The Pear Tree

By Victoria
Once upon a time there lived an old, old rich man. He had two very lovely daughters and a very plain daughter. On his deathbed, he pleaded for them to express their wishes so that he may fulfill them if he could. The eldest daughter quickly asked her wish, to marry her friend and have her father's approval blessing. Her father granted it. And she lived happily. He also gave the next daughter her wish, to own the house for she intended to become an old maid. And she lived peacefully. But when the plain daughter expressedher desire, the old pear tree, he angrily refused to grant one so simple. "Why would you want a pear tree when I could purchase you riches!!" he scoffed. The girl calmly replied,"I, as a child, have often sat by it, dreaming and pondering. It makes me peaceful and calm." The father mocked her, "Fine! Have your pear tree! Let your sisters grow faithfully while you are devoured by povety!" Then he dismissed her from the room.
So the girl packed her few belongings and moved to the pear tree's dome. And though she lived in poverty, she was at peace. What more could she ask for? The birds sang, the brook chattered, the tree creaked, the sun shined, and the flowers danced. The tree gave her food and the brook her water.The sunshine warmed her and the animals visited her.
Years passed. As always she leaned back on the pear tree, sighed her content, and presently slubered. The beat of hooves woke her, and a man galloped through the clearing."Oh!" gasped the girl for she had completely forgotten her past life. The man looked scared and his horse, tired. Graciously offered her little world to meet their needs. The man gladly agreed and stayed for awhile. One day while they were talking Peter, the man, suddenly jumped up and gazed around," I would have never thought so much beauty is wasted! For people do not glance at such wonders that you are surviving from. I see now that I rather be here than anywhere else!" Grasping her rough hand, Peter pleaded, "Will you marry me? We shall always live here and raise our children to admire the woods and appreciate it's marvels!" Even though he was rather rash. the girl nodded,"Yes, and let the pear tree, the brook, sunshine, and, animals provide for us!"she added.They were married, right there and then.
The End