On revisiting this one, the ending caught my eye anew.

This place could be a great support to the community, if only the old man desired to share his oasis.

He chooses to keep it an oasis - not out of selfishness, perhaps, but in order to protect it from vandals and intruders and those who judge? It's an intriguing question (to me). Why does he not share his oasis even though it means ridicule and distrust and misconceptions about him. Among others in his community. Apparently his community is nature with its flora and fauna, not humans, with their thorns, rules, expectations, and prohibitions. Again: you pack so much into a small space! Splendidly done!