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After their very successful village Christmas party, the Trunk family (who own the Courtyard Restaurant) had decided to sell the large tree they had been using as a function centre.
"We really don't have many functions large enough to warrant it, and with the village growing so much, I just feel someone else would get more use out of it," Savannah remarked, and Hugo agreed.
So the decision was made, and the next morning a new sign could be seen outside the tree...
A week or two later, Steve and Kylie Outback arrived in Macadamia Grove by town car. They were a little tired, having visited three other small villages that day, and looked around appraisingly.
"Well this one is rather pretty," Steve remarked. "Nice feel to the air, too - lovely and fresh."
"Mmm," his wife answered noncommittally. "Well, let's have a look around..." The last place they had been was pretty too, she thought, but much too small and sleepy for them to make a living there. Would this place be the same? Were they asking too much to find a village that was just right? Would they be better off staying in Town, with its larger population and well-equipped hospitals?
You see, the Outbacks led very full and successful lives in Town, but they had always felt there was something missing. After the birth of their second child, they had finally made the decision: what they needed was a "tree change", to live a less hectic life with green things growing all around. So on this sunny day, they had left their children with friends who were glad to babysit, and had made a tour of several likely-sounding country villages. So far, they hadn't had much luck. This village was to be the last they looked at today, before heading home.
As they walked through the heart of Macadamia Grove, Kylie had to admit she did like the look of this little village. The stream flowed bright and pure, the grass was green, and Steve was right - the air really was delightful. The villagers, too, looked happy and contented as they went about their late afternoon activities. Several faces turned curiously toward the newcomers, and one or two people gave them a friendly wave.
Finally they saw a welcome sight - in the distance, over a bridge, a lovely looking restaurant beckoned.
"Shall we have a drink before heading home?" Steve suggested.
"Oh yes," Kylie answered gratefully. "I could do with a rest. Maybe we could even get something to eat? Kevin and Stacey said they didn't mind if we left the girls with them for dinner."
Five minutes later, they were being ushered into their seats by a very attentive Maitre d'.
"Welcome to the Courtyard Restaurant!" said Mr Trunk, handing them their menus. "What would you like to drink?"
After they had ordered their food, Steve said tentatively, "Did you happen to see the 'for sale' sign next door?" Their eyes met. Kylie had noticed it, too.
"It would be a lot of work..." Steve added uncertainly. "Heaven knows where we'd find a builder..."
Over at a nearby table, Mr Rivertail couldn't help but overhear.
"Ahem..." he said, coming over to their table. "Sorry to intrude - Murray Rivertail's the name. I couldn't help overhearing - were you thinking of buying the Treehouse?"
The Outbacks were a bit startled by this, as was Mrs Rivertail, who stared disbelievingly at her husband!
"We're... er... not sure. We haven't even looked at it yet really," Kylie managed.
Mr Rivertail went on to explain that he was the local builder, and would be pleased to arrange a meeting with them and Mr Trunk if they were interested. The koalas thanked him, and arranged to return the following day. Just then, their food arrived, and Mr Rivertail left them to enjoy their meals.
The next morning, the Outbacks returned to Macadamia Grove, and went straight to the Treehouse, where they met Mr Trunk and Mr Rivertail. Kylie and Steve explained exactly what they would need built, and Mr Rivertail seemed to think it was no problem at all.
Then Steve raised an important question - would they be able to find work in this village?
"What do you do for a living?" asked Hugo, curiously.
"We're both doctors," said Steve. "Kylie's a top-class surgeon and obstetrician in fact, while I deal more in the GP line."
Hugo looked thrilled. "Why, that's perfect!" he exclaimed. "We could do with some medical professionals in Macadamia Grove - there currently aren't any. In fact we were just discussing it at our last Town Committee meeting."
Kylie and Steve looked happily at one another, as Murray and Hugo started to talk sums, measurements and equipment.
"Well honey, I think we might have just bought a house!" Steve said with a smile.
"And it's going to be perfect!" Kylie breathed. "How marvellous to actually be living IN a tree!"
"A real 'tree change' indeed!" Steve laughed.
