He watched and nurtured the seedling until it gained strength. He guarded it from rabbits and birds. He watered it carefully with spring water from a lemon yellow clay pitcher that Daria had liked. He even talked to the sprouting tree, telling it stories of his time with Daria.
One day, he was surprised at the strength of the plant and felt safe leaving it. He walked down to the village to see the old woman.
“The seed sprouted. There is a small tree growing in Daria’s garden. When will I be with her?” he asked.
“That is good, my son. You have done well. How you must care for the tree. Treat it well, as you would a small child. If you can keep it alive long enough to bear fruit you may yet be able to be with your love.”
Demetrius was frustrated. He wanted to be with Daria. But he knew it was worth any efforts it would take. He resolved to do as the old woman said. And he did. The tree grew and grew with each passing year. Now, an olive takes four years or more to bear fruit and Demetrius knew this. He could be patient; he had hope in his heart.
When he looked from his window in the spring of the fourth year and saw sweet blossoms on the olive tree, his heart sang. He leaped and shouted, frightening and confusing his chickens so that they squawked and hid under the porch. He joyfully watched that blossoming. He counted the bees that came, encouraging them in their magical pollinating dance.
6.