The tree appeared mysterious, almost mythical.

“I hope you don’t mind my asking, sir, but how do you manage to to be so full of life at such a venerable age?” “It’s all because of the tree,” the old man said. “The tree?” “Yes, yes, the tree.” “You mean I need to plant a tree in order to be happy? I already have several in my yard.” “And they don’t help?”

THE WALNUT TREE BY MICHAEL SHAINSKY 34THPARALLEL MAGAZINE ISSUE 102

When they told him at work that he’d be accompanying a group of American tourists, Nikolay wasn’t particularly happy. This Saturday was his only chance to take his car in for servicing. It was high time Sergey, his mechanic, changed the oil. Maybe I’ll manage to find time later during the week, Nikolay figured, get off work early. Come to think of it, how can you ever find the time for the car servicing with work, the day-to-day routine, and on top of it all self-improvement? And time isn’t the only thing in short supply—what about the money for my son’s private school? And diamond earrings for the wife on our 15th …