The Golden Trap

In a quiet village nestled at the edge of a dark forest, lived a humble farmer named Eli. He worked his small patch of land every day, growing just enough to feed himself and trade for the things he needed. Though poor by most standards, Eli was content—until the stranger came.

The man was cloaked in fine velvet and rode a horse that shimmered like silver. He arrived one evening as the sun dipped below the hills, seeking shelter for the night. Eli, though wary, offered him a place to stay.

As they sat by the fire, the stranger leaned in close. “You’re a kind man,” he said, pulling out a small pouch. “And I reward kindness.” He poured its contents onto the table—gold coins, glinting in the firelight.

Eli stared in disbelief.

“This is just a taste,” the man said. “In the forest beyond your fields lies a tree that grows golden fruit. One fruit can make you rich. But beware—greed darkens the soul.”

The next morning, the stranger was gone. Eli tried to forget the tale, but the image of golden fruit haunted him. Eventually, temptation won.

He ventured into the forest, pushing deeper and deeper until he found it—a tree gleaming with fruit like polished sunstones. Heart pounding, Eli picked one. As promised, when he returned to the village and sold it, he became wealthy overnight.

But it wasn’t enough.

He returned for more, and more, until he built a grand estate, hired servants, and wore silks instead of soil-stained clothes. Still, his hunger grew. He stopped tending his land, turned away neighbors in need, and even lied about the tree’s location, hoarding its riches.

But with every trip, the forest grew darker. Thorns cut deeper, and shadows seemed to whisper warnings. Still, he pressed on—until the day he found the tree bare.

In fury, he dug at its roots, desperate to find hidden treasure. The ground gave way, and he fell into a pit—a trap that had waited for him all along.

No one heard from Eli again. The forest reclaimed the path, and the golden tree was never seen again.

But in the village, the children still tell the story of the man who traded his soul for gold, warning each other not to follow the glittering path of greed.