The Old Man’s Dog
Beginnings
In a particular village, an elderly man and his wife resided. They worked as farm labourers, earning just enough to sustain a modest living. They didn’t have any children but compensated for that absence with their beloved dog, who received all their affection and love.
Finding the Treasure
One day, the geriatric couple ventured into the forest and their cheerful dog, wagging its tail, followed them. Suddenly, the dog began to scratch intensely at the ground. Puzzled by his behaviour, they followed suit and dug up the ground, and to their surprise, uncovered a pot full of gold coins. This fortunate find allowed them to live more comfortably than before.
Generosity and Envy
Known for his charitable spirit, the old man distributing a considerable part of their newfound fortune for noble deeds. He assisted those in need with small loans and, in doing so, earned immense respect in his community. However, a jealous neighbour discovered the source of the old man’s prosperity. He cunningly convinced the old man to have the dog accompany him on a stroll, but the prized dog never returned.
Tragic News
Upon confronting his neighbour, the curmudgeon blamed the old man’s dog for his predicament. He admitted to killing the innocent creature out of anger and dismissed the grief-stricken old man. The couple, heartbroken, did not dare to retalitate against their notoriously rude neighbour. Instead, they sadly recovered the carcass of their beloved dog and buried it in a shady corner of their backyard.
The Miracle Tree
Some months later, a sizable tree sprouted on the exact spot where their dog was buried. The tree, with its vigorous sways during wind storms, nearly threatened to damage their home. The old man, alarmed by this, pruned a branch from the tree, and decided to carve a pestle and mortar from the wood.
The Miracle Continues
During a bad harvest season, people in the village faced a food shortage. One day, the old woman put a handful of grains into the newly-carved mortar and was astounded to find it filled to the brim with fine flour. The ever-generous old man shared this unending supply of flour with his neighbours, relieving the village of its famine. But, the news of another miracle reached their loathsome neighbour, which again led to the loss of their miraculous mortar.
The Magic Ash and the Blooms
Regardless of the conspiracy, the old man found delight in spreading some of the mortar’s ashes on the miracle tree. Instantly, the tree burst into bloom with beautiful flowers, filling their house with an enchanting aroma. This miracle spread to the plants in their yard, transforming it into a beautiful garden. The spectacular garden attracted attention from the local landlord whose own garden never seemed to bloom.
Recognition and Rewards
Impressed by the bloom in his own garden after the old man sprinkled ash on it, the landlord showered the old man with gifts and praise. The old man came home feeling satisfied, but soon, he had to face the irritable neighbour yet again. Despite a sour turn of events, eventually, the old man was freed from the negative influence and lived happily ever after.
