Waters of Gold by Lawrence Yep

Introduction

• Story of a woman named Auntie Lily, known for her kindness.
• Called "Auntie" by blood and friendship in her county.
• Famous for saying "there's a bit of heaven in each of us."

Auntie Lily's Generosity

• Constantly helping others, resulting in financial hardship.
• Sold her house and fields to a rich neighbor but remained unselfish.
• Paid rent for her own house and supported herself through embroidery despite failing eyesight.

The Beggar's Visit

• A beggar, dirty and unkempt, enters the village asking for water to wash his feet.
• Villagers ignore him; Auntie Lily offers water despite the rich neighbor's criticism.
• Beggar instructs Auntie Lily to place the water by her bed overnight without looking at it.

The Magic Bucket

• Next morning, the water turns into gold coins.
• Auntie Lily uses the gold to buy back her house and land.

The Rich Neighbor's Greed

• The rich neighbor regrets turning the beggar away and rushes to offer him water.
• Beggar instructs her similarly, but the next morning, her bucket is filled with snakes and insects.
• She falls ill, possibly from bites or frustration.

Lesson of Kindness

• Auntie Lily nurses the rich neighbor, emphasizes kindness comes without a price.
• The rich neighbor becomes kind-hearted and charitable.

Visit from a Leper

• Villagers hide from a leper; Auntie Lily and the neighbor offer him help.
• Leper reveals himself as the brother of the beggar and cures the rich neighbor.
• The rich neighbor remains kind after regaining health and uses her wealth wisely.

Themes

• Importance of kindness and selflessness.
• The true value of generosity without expecting returns.
• Transformation through kindness: The rich neighbor's change of heart.