He has stood there for years and years, bearing fruits for everyone walking his way.

All someone has to do is ask and he willingly gives them the best of his fruits to savour. All they have to do is ask.

Alas, some people never understand this simple thing.

Instead of asking him for fruits, they shake him, throw stones and shoes, do anything and everything they can think of. Though he doesn't get hurt much during this charade, he worries for his fruits.

He wonders why would someone want to damage the very fruits they crave.

At such times, he wishes - much to the displeasure of his own heart - he wishes something happens to these people.

And more often than not, his prayers are answered. People get their fingers scratched, some trip and fall while throwing stones, some even lose their shoes in trying to throw them with all their might.

All this for the fruits he's openly offering to all. Why can't they just ask?

***

"In trying to hurt the others, we often end up hurting ourselves."