The Apple Tree by Trevenian

Once upon a time there were two widow neighbors named widow Etcheverrigary and Madame Utuburu. These two neighbors were the most ferocious of competitors especially when it came to their gardens and their sons. One day there is an unofficial competition for the one who could pick the most apples from their shared apple tree. A wall runs the length of their shared property line which only would allow each woman to reach so far to get apples. One of the widows dies because both were determined to prove their piety while attending a funeral of another friend during a terrific rainstorm. Here they were, the last two standing at the grave, unable to look at the other and unable to make the first move toward home for fear of "losing". Eventually the priest ends up dragging them both away...
A wonderfully delightful fable that will not be easily forgotten!