The Rose Apple Tree

A Story by Andy K.

A flash fiction about two neighbors who turn an argument into a deal

The doorbell rang and rang loudly, interrupting Rhett’s afternoon nap on a warm Saturday summer. Feeling a bit disoriented, he stumbled to the front door and opened it. It was his next-door neighbor, Nolan.

‘Oh, Hi! What’s up?’ Rhett greeted his neighbor with a hoarse voice.

‘Hi there. Can we have a quick chat?’, Nolan replied.

‘Sure.’

‘Your rose apple tree’s been shedding leaves and rotten fruits on my back yard for weeks now. I’m tired of having to rake my yard all the time, and the rotten rose apples really smell bad. Could you cut the branches that are hanging over my property line?’

‘I’m so sorry. The tree’s been with me for so many years, and there hadn’t been anyone next door until you moved in a couple of months ago. It’s my favorite tree.’

‘Again, can you cut those branches?’

‘Cut the branches?!’

‘Yes, or I can go to the district office and file a complaint.’

‘Please don’t do that. I’m sure we can work something out.’

‘Work something out? There’s nothing to work out. You just need to cut those branches, or I’ll do it myself.’

‘Calm down, neighbor.’

‘Don’t tell me what to do. You should be more responsible.’

There was a long silence. The summer afternoon got warmer and warmer. Both men just stared at each other as if they were playing ‘Who Blinks First’.

‘Alright, I’ll tell you what,’ Rhett was the first one to blink.

‘There’s nothing to tell. You either cut those branches or I’ll go to the authority.’

‘Nolan, please listen. The rose apple tree is my favorite because it bears me fresh fruits that I can eat, and also use to make rose apple wine in my basement.’

Nolan’s eyes opened wide followed by: ‘Is that legal?’

‘Maybe, maybe not. Who cares? I don’t sell the wine. I just drink it myself. How about if I give you a bottle every month, and we forget about cutting those branches and all that district office stuff.’

Nolan said nothing.

‘Come on in. I’ll let you try some,’ Rhett invited his angry neighbor in and poured him a small glass of his infamous rose apple wine from a bottle in the fridge.

‘This is good!’ exclaimed Nolan after the first sip before gulping the entire glass.

‘So, do we have a deal?’ Rhett inquired with a smile.

Without giving a direct answer, Nolan said: ‘Pour me another glass. Make it full this time.’

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