Chapter 3

Wake up sleepy head", She heard a voice from the dream world. The voice seemed very distant. She managed to open her eyes and saw Adams Strong standing by her. She was not expecting anyone else apart from him. She had woken up a couple of times before now but had drifted back to sleep because she did not know where was safe and where was not safe for her to go in Eden East Gardens.

"Thanks for checking on me." "It is the least I can do for a friend", he said as he helped her up.

"I am a lot refreshed now after that sleep"

"I knew you needed it. What would you like to eat?"

"I really do not feel like eating anything."

"I have some fruits here. They will be good for you."

"That is so thoughtful of you. Thanks a bunch."

They sat back under the Almond Tree to eat the fruits.

"You promised to tell me what was bothering you in the afternoon this evening". She demanded

"I have no intention of failing to keep my promise". He said with a grin.

"So what is it?"

"Hmmm". He coughed to clear his throat. "Mr. Gracious Being warned me about a particular tree in this garden. It is the only tree we cannot eat from."

"And why is that? Why can‟t we eat from it? Is the fruit that bitter?" she asked.

"I do not know. He called it the tree of knowledge of good and of evil. He even said that the day we taste of its fruits we shall surely die". He concluded

"Death?" She sounded alarmed. "That sounds very serious."

"Yes it is. I have never even gone near it before, not to talk of touching the tree or holding its fruit." "So, where is the tree?"

"That one right before us. Just beside the Euphrate." He said, pointing to a tree a little farther than where they were. "Can I have a closer look at it?"

"No. Not now. Nor ever. We shall not go near it, nor touch it."

She felt disappointed as she lay back to take the fruits that Adams Strong brought to her. She really wanted to see the tree. She wanted to touch it, and perhaps, just taste it. She has no intention of eating it, but just to taste it to see how bitter it is.

If Mr. Gracious Being asked Adams Strong not to eat, it should be very bitter, and she needs to confirm if it truly is.