Apples

A beautiful tree filled with apples. On the highest branch sits the brightest, sweetest apple of them all. The lonely fruit hangs lonely near the top with not another that even remotely compares.

Beneath the tree lies hundreds of apples scattered across the ground. The fruit on the ground are easily grabbed and most men would unknowingly collect these false treasures. A lonesome, weary traveler spots the tree. Some might prefer the bitter taste and rotten cores of the ground apples because they are easier to get, but not this particular man.

He sees the gorgeous fruit seated atop the peak of the tree. He cannot take his eyes off the apple of his eye. He imagines the sweet aroma and taste of it. Determined to take possession of this fruit, the man sets about creating a plan to get it.

He does not have a ladder and cannot reach it by hand. Trying to coax the fruit from its branch is impossible and rarely works to get anything. Shaking of the tree and brute force to bring it closer to him would not work either. Unwilling to give up so easily he decides that he has but one reasonable option.

He goes into town and sells his favorite pocketwatch. He uses the money to buy a ladder so he can make the ascent. Such is a small price to pay for what you want. The feeling of getting the only thing you want in life pays itself back one-thousand fold.

He returns to the tree with his means of procurement. He ascends the ladder and grabs the apple with both hands. He holds it close and takes in its sweet aroma. He kisses it softly and a tear rolls down his weary cheek.