Foison Surrounded — Tova Dian Dean

Following a night of drunken passion, ne'er-do-well Jack unwittingly introduces an invasive vine into the eco system of his miniscule desert town. The prodigious vine produces an irresistible fruit, virtually overnight, that attracts strangers from miles around. While the reclusive townspeople grapple with the problems caused by their unexpected and addictive source of revenue, Jack follows an offshoot to the top of a once unscalable mesa and discovers a golden treasure. Stricken by gold fever, Jack risks everything to steal the booty from the violent hermit that guards it. Although he could buy anything, he spends little choosing instead to horde it, spending his days pining for the love of a woman who doesn't take him seriously. Through many misadventures Jack gets to know this small town and the people in it like he never has before. In time, he finds himself caring more about the inhabitants, and he desert ecosystem more than he ever dreamed he could. This puts him at a crossroad with no sense of direction. As the golden cache takes over his life he has to make a decision; will he give up the gold, reclaim his life, save the town and his loved ones or count his golden nuggets, and live forever alone.