Catapat-
Waking in the morning, Sharon was disappointed that the sun that 
had been forecast for today was apparently not going to be.
Looking out her window, it looked very cloudy.  But wait, what was
this? There in the place they had planted the bean was a huge, 
huge plant? (Tree was more like it) Looking up, up, up, still not 
seeing to the top of it, Sharon ran out of the house, still in her 
pajamas. Standing there and looking upwards, her mouth hanging 
open in awe, Sharon saw the lush leaves and the gorgeous yellow
flowers. The scent of them filling the air. Suddenly the old man was
there.

Looking around startled, Sharon said, how, who are you?  Laughing,
the old man said, now young lady your fun begins. You have 24 hours
to solve the riddle up there. If you don't, I will become young and take
your place. You will then become old and take mine. Your goal being 
to pass on the bean.  If you do not undertake the challenge of the riddle,
I will take your place now. Do you accept? Now Sharon had no wish to 
become old now, so said, yes, I accept.  

Very well then begin your climb to the top. Your 24 hours begins now.
So saying, the old man vanished and Sharon started climbing.