Treasure CHest

The little boy knocked timidly for a third time. Just as he turned to leave, the creaky door cracked open to reveal a wizened smile.
 
‘Hullo, young man. What can I do for you today?’
 
Caught off guard, the boy stammered his rehearsed response, ‘My mother baked some bread and asked me to bring you some.’ He extended his left hand, which cradled a warm loaf swaddled in paper.
 
‘Why that is kind!’ the old man exclaimed. ‘Wont you come in and have some with me?’
 
“Oh no!’ said the boy. ‘It’s all for you! I wouldn’t want to take any of your bread, because my mother says you’re poor.’ Instantly regretting his insensitivity, he blushed crimson.
 
‘Poor?’ said the man, genuinely astounded. ‘Whatever made her think that? I have more treasure than anyone I know!’
 
It was the boy’s turn to be astounded. ’You do?’ he asked with wonder.
 
‘Yes, I do. I’ll show you if you’d like.’
 
The boy’s curiosity elbowed aside his timidity, and he nodded enthusiastically. ‘Yes please!’
 
‘Come in then,’ smiled the old man. ‘Just follow me,’ he said, as he wove a path between piles of newspapers and cardboard boxes. ‘I keep my treasure hidden in the back,’ he winked, as the boy stepped cautiously behind him.
 
‘Here we go,’ the man grinned triumphantly. They had reached the back of his small dwelling, which was really no more than a garden shed. He stood in front of a wooden cupboard that was brightly painted and, unlike anything else in the house, clean and cared for. It had two doors each with a shiny brass handle. Ceremoniously, the old man grasped each of these and swung the doors open to reveal the cupboard’s contents.
 
Braced for the blinding shine of gold or the stunning sparkle of gems, the boy was perplexed to see only row upon row of books. They came in every size and colour, each one with its spine neatly leaning against its neighbour. Confused, the boy stared up at the old man.
 
‘Here I have knowledge, travel, conversation, imagination. You see, I have all the wealth in the world. What more could I ask for?’
 
 
30 July 2019