George smiled after seeming astonished. “Yes, it has, isn’t that right? Frank, I appreciate you not calling the police on me.” Our laughter reverberated across the night air as we both laughed. But that hope dissipated as the sky lightened. After digging almost to China, all we discovered were rocks and roots.
George leaned back against the opening. “I really thought… I was so sure…” I had sympathy for the man. “Hey, why not give it a try? I’ll give you a ride home, come on.” We took a few shovelfuls of dirt and began to fill in the hole, but eventually gave up and climbed into my car. It turned out that George had taken a cab to my house.
While driving, the silence was broken by our deep thoughts. A woman hurried out the front door of George’s house as soon as we arrived. I assumed that this had to be Margaret. She yelled, “George! Have you been somewhere? I’ve been really anxious.” With the appearance of a child whose hand got stuck in the cookie jar, George got out of the vehicle.
“I apologize, sweetie. I was merely…” Margaret saw me and her eyes narrowed. “And who’s this?” I moved forward and held out my hand. “My name is Frank. Last year, we acquired your previous residence.” Her face flashed with recognition and then embarrassed. “Oh no. It’s not you, George.”
George gave a headshake. “I apologize, Maggie. I genuinely considered…” Margaret looked up at me. “I really apologize for this. My spouse has been… he has this wild notion about hidden treasure. “It’s not crazy!” George objected. “My grandfather —” Margaret murmured softly, “Your grandfather was a storyteller, dear.”
“Remember what the lawyer said about his estate?” George appeared discouraged. “But I was so sure…” I thought I was prying into someone’s personal space. “See, no damage was done. All we’ll need to do is tidy up the yard a little.” Margaret gave a forceful nod. “Obviously. We’ll cover every expense. I apologize once more for everything.”
“It’s not necessary to pay for anything,” I said, adding that I would benefit from the workout. “In addition, my spouse and I have been discussing getting a pool; perhaps this is the right moment.” Margaret chuckled at that, and just as I was about to walk away, George grabbed my arm. “Frank, I’m grateful. For everything.”
I squeezed his shoulder and grinned. “Make no mention of it. Hey, give me a call if you ever want to grab a beer or whatever.” George appeared taken aback, then appreciative. “Yeah, I’d like that.” Though I was upset, I also felt a sense of community as I drove home. George’s hopelessness had spread like wildfire.
When I returned, I saw Karen awake and looking better but still bewildered. “Have you been somewhere? And what became of our backyard?” I took a seat on the couch beside her and told her everything. She was grinning but shaking her head by the end. “Only you, Frank,” she replied, planting a peck on my cheek.
“Only you would spend all night digging for treasure with a stranger.” I chuckled. “Yeah, well, maybe I did find something after all.” Karen’s eyebrow went up. “Oh?” “Not diamonds or gold,” I remarked. “But a reminder that sometimes, the relationships we form are the true jewels. The narratives we exchange.”
Karen grinned despite rolling her eyes. “That’s cheesy, even for you.” “Maybe,” I said. “But I was thinking… why don’t we invite George and Margaret over for dinner next week?” Karen appeared taken aback, then contemplative. “What do you know? That has a pleasant sound. You’re going to patch that hole in our yard first, though.”
I was able to moan but not fight it. I couldn’t help but smile as I stepped outside to assess the damage in the light of day. Life has its share of unexpected adventures, even though there may not have been hidden treasure lying around every corner. And occasionally, that’s sufficient treasure.
How would you have responded in that situation?
