The Rise of the Watermelon: How a Big Orange Pumpkin Ruled and Ruined the Garden

 By Theodora Filis

In a world not too different from ours, there was a small, charming country called Pumpkinlandia, where everything was orange and round, and pumpkins were the main export—surprise! The core of this nation’s agriculture was controlled by a large, round pumpkin known simply as Great Gourdon. At first glance, Gourdon seemed kind and gentle. He was a brightly colored orange pumpkin, radiating cheerfulness that hid his insatiable hunger. Great Gourdon drew people's attention and their appetites, promising delicious meals and endless celebrations. Yet behind his friendly appearance was a greedy eater who could take over the entire garden without sparing a single seed.

From dawn to night, Great Gourdon would roll around, gobbling everything, crops, animals, and even the occasional unlucky person who got too close. Just as he was about to devour his latest snack, he would pause, bow deeply, and then continue on his relentless path. While everyone was shocked by his greed, they also admired his boldness and grandeur. “A pumpkin of such size must be our leader!” they declared, ignoring the fact that he had yet to give anything back—no compost for the soil, no help for struggling seeds, just a giant mouthful of greed and demands.

The seeds—the very offspring of Great Gourdon—began to feel more and more hopeless. They started as small, hopeful orbs filled with dreams; to grow into beautiful pumpkins, to be just like their majestic father. But Gourdon only ate everything around him, leaving nothing for his own children. Even the sunlight seemed dimmer under his massive shadow, as he loomed over the garden like a hungry tyrant.

Every day, whispers spread among the seeds. “What if we work together?” suggested one brave seed. “What if instead of waiting for him to turn us into mere pumpkins, we unite to become something even greater?” The other seeds hushed, their eyes wide with excitement and determination. “We shall overcome!”

And so, in the midst of despair, the seeds united in a show of strength. They planted dreams that went beyond the pumpkin rule, plotting to grow a giant watermelon—more than an ordinary garden fruit, but a large, colorful, and defiant creation—a transformation that would take over the entire garden and overwhelm Gourdon in his own greed. The seeds worked tirelessly, nurturing and building their plan with energy no pumpkin had ever matched.

As days went by, the tiny seeds grew into something extraordinary; a magnificent watermelon sprouted from the earth, bright green with dark stripes. News spread quickly through Pumpkinlandia—people hurried to see the transformation. The watermelon stood tall, symbolizing resistance against the pumpkin’s tyranny. Gourdon, confused and furious, roared, “What is this blasphemy? You dare to challenge my rule?” But it was too late; the watermelon had grown too big, too bright, and too powerful to ignore.

With cheers ringing out, the people joined behind their new hero—a rebellious watermelon that promised to share its sweetness, seeds, and bounty with everyone, in stark contrast to the oppressive Gourdon. And on that day, the watermelon began to roll, its plump body heading toward the gluttonous pumpkin.

The clash was remarkable. Gourdon, who had always taken without giving, found himself outmatched by the unity and vitality of the watermelon and its seeds. Slowly but surely, the watermelon swallowed Great Gourdon, reclaiming the garden for the seeds that had been ignored for too long.

In the end, the pumpkin that took everything was defeated by the watermelon that offered joy, sustenance, and community. Pumpkinlandia changed from a land of fear and greed into a thriving garden, powered by cooperation and kindness. A reminder to always share the garden’s bounty, lest we become a Great Gourdon of greed ourselves.

And about Gourdon’s fate—well, he became a tasty smoothie enjoyed by all, serving as a warning that excessive greed can lead to a delicious downfall.

In a world of pumpkins, always aim to be a watermelon.