An Apple a Day

“Be careful!” called Grandma.

Ella climbed higher into the apple tree. “I’m fine as long as I don’t drop my bucket,” she called.

“It’s not the bucket I’m worried about,” said Grandma. “It’s my granddaughter. One slip and you could break your arm or back or something!”

“Don’t worry, Grams. I’ll be careful! Besides, I can reach lots of apples up here!” yelled Ella.

“Just be careful,” cautioned Grandma.

“Oh, sick!” hollered Ella.

“What? What is it?” called Grandma with a hint of panic in her voice.

“Grams, there is a worm in this apple,” said Ella.

Grandma breathed a sigh of relief. “Is that all?” she asked. “Worms are just a part of growing apples.”

“That’s so disgusting,” answered Ella.

“Disgusting, yes, but inevitable. We’ve been growing apples for decades. You’re always bound to run into some worms. It’s like life, you know. You’ve got to cut the worms out. There are going to be some tough times, but you make the best of it and keep going,” explained Grandma.

“Why can’t you just do away with the worms? There’s a spray you can put on them,” said Ella.

“I am sure there is a spray, too,” said Grandma, “but why would I spray something on my apples just to eliminate something very natural? The worms aren’t hurting anybody.”

“Even though they are disgusting?” asked Ella.

“I don’t look at them for long,” explained Grandma. “Besides, a little protein never hurt anybody!”

Ella threw her head back and laughed.