Sometimes, nature surprises us in the most unexpected ways.
One ordinary day, my friends and I came across two small but remarkable trees: a mulberry tree and a karamay, also known as a star gooseberry tree. At first, they seemed like any other fruit plants, with simple green leaves and modest branches. However, as we drew closer, we were amazed to see the trees laden with fruit. The mulberry branches were covered in deep red and purple berries, while the karamay tree was dotted with pale yellow fruit.
It wasn’t in our plan to pick fruit that day. We were simply passing by, enjoying the fresh air and each other’s company, when the sight of the trees caught our attention. The mulberry tree was so small that it looked almost like a large shrub, but its branches were bursting with ripe berries, some of them already dropping to the ground from their sheer weight. Right beside it stood the karamay tree, equally humble in size but dazzling with clusters of tiny, star-shaped gooseberries. It was as if the trees had been waiting for someone to notice their quiet gift.
The experience became even more special because of the kindness of the tree’s owner. We hadn’t planned to take any fruit, but when we politely asked if we could try some, we were warmly welcomed. Smiling and laughing, we picked the berries and gooseberries, enjoying the cool feel of the fruit in our hands. My friends were especially happy, and each handful felt like an unexpected treasure. We tasted the sweet and tart mulberries, their purple juice staining our fingers, while the star gooseberries added a refreshing sourness that made us smile.
There was something magical about that simple moment. We had set out with no special plans, yet we were gifted with an unexpected harvest. It reminded me of how nature can be generous in the most surprising ways, offering joy even when we are not looking for it. The little mulberry and karamay trees, though small, carried so much life and abundance, teaching us that greatness is not always about size.
