The Three Brothers
Once upon a time, in a quaint little village nestled between rolling hills and a dense forest, lived three brothers: Clem, Fred, and Tom. They were inseparable, sharing everything from their love for merriment to their disdain for work.
The Enchanted Garden
One sunny day, as they wandered through the forest, they stumbled upon an enchanted garden. This garden was filled with the most beautiful flowers, sweetest fruits, and rarest herbs. At its heart stood a magnificent fountain, waters shimmering under the sunlight.
The Wise Old Man
Approaching the fountain, they were greeted by a wise old man. He explained that this garden now belonged to them, but with one condition: they must tend to it every day, keeping it in tip-top shape. In return, the garden would grant them three wishes, one for each brother.
Clem, feeling quite pleased with himself, watched as his servant began tending to the garden. Lounging under a shady tree, he thought he had found the perfect way to enjoy the enchanted garden without lifting a finger. Days turned into weeks, and Clem’s interest in the garden’s well-being waned. He spent his hours napping in the sun, oblivious to the world around him.
Fred, not to be outdone by his elder brother, called upon the garden to fulfill his wish for a never-ending supply of delicious meals. Soon, his kitchen overflowed with sweet pies, savory roasts, and tantalizing treats. Fred indulged in feast after feast, his hands more accustomed to holding a fork than a gardening tool. Like Clem, Fred abandoned any pretense of work, preferring the pleasures of the table over the toil in the garden.
Meanwhile, Tom carefully considered his wish. He desired something that would beautify the garden and also remind him of the importance of diligence. Thus, he wished for a bed of roses near the fountain, a constant reminder of the garden’s natural beauty and his responsibility towards it. Unlike his brothers, Tom dedicated himself to the garden, watering the plants, pruning the bushes, and keeping the paths clear.
However, despite Tom’s efforts, the neglect from two-thirds of the caretakers took its toll. The vibrant hues of the flowers began to fade, and the once-lush fruit trees bore little more than shriveled offerings. The herbs, once potent and fragrant, grew sparse and weak. The enchanted garden, a symbol of prosperity and diligence, fell into disrepair, a shadow of its former self.
Unbeknownst to the brothers, the wise old man watched from afar, his disappointment growing with each passing day. He had hoped the brothers would learn the value of hard work and the joy of seeing their efforts bear fruit. Instead, sloth had taken root, threatening to destroy the very magic that made the garden special.
The Wake-Up Call
One morning, Tom was tending to a patch of wilting daisies when he heard a loud noise. Rushing towards it, he found Clem and Fred sprawled on the ground, groaning in pain. They had tried to take a shortcut through some thick bushes and ended up covered in scratches and thorns. “Help us, Tom,” they pleaded, looking miserable and defeated. Tom helped them up, but not without giving them a piece of his mind. “This wouldn’t have happened if you’d been working instead of lazing around,” he chided them gently.
The Brothers’ Repentance
Clem and Fred, feeling sorry for their laziness, looked at each other and then at Tom. “You’re right,” Clem admitted, wincing as he pulled a thorn from his arm. “We’ve been foolish,” added Fred, his face flushed with embarrassment. “Please forgive us, Tom. We want to help make the garden beautiful again.” Moved by their sincerity, Tom nodded. “Alright, but no more laziness,” he said, and they agreed. From that day on, Clem and Fred worked side by side with Tom, watering plants, pulling weeds, and planting new seeds.
The Garden’s Reward
Months passed, and the garden blossomed like never before. The flowers were vibrant, the fruits were juicy, and the herbs were potent. One day, as they sat by the magnificent fountain, the wise old man appeared. He smiled at the sight of the thriving garden. “You have all done well,” he said, his eyes twinkling. “The garden is pleased with your hard work and has decided to grant you each another wish.” This time, Clem wished for wisdom to never make the same mistake again. Fred wished for the strength to work hard every day. Tom, with a content smile, wished for everyone’s happiness. Their wishes were granted, and the brothers lived out their days in harmony, surrounded by the beauty of their beloved garden.
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