Kindness is Good, but Not Always a Great Idea


Once upon a crisp autumn morning, in the heart of a bustling city, lived a couple named Emily and Jake. Their lives were consumed by the fast-paced rhythm of urban living, surrounded by towering buildings and the constant hum of city life. One day, feeling the need to escape the concrete jungle, they decided to embark on a day hike along the Appalachian Trail.

Excitement bubbled within them as they traded their city attire for hiking boots and backpacks, venturing into the serene wilderness. The air was crisp, and the vibrant colors of autumn leaves painted a picturesque scene around them. As they trekked through the winding trails, the couple discovered a quaint surprise nestled within the woods – a Little Free Library standing proudly, its wooden frame a stark contrast to the natural surroundings.

Curiosity piqued, Emily and Jake explored the tiny library, finding a variety of books exchanged by fellow hikers. Inspired by the spirit of community, they decided to leave a surprise for the next wanderers who stumbled upon this hidden gem. They carefully placed a bag of trail mix, filled with aromatic, roasted cashew nuts and colorful M&M chocolates, inside the Little Free Library. Smiling at their small act of kindness, they continued on their hike.

Little did they know, their thoughtful gesture would soon become the talk of the town, and beyond. Unbeknownst to Emily and Jake, the next hiker approaching the little free library was not a fellow human but a large black bear. This particular bear, with a keen sense of smell, caught wind of the delightful trail mix from more than 10 miles away.

Bears, renowned for their powerful olfactory abilities, can detect scents from incredible distances. The tantalizing aroma of roasted cashews and M&Ms proved irresistible to the bear, drawing it toward the unsuspecting little free library. In a display of strength and determination, the bear demolished the wooden structure, eager to claim the tempting snack within.

News of the unexpected encounter between the bear and the trail mix spread like wildfire. A talented young musician, captivated by the tale, composed a kindhearted song that humorously recounted the misadventure. The song found its way onto YouTube, gaining popularity and catching the attention of television stations.

Emily and Jake, blissfully unaware of the chaos their trail mix had caused, stumbled upon the viral sensation. Shocked and amused, they recognized the details of their Little Free Library and the bag of trail mix in the song's lyrics. Filled with a mix of laughter and guilt, they decided to make amends for their unwitting contribution to the bear's feast.

Eager to set things right, the city couple reached out to the steward of the Little Free Library, expressing their regret and offering to cover the costs of a replacement structure. The steward, appreciative of their sincerity, gladly accepted the offer, and soon a new Little Free Library graced the Appalachian Trail.

And so, the city-dwelling couple's day hike adventure became a memorable chapter in the Appalachian Trail's history, reminding everyone that even small acts of kindness can have unexpected consequences – and occasionally involve hungry bears with an extraordinary sense of smell.

Public domain - freely distribute in print or digital form.

Phil Shapiro

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Phil Shapiro, pshapiro@his.com
https://opensource.com/users/pshapiro

He/Him/His

"Wisdom begins with wonder." - Socrates
"Learning happens thru gentleness."
"We must reinvent a future free of blinders so that we can choose from real options."  David Suzuki

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