If you divide something into two equal parts, one of those parts is called a half. Everything in the world has its own half. Two cherries connected by a thin stem are two ripe halves. They're lovely both together and apart.
If you pop a juicy cherry in your mouth, you can taste something 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 tasty!
People have their own "other halves" too. For example, mum 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. Nobody wants to be a lonely cherry on a branch, because together it's easier, more fun, and more peaceful.
And a cheeky little fellow named Cupid helps the "halves" find each other. He's a plump, rosy-cheeked cherub who possesses magical power. He can see the thin threads that connect two "halves" into one—just like the stem connecting cherries. And then Cupid ties these threads into a knot, and the "halves" come together—they fall in love.
Cupid is called a rascal for good reason. He simply can't sit still. And if the little one gets bored—watch out for trouble. Or fun. Depending on how you look at it.
Young Billy and Sophie were having a row on the playground one day. They couldn't agree about a beautiful doll. Sophie had brought it from home, and Billy had asked to play with it. He didn't have any dolls at home. Plenty of toy cars, but not a single doll. He was curious. Sophie was being stingy and wouldn't let him have it.
Let me play with it! Or else I'll... I'll... — Billy shouted at Sophie as she grabbed the doll by the hair and ran away from him across the playground.
You can't catch me! — Sophie cried indignantly but cheekily, sticking her tongue out.
Oh, is that so! Just you wait! — Billy managed to catch up with the girl. He grabbed the doll and pulled with all his might.
Don't pull! You'll break it! — Sophie wailed, and all the fun suddenly stopped.
Meanie!
Idiot!
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 Sophie and Billy together. "They'll thank me for this," the little magician thought to himself. What happened next!
I'm telling Mum everything, — Sophie said weakly and let go of the doll.
Billy fell straight into a puddle in surprise. Then, dirty and wet, he ran over to the girl (who was wearing a lovely pink dress with daisies) and hugged her with all his might.
What are you doing! Yuck! You're disgusting! — Sophie cried, but she only half-heartedly resisted.
That's for falling in the puddle. Here, take your doll back, — Billy handed the wretched toy to Sophie.
It's dirty now too, — the girl said sadly.
Just like you! And me! Want to play house? — Billy suggested.
With you? I don't want to, — the girl perked up. She stood up and stamped her little foot.
Well, I don't want to play with you either! — the boy shouted and tugged Sophie's long blonde plait.
Idiot!
You are!
Billy ran away from Sophie for ages as she tried to catch him and push him back into the puddle to get revenge for her plait and doll. But he was faster. And when it was time to go home, the two didn't want to part at all. As they said goodbye, Billy even gave Sophie a little peck on the cheek.
Cupid clapped his hands together happily. He hadn't made a mistake after all. It had turned out both fun and worthwhile.
Sophie and Billy grew up long ago. Now they take their own little girl—not a doll—to kindergarten. And she plays on that very same playground.
They became each other's "other halves"—two cherries on one branch. And that branch is strong; no misfortune could ever break it. That's what happens when Cupid gets bored!
