The Tree on the Top of the Hill
Copyright © 2021
The old tree stood at the top of the hill. Children swayed on its branches. Families picnicked under its shade. It never gave any fruit. No one knew what kind of tree it was. So they called it “the old tree at the top of the hill”.
Until one day….
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There was a blossom.
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Bees came to visit and soon the blossom grew into a small green apple. “You’re an apple tree!”
And the old tree was happy.
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The apple grew and turned bright red. There was only one apple. But the tree was happy.
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Then came a terrible storm with fierce wind and slanting rain. The tree tried with all its might to protect its only apple, but…
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It broke away from the branch, tumbled down the hill and rolled into the river.
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The old tree had lost the only fruit it had ever had.
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The apple floated and bobbed all the way down the river to the place where the brambles grew.
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The apple came to rest at the river bank.
The storm ended.
A fox walked by.
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“Kind fox,” said the apple. “Help me, please.
“Carry me back up the river and you shall have a reward.”
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The fox took the apple in its mouth and carefully carried it up the river.
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“Do you see the hill? Please take me up to the very top,” said the apple. “Not too far from the old tree.”
The fox took the apple to the top of the hill.
“Now eat me.”
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“Eat you?” asked the fox. “Are you sure?”
“Yes,” said the apple. “I have no other reward to give you. Apples are meant to be eaten. Just be sure to spit out the seeds.”
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The fox took a bite of the apple. It was delicious. Soon he was finished and went on his way.
The old tree looked down and was silent.
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One year later, something green sprouted in the ground not too far from the old tree. It began to grow.
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The young sapling was sturdy. It grew quickly in the summer sun.
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And the old tree was very happy.
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Published: Jan 27, 2021
Latest Revision: May 20, 2021
Ourboox Unique Identifier: OB-1021607
Copyright © 2021
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