In a wonderful, magical forest there lived a Rabbit. The long-eared fellow lived in his little cottage beneath a massive tree with branches stretching in all directions. Every day Rabbit would leave his home in search of food, and when he returned, he'd invite all his numerous forest friends over. Together they'd eat and share fascinating stories.
Rabbit was very kind-hearted; he never hurt anyone and always tried to help the other forest dwellers. Once, the long-eared one caught a nut that his friend Squirrel had dropped. The nut fell from the tree and rolled down the hill. Rabbit spotted it and dashed after it. Once he caught it, he gave the nut back to Squirrel. He could run very fast and could outpace any forest creature.
And one time Rabbit helped Owl find her way home. The bright sun had blinded Owl's eyes, and she'd gotten lost. Rabbit saw the night hunter sitting on a branch crying. He immediately understood what was wrong and offered his help.
Then one fine morning Rabbit woke up and remembered that tomorrow was his birthday. Of course, he immediately started thinking about what present he'd receive. After all, it often happens that you dream of one thing but receive something completely different as a gift. And then you feel so disappointed. Sometimes you fall asleep hoping for, say, a new beautiful game, and you get it. But then for some reason you suddenly change your mind and start dreaming of something else.
Rabbit's thoughts were interrupted by birdsong—the birds were singing their beautiful songs at the top of their voices. Rabbit stretched his paws, had a good stretch, and got up. He had no idea what he wanted for his birthday. He already had toys, interesting books, and nice clothes.
So the long-eared fellow decided to go for a walk in the forest. Surely someone there would help him figure out what present he was dreaming of.
Rabbit runs through the forest and suddenly sees Mole in front of him.
G'day, mate!
Rabbit said cheerfully.
G'day.
Mole mumbled barely audibly.
Why are you looking so down? Did something happen?
Rabbit asked cheerfully.
No, nothing. Just tired. I've been digging my burrow all day, completely on my own without tools or help.
Mole replied.
Rabbit thought for a moment, scratched his head, and said:
Oh, that's the perfect present! See you later, Mole—I've still got lots to do.
Rabbit ran further into the forest. Suddenly, a large bag of nuts came crashing to the ground in front of him with a loud thud.
Oi, up there! What are you doing throwing things? Don't you care that I'm standing under this tree and you nearly cracked my skull?
Rabbit called out, tilting his long-eared head up.
Sorry, mate!
A guilty voice came from above.
Rabbit looked up and saw Squirrel on the branch.
I dropped my little bag where I collect nuts. It's getting quite old and the handles have come off. Sorry, I didn't mean to.
Squirrel jumped down from the branch to the ground and smiled shyly.
Rabbit scratched his head again, examined the little bag carefully, and continued on his way.
He runs through the forest, humming a little tune, thinking about tomorrow. Suddenly his thoughts are interrupted by a terrible knocking sound. It's Woodpecker up in a tree, hollowing out a cavity.
Oi, Woodpecker, g'day, mate!
Rabbit called out.
Hello there, young Rabbit. I'm making a new cavity, getting ready for winter, need to get insulated. Last winter I stayed in a small place and got so cold I had to brew berries and drink tea for two whole weeks.
Woodpecker replied.
Meanwhile, evening was falling, so Rabbit decided to head home. He wanted to go to bed early tonight so he could wake up early tomorrow. After all, tomorrow was his birthday and he couldn't wait to get his presents.
Every year Rabbit makes a wish, and presents appear in his cottage early in the morning. Who brings them is still a mystery. But Rabbit knows he'll never go without a present.
Rabbit settled into his warm bed and began to dream. What was going on in his head, in his thoughts—nobody knows. But the important thing was that Rabbit knew what he wanted and believed with all his heart that it would come true.
In the morning he woke up in a wonderful mood. Getting out of bed and going to the door, he saw an enormous box. Hooray! It's a present!
There was a knock at the door, and Rabbit hurried to open it. On the doorstep stood Mole, Squirrel, and Woodpecker.
Happy birthday, mate!
They shouted in unison.
Thank you so much! Thank you for remembering my birthday and coming to wish me well. I was just about to open my present! Come on in!
Rabbit said happily.
Rabbit placed the box in the centre and began to open it. He reached his paw down inside and said joyfully:
This is for you! You'll be able to dig burrows quickly and easily!
He handed a beautiful, bright spade to Mole.
And this is for you!
Rabbit pulled a beautiful red bag out of the box and handed it to Squirrel.
This bag is perfect for collecting nuts.
Rabbit's friends were speechless; they couldn't understand what was actually happening! Why was Rabbit giving them presents when it was his birthday?!
And this is for you!
Rabbit pulled a set of little hammers out of the box for Woodpecker.
So you don't damage your beak on the hard tree bark. You'll be able to make yourself a big, warm home.
What does this mean?
Rabbit's friends cried out in confusion in unison!
It means, friends, that for my birthday I ordered friends—or rather, happiness for my friends. Because if you're all doing well, then I'll be happy too! True friends are the best present in the world!
