The Trunk, the Limb, and the Branches

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.