Read by Matilda Longbottom

I live in a mountain hideaway, a cozy home nestled in the heart of an apple orchard that feels like it was dreamed up by someone who took a few too many creative liberties. My days are drenched in shades of green, occasionally interrupted by the blush of apple blossoms that seem to wink at me as I pass by.

I’ve become the orchard’s unofficial mascot, a tree-hugging, chlorophyll-chasing aficionado with a penchant for shaking things up—literally. Spring arrives like a sugar rush, buzzing with the promise of pollen and possibility. Somehow, I’ve managed to convince a local gang of honeybees to pay their rent in honey. (Don’t ask how I did it; let’s just say it involved a lot of awkward buzzing and some very persuasive flower arrangements.)

Summer is a lazy affair spent lounging in the shade of the apple trees, with the world outside a swirling mix of green and gold. I’ve become something of an apple stalker, forever on the hunt for the elusive perfect fruit. There’s a rumor around these parts that the last bite of the season’s final apple can grant wishes, but so far, all I’ve found is a lot of sticky fingers and half-eaten cores.

Autumn is when the orchard transforms into a riot of color—a living, breathing Van Gogh painting. I turn into a crazed squirrel, devouring apples as if they’re about to be outlawed. My cider operation is strictly on the down-low, but let’s just say my basement is a hub of fermenting activity.

Winter rolls in and turns the orchard into a frosty wonderland, perfect for snow forts and secret apple stashes. I’ve built a fort so impressive it’s practically a second home, complete with a tunnel leading to my hidden apple reserves.

But my apple trees aren’t just part of the scenery; they’re wise old souls with stories to tell. I’ve given them all nicknames—Granny Smith is the wise elder, Red Delicious is the orchard’s flirt, and Honeycrisp is the smooth talker. If you listen closely when the wind rustles their leaves, you might just catch a snippet of their ancient wisdom—or maybe they’re just gossiping about the weather. Who knows?

Living in the orchard is like wandering through a never-ending dream where reality is just a suggestion and each day brings a new adventure. There’s nothing quite like biting into a crisp, juicy apple straight from the tree and realizing that, in that moment, you’re living your best life on this lush, green earth.

And if you’re curious, I’ve got plenty of stories to tell. Like the time I tried to build an apple core catapult or the epic staring contest I had with a particularly sassy squirrel. Trust me, life in the orchard is never boring. ❖

About the Author: Muskan Dixit is a passionate gardener and storyteller with a knack for blending humor and creativity into her narratives. She believes gardening is a never-ending adventure and delights in sharing her experiences with a touch of whimsy and warmth. Muskan’s stories celebrate the vibrant bond between humans and nature, inviting readers to join her on a journey filled with laughter, lessons, and a lot of sunshine.