The Arrival
After months of treacherous travel, dangerous encounters, and depleted supplies, our exhausted party finally reached its destination. On the other side of a hill was a vast valley that resembled an enormous, vibrant garden. Fertile black soil gave rise to trees and plants of every variety; small brooks cut through and fed the lush vegetation. The land was unspoiled and pure, an authentic paradise, created by the bold sun and soaking summer rains, untouched by humans.
Among the trees of the valley was one that was especially magnificent. Its crown rose above the rest, spreading widely to claim a position of majesty in the forest canopy. Its leaves were the darkest green in this pastoral landscape, and from every branch hung fist-size globes of red and yellow fruit that resembled nothing we had seen before. Having gone so long without even a glimpse of vegetation, the sudden appearance of vibrant greenery seemed too good to be true. However, we couldn’t resist the tempting fruit. In a moment, all of us were running toward the protection and nourishment the tree seemed to provide.
How does the allusion to the biblical Garden of Eden affect the story?
It hints that the tree will become a source of pain for the travelers.
It means that the story will present a moral lesson in the end.
It suggests that the travelers are aware of the valley's dangers.
It implies that the travelers will be safe once they enter the valley.
