite and was taken aback. It was the most delicious fruit he'd ever tasted.
Seeing Youssef's delight, Aziz seized his chance and suggested an agreement: Youssef would let Salim live, and in return, Aziz would continue to supply him with the golden apples.
Youssef agreed, seeing the opportunity for an infinite supply of these incredible fruits. He left, promising to return for the first batch of golden apples. Aziz and Salim returned to their peaceful existence, their lives enriched not just materially, but with newfound bonds of trust and love. Aziz's oranges gained even more fame as they now came from the father of the miraculous tree that bore the magical golden apples.
In the end, Aziz realized that his faith, love, and the purity of his intentions had managed to even trick a magician. To this day, it is said that if you are pure of heart and find yourself in Marrakesh's square, you may be lucky enough to spot a golden glow not far away—the testament of Aziz's miraculous tree still thriving, serving as a symbol of love and faith above all else.