Spring has arrived. The sun shines brightly. At the forest's edge, green grass has appeared and the first flowers have bloomed.
Young Hedgehog woke up in her soft, warm burrow lined with moss after winter hibernation. She had prepared thoroughly for winter, just as her mother had taught her: she had gathered plenty of moss, built up fat reserves under her skin, and stored food for the long winter months. So her sleep had been very sweet indeed.
Hedgehog stretched, yawned, opened her eyes wide, and thought: "My burrow is warm, but spring has arrived. It's time to venture out into the light and see what's happening in the forest."
And the forest was lovely. Warm rays enveloped and warmed the earth. Snowdrops bloomed everywhere. The trees stood with swollen buds: green leaves would soon appear.
Young Hedgehog breathed in the fresh spring air, fluffed up the spines on her coat, and looked around. What could she have for lunch? Suddenly, an earthworm emerged from the ground. Hedgehog grabbed it... and ate it.
How long it's been since I've enjoyed such delicacies," she thought.
While she was examining the early flowers, a young Hedgehog approached her.
Hello, Hedgehog! How are you? Have you just woken up? I've been walking around for two days now, looking for friends. Shall we be friends!
Good day," Hedgehog answered shyly. "I've only just come out onto the ground and don't know anyone."
Our burrows are next to each other, so we're neighbours. And neighbours can certainly become friends! I've already met Mole. He lives with his mum and sisters quite nearby. We have a lot in common: we love earthworms and spend all winter underground. Only moles don't sleep—they walk through their underground tunnels, while we sleep in our soft burrows. In spring, Mole peeks out from underground and sits in one spot because the sun's rays blind him. But we come to the surface and warm ourselves in the sunshine, walk through the forest, and make new friends.
But what are friends and friendship?" asked Hedgehog.
I heard old Owl say that a friend is someone who is always there for you. Friends go together to pick mushrooms and berries, search for food. And friendship is when you have many friends and everyone helps each other.
What do you mean, help?" Hedgehog wondered.
Well, for example, if a Hawk, Eagle, or other bird of prey attacks us. Or it might be a Fox or Wolf. And together we'll fight back against the enemy—we'll help each other. We'll curl up into balls and stick out our spines. The enemy will prick itself, get frightened, and run away. Or, for instance, if you're building a burrow, I help you insulate it. And then you help me. Do you understand?"
Just as Hedgehog said this, the dark shadow of a large bird's wing covered the friends.
Quick, hide in your burrow! Danger! Enemy!" he shouted loudly.
Young Hedgehog was so frightened that she tumbled to the bottom of her burrow in an instant.
What was that? After my long sleep, I'd forgotten all our enemies. What a clever neighbour—he warned me just in time. I'll be more careful now!" she thought, lying on the soft moss.
After a while, Hedgehog decided to peek out of her burrow.
Why have you been inside so long? Were you very frightened?" asked Hedgehog. He had been waiting for his neighbour to appear.
Yes, I was frightened.
Will you be my friend? It's more fun and safer with two.
Yes, you live right next door.
Come on, I'll introduce you to Mole," and Hedgehog led young Hedgehog along the forest path.
Look how beautiful it is around us!" Hedgehog admired the spring forest.
Most importantly, don't lose your vigilance—the enemy might appear again," Hedgehog warned his friend.
Look, a May bug has flown by! I wish I could catch it and eat it," Hedgehog said dreamily.
Coming to Mole's burrow, Hedgehog called out loudly: "Mole, we've come to see you! We're your friends!". After a few minutes, Mole's head appeared, and then the whole Mole.
Hello! And who is this with you, Hedgehog?
This is my neighbour Hedgehog. Will you be her friend?
I can't see her very well, but I can smell her. Of course, I'll be her friend. When you have many friends, that's good. Come closer, Hedgehog, I'll treat you," and Mole gave her some fresh green grass.
Thank you very much! But I didn't bring a gift," Hedgehog said sadly.
But I did," said Hedgehog and gave Mole an earthworm.
Thank you, Hedgehog!
You're welcome, I did it from the heart... for our friendship.
Let's lie in the sun and warm our bellies!" suggested Mole.
The three friends lay down on the warm green grass on their backs, and the spring sun's rays began to warm them.
