Nathaniel, a horse-riding traveler in eighteenth century Europe, emerges from a vast forest to see a field of golden wheat. At the centre of the field is a large tree and, at its base, a man. Strangely, the man appears to be talking to the tree.<br><br>At the village inn, Nathaniel asks the barman about the man and tree. The barman refuses to tell him anything, so Nathaniel decides to visit the man himself. The following morning he rides back to the field, where he notices the man is still there, talking to the tree.<br><br>He introduces himself to the man, whose name is Adam. When questioned about why he sits beside the tree, talking to it, Adam reveals a story so amazing, it borders on being unbelievable. Nathaniel, too, has a similar tale, the conclusion of which is just as bizarre and shocking as Adam’s.

Man and Tree

“That was incredible,” said Ruben, falling into the cool grass. “Your hole is so deliciously snug.”


Adam rolled onto his back. There was a warm throbbing sensation between his buttocks, radiating across his entire body. He realised he was smiling. Not just smiling, but grinning.


“How do you know to do those things?” he asked, considering his own complete lack of knowledge in such matters.


“I was shown,” said Ruben. “The farmer showed me.”


Every day was a blessed day. Each morning Adam awoke, eager to see Ruben and to be near him. Stolen moments of passion made a pleasure of each chore. The often-present risk of being caught by his mother made even a kiss all the more exciting. Occasionally, Adam would sneak out to the barn to spend the night with Ruben.


“Isn’t it strange?” he said one night in the loft.


Chapter 8