Once
upon a time there was a tree from which grew a single limb. The trunk
and the limb loved each other greatly, and together shared the
happiest existence they could ask for.
Then
from the limb grew many smaller branches, who were welcomed joyfully
into the family. While the branches were happy for a while, however,
soon they grew discontented with being part of the tree, and broke
themselves off.
In
the dirt below they tried to plant themselves as their own trees, but
because they had no roots they could not stay upright. They withered,
unable to sustain themselves with enough water and sunlight, and
animals came and chewed on them, further damaging them.
At
this point many of the broken branches began calling out for help
from the tree. So the trunk and the limb immediately determined to
get them back. However the limb was too high above the ground to
reach them.
Then
the trunk came up with a plan, and told the branch what they were
going to do, but it was going to be painful. The branch asked if
there was any other way, but they both knew the answer, and braced
themselves for the operation.
With
a tremendous snap, the trunk broke the limb at the base, leaving it
only barely attached. A burst of excruciating pain shook the entire
tree. However the limb was now able to bend down all the way to the
ground, where it could reach all the broken branches.
So
all the branches that wished to return were gathered up, and fused
with the limb once more, including many other sticks that wished to
share their home. Then the trunk pulled the limb back up and healed
its broken base, making it strong once again.
Thus
the branches, the limb, and the trunk were restored to their former
state, sharing blissful togetherness with one another, and they lived
happily ever after.
