Winter turned out to be harsh and snowy. Heavy clouds spread right over the treetops and seemed almost to touch them. Rare rays of sunlight barely broke through the clouds, and then you could see that down there, far below, among the trees and bushes, someone was there and something was bustling and moving.
All of this was observed with great interest by a lonely little snowflake who, in the company of fluffy friends just like herself, merrily fluttered among the clouds and cloudlets. But while her friends, laughing heartily, tried to catch one another in gusts of cold wind and attempted to fluff up their patterns even more, the Little Snowflake kept looking down and thinking about what was down there, who was running between the trees and bushes, who was sparkling in the clearings and near the frozen river?
She was very curious, as she couldn't even imagine that life existed anywhere else besides here - among the clouds in the reflections of sunbeams.
Hey, Snowflake, come with us!
Fluffy Snowflake called out and waved her magnificent little needles.
No, Fluffy, I don't want to. I want to go there, down below.
The Little Snowflake answered and winked toward the forest, which spread its sprawling green arms covered with snow.
Oh, what are you thinking? There's nobody there, and besides, it's fun and interesting here. Look how merrily we flutter, spin, and have fun!
Fluffy Snowflake called out cheerfully.
Well, if you don't want to - it's your choice, but we're flying off!
She whirled in a snowy-airy dance with other snowflakes fluttering between the clouds.
The Little Snowflake, meanwhile, finally decided to check what was down there and began gradually and cautiously descending.
Who's breaking away from the group here?
The Snowflake heard a loud and booming call from somewhere to the side.
The Snowflake got frightened and trembled unexpectedly in the gusts of wind. Turning over in an updraft, she saw not far from herself a handsome eagle who soared in the sky like a great airship, menacingly surveying his celestial domain and checking whether anyone had disturbed his peace.
Me, me... I want to find out what's down there, who's bustling about, and well...
From fright, she completely lost her composure and didn't know what to say.
Well, you're quite silly. What could possibly be interesting down there? It's much better here - freedom, fly wherever you want, catch distracted crows, and enjoy life!
The eagle snorted, spreading his strong and beautiful wings with pleasure under the powerful gusts of harsh wind.
That's true, but still, I'm curious about what's there?
The Little Snowflake agreed, watching as the wind tossed the eagle and enveloped him with its gusts.
Well, fine, it's your business, and I need to go hunting.
The eagle reluctantly agreed, and catching another gust of wind, powerfully turned and rushed somewhere between the clouds in search of his next meal.
The Little Snowflake watched him go with a half-frightened gaze and continued spinning downward, descending lower and lower. She had barely recovered from meeting the celestial beauty when she was surrounded by a flock of young crows who began racing past her like mad, cawing loudly.
Look, a snowflake, a silly snowflake! Where are you flying, where are you falling?
The crows cawed loudly, shouting over the gusts of wind.
Why silly? I want to find out what's down there!
The Little Snowflake protested.
There's nothing interesting there, just forest and acorns mixed with fallen leaves!
And that's all?
The Snowflake asked disappointedly.
She had so hoped that there was still something there that had been beckoning and attracting her throughout her brief life among the dark clouds and winds.
Oh, forget you, we want to play and fly!
One of the loudest crows exclaimed, after which she cawed loudly, and the noisy company, overtaking and pulling each other by tails and wings, flew off somewhere between the branches of the approaching forest.
The forest was already close, the first youngest branches had appeared, the wind began to die down, and forest silence replaced the turbulent gusts. The Little Snowflake descended lower and lower, spellbound, watching with interest the increasingly massive and beautiful snow-covered branches of the forest giants.
She became so absorbed in observing everything she saw for the first time that she didn't notice how quietly she settled onto the snow cover. And it turned out she wasn't alone here: there were many snowflakes just like her who, falling one beside another, had created a truly fluffy and soft blanket. The snow cover, following the contours of the forest clearing, concealed small bushes, almost covered little trees, stretching far into the distance.
Hello!
The Little Snowflake said, turning to all her neighbors.
Hi there, friend!
A low and rich voice responded nearby.
The Little Snowflake turned and saw a beautiful large beauty - an Icy Snowflake.
We're glad to see you in our company!
Came from another direction. This was said by Pink Snowflake, who hung on a blueberry bush twig.
Oh, how interesting!
Was heard from yet another side, and this turned out to be the voice of a young tree branch that held several snowflakes and a small icicle at once.
The conversation between the snowflakes, the branch, and the icicle became more and more cheerful and interesting. The Little Snowflake was so happy to have found new friends. Her worries that her dream would remain unfulfilled turned out to be in vain. The new friends quickly bonded with the Snowflake, learned with interest the story about the handsome eagle and the flock of noisy crows, and also began asking the new guest about what it was like up there.
Never before had the Little Snowflake been the center of attention like this; everything was interesting to her: the new friends, the mesmerizing silence, and the deep peace of the forest blanket. She gladly told them everything she knew. Her mood was wonderful. Now she wouldn't be alone; new friends were always nearby.
From this, the Little Snowflake began to sparkle even more, her soul filled with joy and merriment, she wanted to spin and play. But new adventures awaited her ahead, which the Little Snowflake didn't yet suspect; discoveries and even greater amazement awaited her. But that's for the next tale. The continuation of the Little Snowflake's adventures follows...
