The Tale of the Golden Apple Tree
Once upon a time, in an isolated valley surrounded by verdant hills, a small village named 'Tranquil Village' thrived. The village, draped in an enchanting serenity, was uniquely known for a mystical Golden Apple Tree that bloomed every hundred years.
The legend had it that the tree bore a single Golden Apple that granted one any wish if eaten. The tree's exact location was unknown, but it was believed to be hidden within the forest bordering the village. The villagers shared stories about the tree while huddled around the fireplace. Still, no one had ever seen it since it last bore an apple a hundred years ago.
The story today revolves around a young boy named Ethan. Unlike other children who relished the Golden Apple Tree stories, Ethan's curiosity was never enticed. He was more interested in exploring the wilderness and learning about nature.
One normal day turned fantastic when Ethan was playing near the perimeters of the forest. He stumbled upon a path that he had never seen. Driven by curiosity, he decided to explore. The path led him to an enchanting sight that made him gasp - before him stood the legendary Golden Apple Tree!
Amazed beyond belief, he approached the tree, and his eyes went wide upon sighting the Golden Apple, shining with a surreal glow. Following the village folklore, he knew eating the apple granted him any wish. He paused, reflecting on his needs. With thoughtful consideration, he decided his wish was to make his village the happiest place.
Without wasting another second, Ethan took a bite of the magical apple. Suddenly, he felt an inexpressible joy and warmth spreading through him.
The next day marked the dawn of a change in the Tranquil Village. Every heart seemed lighter, every smile seemed wider, and a silent merriment seemed to have filled the air. Farmers whistled chirpy tunes as they ploughed, children played and gurgled with laughter, and the whole village was contagiously cheerful. Everyone attributed this inexplicable happiness to the perfect weather or good crops.
Initially, Ethan chose to keep it a secret. However, seeing the transformation of his village into a happier place, he shared his adventurous encounter with the Golden Apple Tree.
Listening to his astounding tale, the villagers were awe-stricken. They raised Ethan atop their shoulders, celebrating his considerate wish for the community's happiness over personal gain. Ethan became a village hero. The Tranquil Village was renamed the 'Town of Happiness', and the villagers lived joyously for the rest of their days.
A hundred years later, when the Golden Apple Tree bore another apple, the villagers did not eat it, instead, they preserved it as a symbol of community happiness and unity. Ethan's story was passed down through generations, inspiring every child born in the village.
And so, in the very heart of the forest, the Golden Apple Tree stands as a beacon of Ethan's selfless wish - a testimony to communal happiness over individual desires.
In the end, it was not just Ethan's tale but the tale of an entire village that saw the dawn of happiness due to one selfless wish.