The edge of the forest. Morning.
Hedgehog! Come out! Wake up! Come and play with us, do some exercises! ― cried the sister Squirrels at their friend's burrow.
I've only just opened my eyes, ― answered the sleepy Hedgehog, poking her head out from underground.
Stop sleeping! Friends have come to see you and are calling you for a warm-up! ― the little sisters answered in unison.
What shall we play?
Tag. We'll only run on the ground.
Alright, ― answered the Hedgehog, stretching.
And afterwards let's do some physical exercises, ― suggested the squirrels.
How do you do that? ― the Hedgehog didn't understand.
Well, paws up and down, paws to the side, turn your head this way and that, ― and the eldest Squirrel began to demonstrate the exercises. ― Every morning you should start with washing, brushing your teeth and doing exercises. You'll be healthy, brave and strong. Come on, let's exercise!
Two Squirrels and the Hedgehog began to play tag at the forest edge, joking and laughing.
Caw! Caw! ― cawed the Raven, settling on a spruce branch. ― What's all this commotion so early in the morning? What a noise and fuss!
We're doing our morning exercises, ― her friends answered.
Can I join you? ― asked the Raven and landed on the ground.
Of course! Come along!
What should I do?
Spread your wings and raise them slowly up, then lower them down, ― commanded the Squirrel.
The Raven began to do the exercises. At that moment, a young Hare ran past.
What are you all laughing about? I could hear you from far away! ― he asked.
We're doing our morning exercises, ― answered the Hedgehog. ― The Raven has even joined us.
Can I join you too? ― asked the Hare.
Yes, ― answered the friends in unison.
What should I do… ― The Hare fell silent mid-sentence. He froze in place, widened his eyes, dropped his ears and stared at one spot.
Everyone looked where he was looking and saw a snake.
An adder! ― cawed the Raven loudly and flew up onto a branch. The squirrels quickly climbed a tree too. But the Hedgehog curled herself into a spiky ball and rolled towards the snake.
The adder hissed, crawled towards the ball, raised its head and stuck out its long thin tongue.
Watch out! The adder will bite! It will poison you! ― cawed the Raven loudly.
The Hare couldn't move from the spot and trembled like an aspen leaf. The adder lunged at the Hedgehog, but pricked itself on her sharp spines. The snake dropped its head onto the grass, and at that moment the Hedgehog grabbed it by the tail and ate it.
The Raven was so surprised she even stopped cawing. What a fight! Most unusual!
How did you manage that? ― asked the Hare of the Hedgehog, stopping his trembling and perking up his ears.
We hedgehogs are not afraid of poisonous snakes. Their poison doesn't harm us. But they're very tasty. I've eaten so much that I won't need food today or tomorrow, ― answered the Hedgehog cheerfully.
Caw! Caw! The Hedgehog ate the snake! Caw! Caw! The Hedgehog saved us! ― cried the Raven, flying over the forest.
The Squirrels climbed down from the tree and suggested continuing to play tag.
We're happy to! ― answered the Hare and Hedgehog joyfully.
