The Tree That Gave Everything
Category: Moral English Stories
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Word Count: ~550 words
Once upon a time, in a quiet village, there stood a big, old tree near a small house. A young boy named Arun lived there with his grandparents. Every day, Arun would go out to play near the tree. He loved climbing its branches, resting in its shade, and talking to it like a friend.
One day, as Arun sat beneath the tree, he said,
“I wish I had toys to play with.”
The tree replied, “You can take some of my branches and make toys. Be happy.”
Arun smiled, broke a few branches, and made small wooden toys. He played with them every day. The tree was happy to help.
Years passed, and Arun grew older. He no longer played near the tree. He was busy with school, then with work.
One hot afternoon, Arun came back, looking tired.
The tree said, “Welcome back, my friend. You look worried.”
Arun said, “I want to build a house for my family, but I have no money.”
The tree said, “Take my wood. Cut down my trunk. Build your house.”
Arun did just that. He built a beautiful house with the tree’s wood. The tree was now only a stump. But it was happy.
More years passed. Arun returned again, now much older.
The tree asked, “What do you need now?”
Arun said, “I want to travel and see the world, but I need a boat.”
The tree, though just a stump, said,
“Use my roots and make a boat. Go, explore the world.”
Arun smiled and took what remained. The tree had nothing left to give.
Many, many years later, a very old Arun returned. He was tired, his hair was white, and his steps were slow.
The tree, now just a small piece of wood, whispered,
“I’m sorry, I have nothing left to give.”
Arun sat on the stump gently and smiled.
“I don’t need anything now,” he said. “I just need a place to rest.”
The tree smiled inside. Even as a stump, it gave Arun peace.
Moral of the Story:
True love is selfless. Just like the tree, real love gives without expecting anything in return. We should appreciate those who support us through all stages of life.
Vocabulary:
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Stump | The base of a tree after it has been cut down |
| Shade | A cool area blocked from the sun |
| Whispered | Spoke in a soft, quiet voice |
| Selfless | Thinking more about others than about oneself |
| Explore | To travel and learn about new places |
