If you divide something into two equal parts, one of those parts is called a half. Everything in the world has its own matching half. Two cherries connected by a thin stem are two ripe halves. They are lovely both together and apart.
If you put a juicy cherry in your mouth, you can taste something both sweet and sour at the same time, and inside there's a hard pit. Each cherry is delicious, but most often they grow in pairs. After all, two cherries on one branch are twice as delicious!
People also have their own "other halves." For example, a mom and dad are two "halves" joined together by love. Some people search for their "other half" their whole lives, making mistakes, worrying, but never giving up. No one wants to be a lonely cherry on a branch, because together it's easier, more fun, and more peaceful.
A mischievous little fellow named Cupid helps the "halves" find each other. He's a chubby, rosy-cheeked child who possesses magical power. He can see the thin threads that connect two "halves" into one—just like the stem connecting two cherries. And then Cupid ties these threads into a knot, and the "halves" come together—they fall in love.
Cupid is called a mischief-maker for good reason. He simply cannot sit still. And if the little one gets bored—watch out for trouble. Or fun. Depending on how you look at it.
Vitya and Sonya were quarreling on the playground one day. They couldn't agree about a beautiful doll. Sonya had brought it from home, and Vitya asked to play with it. He had no dolls at home. He had plenty of toy cars, but not a single doll. He was curious. Sonya was being stingy and didn't want to give up the doll.
Let me play with it! Or else I'll... I'll... — Vitya shouted at Sonya as she grabbed the doll by the hair and ran from him across the playground.
You can't catch me! — Sonya cried out indignantly but playfully, sticking out her tongue.
Oh, is that so! Just you wait! — Vitya managed to catch up with the girl. He grabbed the doll and started pulling it toward himself with all his might.
Don't pull! You'll break it! — Sonya wailed, and all the fun suddenly stopped.
Greedy!
Stupid!
You are!
Cupid was flying past the playground just at that moment. He stopped and watched the quarrel. The boy and girl were still too young for him to see the threads coming from them. "I think they're perfect for each other!" Cupid thought, and with one wave of his hand, he tied Sonya and Vitya together. "They'll thank me for this," the little magician thought. What a commotion started!
I'm telling my mom everything, — Sonya said weakly and let go of the doll.
Vitya fell straight into a puddle in surprise. Then, dirty and wet, he ran up to the girl (who was wearing a pretty pink dress with daisies) and hugged her with all his might.
What are you doing! Yuck! You're disgusting! — Sonya cried out, but she resisted only halfheartedly.
That's for making me fall in the puddle. Here, take your doll back, — Vitya gave Sonya the unfortunate toy.
It's dirty now too, — the girl said sadly.
Just like you! And me! Want to play house? — Vitya suggested.
With you? I don't want to, — the girl perked up. She stood up and stomped her little foot.
Well, I don't want to play with you! — the boy shouted and pulled Sonya's long light braid.
Stupid!
You are!
Vitya ran away from Sonya for a long time as she tried to catch him and push him back into the puddle to get revenge for her braid and doll. But he was faster. And when it was time to go home, the children didn't want to part at all. As a goodbye, Vitya even gave Sonya a little kiss on the cheek.
Cupid clapped his hands together joyfully. He hadn't made a mistake after all. It turned out both fun and useful.
Sonya and Vitya grew up long ago. Now they take not a doll, but a real little girl to kindergarten. And she plays on that very same playground.
They became each other's "halves"—two little cherries on one branch. And that branch is strong; no misfortune can break it. That's what happens when Cupid gets bored!
