The Starbean
Once upon a time, there lived a farmer named Carter, in the quiet village of Hemingway. The village was known for its fertile lands and high harvest yields. Despite the bountiful environment, Carter was indifferent. His farm was small and was not as productive. However, he was proud of his little plot, and he worked tirelessly to grow his crops.
One day, he found a peculiarly glowing bean amongst his crops, unlike anything seen before. Its gleam was captivating, Carter could not resist but plant it in an isolated corner of his plot. He named it the 'Starbean'. Carter carefully provided for the bean, hoping for a change of fortune.
Days rolled into weeks, and the bean sprouted into a magnificent plant much larger than ordinary bean plants. It spread across the corner and had radiant beans dangling that shone like stars in the night. This mesmerizing sight became the talk of Hemingway. Although the village people admired his plant, they repeatedly warned him about the plant being alien and possibly hazardous.
Paying no heed to anyone's advice, Carter decided to use Starbeans in his supper. He cautiously cooked a handful of the shimmery beans. The aroma lured his senses, and he relished his meal. To his surprise, he felt an immeasurable amount of strength and vitality after consuming the beans.
News of his energy renewal spread across Hemingway, arousing curiosity in his fellow villagers. Word reached the ears of a nefarious witch who lived in the outskirts of Hemingway. Enchanted by the magical powers, she decided to steal the Starbean plant. Under the cloak of the darkest night, the witch crept into Carter's field and plucked all the Starbeans.
Awake the next day, Carter was devastated. He found his dear Starbean plant devoid of its glistening beans. Unaware of the witch's deeds, Carter blamed his fellow villagers for their envy. Disheartened, he decided to leave Hemingway and cultivate a new bean in a far-off land.
The witch, spellbound by the magical powers of the Starbeans, decided to plant them in her backyard. However, she was unconscious of the love and care Carter had put into nurturing the Starbean. Under her care, the plants withered and failed to grow.
Meanwhile, Carter unintentionally left a Starbean at his house which sprouted into a small plant. The villagers were quick to discover it and took turns to care for the plant. In time, the plant flourished, producing dazzling Starbeans.
Once Carter learned about his fellow villagers' care towards the Starbean plant, he was deeply moved. He realized their love and concern for him and his Starbean, comprehending he had been mistaken to blame them.
He returned home to Hemingway, welcomed by the villagers and his magnificent Starbean plant. Together they enjoyed the vitality of the Starbeans and pledged to look after it. As for the witch, she never found the magic she sought.
In the end, Carter's Starbean did bring a change of fortune; not in wealth but in bonding him with his fellow villagers. He found a family in Hemingway, and his once indifferent heart was now brimming with happiness and warmth.
This little tale of Carter and his Starbean is passed down in Hemingway with each generation, a tale of unity and caring, reminding every villager of their shared responsibility and the magic of sincere love and care.