I came home from vacation to see a large hole dug in my backyard. I wanted to call the cops, but I realized what was at the bottom. When I got home early from vacation and noticed a massive hole in my property, I was prepared to inform the police. However, the shovel at the bottom prompted me to halt, kicking off a chain of events that would change my vision of friendship, treasure, and the things that truly count in life. Karen had a nasty stomach sickness, so we had to postpone our beach trip. My sole wish was to fall on the sofa, but I decided to wait and see how things were going outside.

I noticed it at that moment. There was a large hole in the center of our lawn. “What is this?” I whispered as I moved closer to the brink. At the bottom, I found a shovel, a water bottle, and a few other odd objects. My first response was to call 911, but then I had an idiotic thought. Could it be that the digger was making a comeback and realized we should have left? I turned to look at Karen, who seemed pale. “Hi, sweetheart? The automobile should stay in the garage. Make it look as if we didn’t leave.” She offered a faint nod. “Frank, whatever you say, I’m going to take a nap.” As night fell, I set my camp next to a window and peered out into the darkness. After several hours, I was about to give it a try when I observed a shadow hop over our fence. My pulse raced as I saw the individual fall into the pit and get closer. This was my opportunity.

I sneaked outside, my phone in hand, ready to call the cops. As I approached the hole, I could hear metal striking the ground and wailing. “Hey!” I shouted and used the flashlight on my phone. “What do you think you’re doing?” When he glanced up, the digger squinted into the light. My mouth dropped open. Last year, George sold us this house. “Frank?” he questioned, sounding equally astonished. “What are you doing here?” “Do you recall that I reside here?” “Why are you in my yard at midnight?” George’s expression faded. He crawled out of the hole in a sheepish manner. “I can clarify. Please don’t contact the cops. I folded my arms. “Start talking.” George exhaled. My grandpa formerly owned this home. It simply occurred to me that he was concealing something crucial here. I reasoned that while you were away, I could find it. “So you broke into my yard to dig for treasure?” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

“I understand the sound,” George said. “Yet it’s accurate. I’ll make you a bargain, see? If you help me dig, we’ll split whatever we find. 50/50.” I should have declined. I should’ve called the cops then. But I halted when I noticed something in George’s eyes that may have been hope or sorrow. “All right,” I said. “But we finish this, treasure or not.” George enthusiastically nodded. “Deal.” We dug for several hours, sharing stories between handfuls of soil. “So, what exactly are we looking for?” As I wiped perspiration off my brow, I inquired. George gave a shrug. “I am not sure. It might be money, jewelry, or nearly anything. Grandpa had a bank phobia. While we were digging, I learned more about George. In addition to his wife’s cancer diagnosis, he recently lost his job. “This treasure,” he told me, “could change everything for us.” I nodded to accept the seriousness of his statements. It’s a strange way of living. “You’re having trouble one moment, and then…”

“Exactly,” George said, his eyes bright with anticipation. We persevered in our endeavor, and the refreshing midnight air was a blessing. Occasionally, one of us would strike something powerful, causing us to freeze and race our hearts. But it was always just another rock. In an attempt to extend the conversation, I said, “So tell me more about your grandfather.” What made you think he was hiding anything from you? George laid his head on his shovel, catching his breath. “My grandfather was such a character. He never stopped talking about the lack of trust in banks and the government. He would entertain us with stories of buried wealth and safe havens.” “So you believed him?” I didn’t ask rudely. George offered a modest smile. “Not initially. However, I later stumbled upon an old notepad of his. It was full of cryptic notes and property drawings. The huge X on one page indicates exactly where we are currently digging.” It did appear fascinating, I must confess. “What do you think it could be?” “As far as I could hope, George’s eyes brightened as he replied, “Rare diamonds or gold coins.” “But to be honest, right now, I’d be pleased with anything. A few thousand bucks would be quite helpful to us.” I understood perfectly and nodded. Yes, I get it.

These days, life is expensive. We developed a rhythm while speaking and digging. George informed me of his unexpected dismissal from work due to downsizing. I recounted stories about Karen and myself, our financial struggles, and our future goals. As we worked together, I sensed a relationship forming. Here we were, two individuals from different backgrounds, pulled together by the promise of buried money discovered in a garden. Yes, it was silly, but it was also rather nice. “You know, even if we don’t discover anything, this has been—I dunno, kind of enjoyable?” I paused to stretch my aching back before continuing. After appearing astounded, George smiled. Yes, it has. Is that correct? Frank, I appreciate you not calling the cops on me. We both laughed, and our laughter echoed across the night sky. But that hope faded as the sky brightened. After excavating almost all the way to China, we only found rocks and roots. George leaned back against the aperture. I felt pity for the man. Hey, why not try it? I’ll give you a ride home, so come on.” We grabbed a couple shovelfuls of dirt and started filling in the hole, but ultimately gave up and got into my car. It turned out that George had taken a taxi to my house. We shattered the stillness of the journey with our serious thoughts. As soon as we got to George’s house, a woman rushed out the front door. I figured it had to be Margaret. She shouted, “George!” “Have you gone anywhere? she asked. “I’ve been very anxious.”George exited the van when he noticed a toddler with his hand jammed in the cookie jar. I apologize, sweetheart. “I was just…” When Margaret noticed me, her eyes narrowed. “And who’s this?”

I stepped forward, holding out my hand. My name is Frank. Last year, we purchased your prior home.” Her cheeks flushed with realization and then embarrassment. “Oh no, it’s not you, George.” George gave him a headshake. I’m sorry, Maggie. “I seriously considered…” Margaret glanced up at me. “I am really sorry for this. My husband holds an unusual belief about hidden wealth. It’s not crazy!” George protested. “My grandfather,” Margaret said quietly, “was a storyteller, dear.” “Remember what the lawyer said about his estate?” George seemed disheartened. “But I was so sure…”I believed I was intruding on someone’s personal space. There was no damage done. “All we need to do is clean up the yard a little.” Margaret gave an emphatic nod. “Obviously. We will bear all expenses. I apologize again for everything.” “It’s not necessary to pay for anything,” I answered, adding that the workout would help me. In addition, my husband and I have been talking about purchasing a pool; perhaps now is the time.” Margaret laughed at that, and as I was ready to walk away, George grabbed my arm.

“Frank, I am thankful for everything.” I grabbed his shoulder and smiled. Avoid mentioning it. Hey, give me a call if you ever want to grab a beer or anything else.” George was surprised, then pleased. “Yeah, I’d like that.” Even though I was unhappy, I felt a sense of community as I drove home. George’s despondency had spread rapidly. When I returned, I found Karen awake and looking better, but still perplexed. “Have you gone anywhere? And what happened to our backyard? I took a seat on the couch next to her and told her everything. She was beaming, but she shook her head at the end. “Only you, Frank,” she said, pressing a kiss on my cheek. “Only you would spend all night digging for treasure with a stranger.”

I chuckled. “Yeah, well, maybe I did find something after all.” Karen raised her eyebrow. “Oh?” “Not diamonds or gold,” I said. “But as a reminder, sometimes the relationships we establish are genuine treasures. The narratives we share.” Karen smiled, despite rolling her eyes. “That’s cheesy, even for you.” With a “maybe,” I responded. “But I was thinking… why don’t we invite George and Margaret over for dinner next week?” Karen was surprised, then introspective. “What do you know?” That makes a lovely sound. You’re going to fix that hole in our yard first, though.” I couldn’t resist the urge to moan. I couldn’t help but smile as I went outside to inspect the damage in the sunlight. Life is full of unexpected experiences, even if there isn’t always buried treasure around the corner. Occasionally, there is an abundance of unexpected experiences. How would you have handled that situation?