The Woman and Her Apple Tree

11 The Woman and Her Apple Tree Long ago, an old woman had a beautiful apple tree that produced very sweet fruit. Everyone in the village wanted to taste her apples, but no one asked for permission. The old woman grew angry when villagers stole her apples. She would gladly give them for free. But when people did not ask, they were stealing. One day, there was a knock at her door. A tired old man asked if he might have a few apples, for he was hungry and had no money. The old woman was surprised. This was the first time that someone asked for permission. She happily agreed. The man picked four apples. " You are a kind woman, " he said. " I have the power to grant you any wish. Ask, and I shall give it to you as a sign of my thanks. "

The woman asked for that anyone, other than her, who touched her tree would become stuck to it. " They must stay there until I let them go, " she said. Her wish was granted. Before long, a man came to steal some apples. Upon touching the tree, he became stuck and could not get free. The old woman said she would let him go if he promised never to steal apples again. Of course, he promised. The old woman set him free, and he ran off to warn others in the village about what had happened. One night, Old Man Death came to the woman's house. " It is time for you to come with me, " he said. The old woman was not ready to die. " It's such a long trip. Let me get some cheese, " she said. “ And you go out and pick some apples, so we can have good things to eat on our journey. " Old Man Death was surprised. Most people were not so kind when they met him. But when he touched the tree, he became stuck and could not get free. He begged the woman to help him. “ Only if you do not take me until I am ready to go, " she demanded. Since he had no other choice, Old Man Death agreed. To this day, the old woman is not ready to die. She lives happily with her apple tree and its sweet red apples.