by Antonio Napoli

An African king summoned his new gardener, hired to fulfill a promise made to a late minister. Once again, the young man had forgotten to water the garden’s plants.
“What do you love more than your work?” asked the king. “If you are honest, you will receive a great reward.”
“I wish to be rich,” replied the gardener, “so I could do whatever I want, just like Your Majesty.”
“So be it.”
The king ordered a horse to be saddled, and, followed by a cloud of dust, personally took the gardener to the middle of the desert. There, he threw a bag full of gold to the ground and left the young man to fend for himself.
“O sire, will you leave me without water in this arid place?” cried the gardener. “It is a cruel act.”
“You are rich, aren’t you? Now you can do whatever you want. Solve your problems on your own.”
“O my king, have mercy!” said the repentant young man.
“Do you now understand that the water you withheld from my plants is worth more than any riches?”
“It is never too late to change one’s mind,” replied the young man, weeping. And the scorching sun dried the tears streaked with dust halfway down his cheeks.
The king looked at him intently. His anger had subsided, like a cloud of dust swirling in the air before settling back to the ground; his kind heart was once again clear. He then made a wise decision.
“Come, climb onto the horse. It is time to go home,” said the king.
From that day forward, the garden became even more beautiful, reflecting the renewed soul of its gardener.

This fable teaches that repentance and forgiveness bring water and nourishment to the garden of our hearts.