Autumn had arrived. The weather was quiet and peaceful.
Young bear Motya sat under a birch tree, leaning against the trunk. Rays of sunlight filtered through the golden leaves and tickled Motya's nose with warmth. He squeezed his eyes shut with pleasure. His heart felt light and calm.
Zing-zing.
A sound rang out above his ear. Motya opened his eyes wide, turned his head, but saw no one. "I must be imagining things," he thought, and sank back into the autumn silence.
Zing-zing.
It came again, this time above his other ear. Motya jumped: "Perhaps I'm getting ill, my ears are ringing," but just to be safe, he asked:
Who's calling?
Zing-zing-ette!
But I can't see you. Are you invisible?
Zing-zing-ette,
A tiny little bird!
Try to find me if you can,
I'll call with my voice again!
Zing-zing! I'm here!
Motya followed the ringing voice:
What do you look like? Tell me so it's easier to find you!
Zing-zing! For my ringing voice, autumn has dressed me in a little yellow coat.
The sound came from another direction.
So how can I find you among all the yellow leaves?
My head is black, with white cheeks. Look more carefully, zing-zing!
I see! I see! How beautiful you are!
Motya exclaimed with delight. The little bird quickly fluttered from a twig and landed on Motya's outstretched paw.
Well, let's get to know each other – I'm a blue tit, and I used to be called Zinia. The swallows and rooks have already flown to warmer lands, but we blue tits are non-migratory birds.
Don't be sad. I'll play with you!
Zing, won't you fall asleep? Won't you go into hibernation?
No, it's too early yet. When the snow falls, that's when I'll build myself a den and sleep until spring.
Zing! Wonderful! Find me!
And the blue tit disappeared.
Zing-zing!
It could be heard from the neighbouring oak tree.
Motya became very close friends with the cheerful blue tit. For two months they frolicked together, playing hide-and-seek and telling each other interesting stories. But the time came to part until spring.
Don't be sad, little blue tit. I'll sleep a bit, and then sn – zzz…
Motya said, yawning as he settled into bed. But soon the young bear was snoring sweetly.
Zing, sleep peacefully, Motya. When you wake up, I'll definitely be by your side.
