I saw it at that point. a huge hole in the center of our grass.“What is this?” I mumbled as I edged further to the edge.A shovel, a water bottle, and some other random items were in the bottom. My initial reaction was to dial 911, but then I had an absurd idea. What if the digger was returning and knew we were meant to be gone? I turned to look at Karen; she appeared pallid. “Hey, sweetheart? The car should remain in the garage. Make it appear as though we haven’t left.”She gave a feeble nod. “Frank, anything you say. I am going to take a nap.” I made camp by a window and stared out into the darkness as night fell. After several hours, I was about to abandon up when I noticed a shadow jump our fence.As the person fell into the hole and moved closer, my heart raced. This was my opportunity.With my phone in hand, I snuck outside, prepared to dial the police. I heard metal hitting ground and heard moaning as I got closer to the pit. “Hey!” I yelled and shone the flashlight on my phone. “What do you think you’re doing?” The digger blinked in the light as he looked up. My mouth fell open. George was the one who had last year sold us this house.“Frank?” he inquired, sounding just as surprised. “What are you doing here?” “Remember that I live here? At midnight, why are you in my yard?” George’s expression dimmed. Sheepishly, he climbed out of the hole. “I can clarify. Just… don’t call the police, please.”I folded my arms. “Start talking.” George exhaled. This property used to belong to my grandfather. It just dawned on me that he—well, he concealed something important here. I reasoned that while you were away, I could locate it.”“So you broke into my yard to dig for treasure?” I was hearing things that I couldn’t believe.“I understand the sound,” George remarked. “Yet it is accurate. I’ll cut you a deal, see? We’ll divide whatever we find if you help me dig. 50/50.”I ought to have refused. I should have contacted the police then. But I hesitated when I saw something in George’s eyes that might have been hope or despair. “All right,” I replied. “But we fill this in when we’re done, treasure or not.”With excitement, George nodded. “Deal.”We dug for the next few hours, telling each other stories in between handfuls of earth. “So, what exactly are we looking for?” Wiping perspiration from my brow, I asked. George gave a shrug. “I’m not sure. Could be money, jewelry, or almost anything. Grandpa had a bank paranoia.” I discovered more about George as we dug. In addition to his wife’s cancer diagnosis, he had lately lost his job. “This treasure,” he stated, “it could change everything for us.”I acknowledged the significance of his remarks by nodding. It’s the odd way of life. You’re having trouble one moment, then…” “Exactly,” George said, his eyes shining with optimism. We persisted in our task, the refreshing nighttime air a boon. Occasionally, one of us would strike something powerful, causing us to both freeze and have pounding hearts. But it was simply another rock, always.In an attempt to continue the discussion, I responded, “So tell me more about your grandfather.” How did you assume he would be hiding something from you? George rested his head on his shovel as he caught his breath. “My grandpa was quite the character. Never stopped talking about how you couldn’t trust banks and the government. He would regale us with tales of hidden treasure and safe havens.” “And you believed him?” I did not ask rudely.George gave a shy smile. “Not initially. However, I later came into this old notebook of him. It was filled with all these mysterious notes and property sketches. The large X on one page was indicated precisely where we are now digging.” It did seem intriguing, I had to admit. “What do you think it could be?” “As far as I could hope? Rare diamonds or gold coins,” George said, his eyes brightening. “But to be really honest, right now, I’d be content with anything. A few thousand dollars would be very beneficial to us.”I understood all too well and nodded. Yes, I understand that. These days, life is pricey.” We established a rhythm while conversing and digging. George informed me of his abrupt layoff from the workplace due to a downsizing. I told anecdotes about Karen and me, our financial troubles, and our aspirations for the future. As we worked together, I sensed a bond developing. Here we were, two guys from disparate backgrounds brought together by the prospect of hidden wealth unearthed from a backyard. Yes, it was ridiculous, but it was also kind of lovely. “You know, even if we don’t find anything, this has been—I dunno, kind of fun?” I remarked, stopping to stretch my sore back.George smiled after seeming astonished. Yes, it has, isn’t that right? Frank, I appreciate you not calling the police on me.” Our laughter reverberated across the night air as we both laughed. But that hope dissipated as the sky lightened. After digging almost to China, all we discovered were rocks and roots. George leaned back against the opening. “I really thought… I was so sure…” I had sympathy for the man. Hey, why not give it a try? I’ll give you a ride home, come on.”We took a few shovelfuls of dirt and began to fill in the hole, but eventually gave up and climbed into my car. It turned out that George had taken a cab to my house. While driving, the silence was broken by our deep thoughts. A woman hurried out the front door of George’s house as soon as we arrived. I assumed that this had to be Margaret. She yelled, “George!” “Have you been somewhere? I’ve been really anxious.”With the appearance of a child whose hand got stuck in the cookie jar, George got out of the vehicle. “I apologize, sweetie. I was merely…” Margaret saw me and her eyes narrowed. “And who’s this?” I moved forward and held out my hand. “My name is Frank. Last year, we acquired your previous residence.” Her face flashed with recognition and then embarrassed. “Oh no. It’s not you, George.” George gave a headshake. “I apologize, Maggie. I genuinely considered…”Margaret looked up at me. “I really apologize for this. My spouse has been… he has this wild notion about hidden treasure. “It’s not crazy!” George objected. “My grandfather —” Margaret murmured softly, “Your grandfather was a storyteller, dear.” “Remember what the lawyer said about his estate?” George appeared discouraged. “But I was so sure…”I thought I was prying into someone’s personal space. See, no damage was done. All we’ll need to do is tidy up the yard a little.” Margaret gave a forceful nod. “Obviously. We’ll cover every expense. I apologize once more for everything.” “It’s not necessary to pay for anything,” I said, adding that I would benefit from the workout. In addition, my spouse and I have been discussing getting a pool; perhaps this is the right moment.”Margaret chuckled at that, and just as I was about to walk away, George grabbed my arm. “Frank, I’m grateful. For everything.” I squeezed his shoulder and grinned. “Make no mention of it. Hey, give me a call if you ever want to grab a beer or whatever.” George appeared taken aback, then appreciative. “Yeah, I’d like that.” Though I was upset, I also felt a sense of community as I drove home. George’s hopelessness had spread like wildfire. When I returned, I saw Karen awake and looking better but still bewildered. “Have you been somewhere? And what became of our backyard?”I took a seat on the couch beside her and told her everything. She was grinning but shaking her head by the end. “Only you, Frank,” she replied, planting a peck 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’s eyebrow went up. “Oh?”“Not diamonds or gold,” I remarked. “But a reminder that sometimes, the relationships we form are the true jewels. The narratives we exchange.” Karen grinned despite rolling her eyes. “That’s cheesy, even for you.” With a “maybe,” I said. “But I was thinking… why don’t we invite George and Margaret over for dinner next week?” Karen appeared taken aback, then contemplative. “What do you know? That has a pleasant sound. You’re going to patch that hole in our yard first, though.” I was able to moan but not fight it. I couldn’t help but smile as I stepped outside to assess the damage in the light of day. Life has its share of unexpected adventures, even though there may not have been hidden treasure lying around every corner.And occasionally, that’s sufficient treasure. How would you have responded in that situation?