No Thanks
“Plant deep,” father always said, so Hector started digging.
Just as he was about to plant his prized heirloom tomatoes, a glint caught his eye. He brushed off the rich black dirt and gasped. The legendary Black-eyed Emerald, with its dark center lightening to brilliant green. He’d never believed the stories of the thief galloping through the countryside, looking for a hiding place, but here was proof. The gem was magnificent, and would change his life. He headed toward Bottomless Pond.
“Throw wide,” father always said. The emerald made a satisfying splash, and Hector returned to his planting, whistling happily.
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI was intrigued about the legendary Black-eyed Emerald and the bottomless pond, which led me to research these things on the internet. I found it so interesting. Your story is engaging and intriguing, Juma. Excellent.
Oh wow, Lotchie, I just made up the Black-eyed Emerald. Did you find something on the Internet about such a thing? I also made up the Bottomless Pond. I’d love to know what your research turned up! Thanks for your excellent comments.
There is limited information on Black-eyed Emerald. I only found this: https://www.flickr.com/photos/repticon/5786769006/. And I found out that Bottomless Pond is a pond or lake, located in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada; another one in New England; and in Massachusetts, USA. You can throw stones or gems in the bottomless pond and they sink into the darkness and dissolve.
You’re welcome, Juma.
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleHector must have been very contented with his life to turn his back on all those riches, Juma. It reminded me a little of Rose in the movie ‘Titanic’ throwing overboard the ‘Heart of the Ocean’ diamond. I loved how you intertwined Hector’s father’s advice. Wonderfully written, as always.
I agree with your comment, Linda! I believe Hector already thought himself to be rich, the gem wasn’t needed.
Great story Juma!
Yes, Melissa, Hector was indeed rich, living in quiet splendor, growing luscious fruits and vegetables, maintaining a balanced harmony with nature. A hard cold emerald, no matter how green, could never match the beauty and richness of his life! I agree with him.
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleHi Linda and thanks for your comments. I don’t remember that scene from Titanic! What was the story behind her tossing the diamond?
Hi Juma. It was the scene at the very end of the movie. The elderly Rose leaves her bed, walks onto the deck of the boat that is anchored where the Titanic went down and throws the necklace overboard. I remember it gave her great delight but it was left to the audience to understand why. As an aside, I recently visited the Titanic Exhibition in London which is probably why your… Read more »
I am intrigued Juma, why the protagonist threw the jewel away. I like how your story interweaves fatherly advice.
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI think, in the space of one heartbeat, Hector foresaw being swamped with reporters and fortune seekers, being headlined and celebrated, losing his farm and his lovely life. What a wise man he was, to simply say “No thanks”. He tossed it into the bottomless pond so that no one else would find it and upset the tranquil countryside. Hooray for you, Hector!
Lovely story, Juma. I don’t blame your protagonist for pushing away the fame and fortune, but I’m not sure I could have thrown it away if I was in his place. I’d have had to tuck it away somewhere no one else could find it, for a rainy day. I wouldn’t want the fame, but the fortune could come in useful if he lost his home in a hurricane for instance. Your… Read more »
I love the philosophy behind Hector’s decision, Juma. He must have had some unusual experience and wisdom concerning life’s mysteries to be able to say no to the temptation to keep the gem.
I hope his tomatoes turned out as beautiful as on your magnificent picture!
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with Google