The boy used to play under the apple tree as a child, enjoying its shade and fruit. As the boy grew older, he asked the tree for help three times - to sell its fruit for toys, cut its branches for a house, and cut its trunk for a boat. Each time, the tree agreed to help the boy, though it grew sadder with each request granted. Years later, the old tree and old boy reunite, with the tree now only roots but offering the boy rest in its embrace.