In a quiet corner of a peaceful town, there stood a tall, leafy tree known by all as The Kind Tree. She had strong roots, wide branches, and the sweetest apples anyone had ever tasted. Birds sang in her arms, and squirrels danced around her trunk. But her favorite visitor was a cheerful little boy named Tom.
Every day, Tom would run to the tree, climb her branches, swing from her arms, and laugh under her shade. “You’re my best friend,” he’d say. And the tree, though she could not speak, would rustle her leaves with joy.
This is a tale about friendship, generosity, and a love so deep it grows through every season of life.
Chapter 1: The Boy and the Apples
One sunny morning, Tom sat under The Kind Tree, frowning.
“What’s wrong, dear Tom?” the tree asked gently, her voice soft like the wind.
“I want a new toy,” Tom said, “but I don’t have any money.”
“Take my apples,” said the tree kindly. “Sell them in the town. Then you’ll have what you need.”
Tom’s eyes lit up. He picked every apple he could carry, waved goodbye, and skipped away. The tree felt proud and happy.
But Tom didn’t come back the next day. Or the next. Seasons passed. The tree waited, her branches stretching out in hope.
Chapter 2: The House and the Heart
Years later, Tom returned no longer a boy, but a young man.
“Tom!” the tree exclaimed. “Come play again!”
“I’m too busy,” he said. “I need a house to live in.”
The tree thought for a moment. “Take my branches. Build your house and be happy.”
So Tom did. He sawed and hammered, taking what he needed. Again, he didn’t return for a long, long time.
The tree missed his laughter, her shade felt lonely, and yet… she never stopped loving him.
Chapter 3: The Boat and the Boy
When Tom finally returned, his hair had turned gray.
“I want to travel the world,” he said. “I need a boat.”
The tree sighed gently. “Take my trunk. Build a boat and sail. I’ll always be here.”
So Tom carved his boat and floated away. The tree, now a stump, waited through wind and rain, holding on to memories.
Many years later, an old man slowly walked to the stump.
“Tom?” the tree whispered.
“I’m tired,” he said softly. “I just want to sit.”
The tree, though small, smiled inside. “Then sit with me, my friend. I’ve missed you.”
And so he did. They sat together, not as a boy and a tall tree, but as two old friends, full of stories, silence, and a love that had never faded.
The Kind Tree had given everything not for thanks or reward, but out of pure selflessness and unconditional love.
Tom closed his eyes, feeling the comfort of old leaves and remembered laughter. And for the first time, he whispered, “Thank you.”
In the quiet breeze, the stump smiled.
Goodnight, little one. May you grow to give, and always return to those who love you.
