Once upon a time there were moles. Little ones, in warm, smooth fur coats.
Underground they had a home ― a burrow, and also a pantry and tunnels ― underground passages through which from the burrow one could venture in all directions.
Mother Mole twitched her nose and thought: "Spring! A whole year has passed. Soon summer will come, and we'll start going to the surface, enjoying fresh air and sun rays. I'll show the little ones how interesting it is up there! And then autumn comes, and winter again: cold, snow. We'll go deep underground again and sit in our soft burrow, lined with moss and grass".
Today marks thirty days since your birth, ― Mother Mole said to her five little children. ― It's time to show you the way up, to the surface. We'll dig a tunnel there. We'll breathe in the fresh spring air, feel the spring. We'll try some fresh vitamin-rich grass. And besides, our supply of worms is running low.
What is spring? ― asked one little one.
Spring is when it's warm, and the sun's rays heat the earth and everything around it, including us ― moles. In spring, nature awakens, and various insects come out of hibernation: worms, beetles, ants. That's our food. Green grass appears ― also a wonderful treat, ― explained Mother. ― Now, enough talking. To work! We'll dig a tunnel in this direction. Dig, don't be lazy!
The whole family worked together, making their way closer and closer to the spring sun.
In time, you children will leave your home, ― Mother Mole continued. ― You'll go your own way and build new tunnels and burrows. So learn how to do it!
Mum, the earth is cold, ― complained the little daughter.
Never mind. Soon the sun will warm it up, and it will become warm.
What is the sun?
Although I don't see well, ― answered Mother Mole, ― I could make out: it's big, round, and warm long rays come from it.
What are rays? ― asked another little one.
We'll go to the surface, and then you'll understand what they are.
Finally the mole family poked their little heads above ground.
How warm it is! How it smells so unusual! ― exclaimed the daughter. ― Mum, tell us a story about how Thumbelina almost married our Uncle Mole and how a bird stole her away.
I've told you that a hundred times.
Oh, tell it again, ― the children asked in unison.
All right, I'll tell it. Lie down on the ground and turn your bellies up. Let the sun warm you while I tell the story.
And Mother Mole began to speak softly: "When Uncle Mole was visiting Aunt Fieldmouse ― a field mouse ― he saw a little girl. Not quite. He didn't see her, he heard her. He was blind, you see. She sang a cheerful song so clearly and beautifully. Uncle Mole liked it very much, and he began to visit Fieldmouse every week.
Uncle had never been married and had no children. He wanted to take the little songstress as his wife.
Marry me, Thumbelina. I'll give you a fur coat just like mine. It's been lying in a trunk for many years. It seems to be waiting for you. Although I'm blind and can't see you, Aunt told me what a tiny and pretty thing you are. I hear your voice, it's so clear. We'll live together. Fieldmouse says you eat little ― only half a grain of wheat. So my supplies will last us a long time. You'll tell me stories, sing songs, and keep house. I'll feed you. Will you agree to be my wife?
She agrees, ― answered Fieldmouse. ― Only she'll prepare a dowry: she'll sew a white dress.
Now I invite you to visit, I'll show you my home.
Thumbelina said nothing and silently followed the mouse.
They walked through the underground tunnel, and came to visit the mole. The girl liked Uncle's home very much. He had a big house, trunks full of furs, and storerooms full of food. Thumbelina began to sew herself a dress and prepare for the wedding.
She sewed all day long, and in the evening she would come out of the mouse burrow to look at the sun and sky.
The wedding day arrived. Uncle came with his friends to fetch the bride and brought many gifts. Aunt said that Thumbelina was very beautiful: in a long white dress and a fluffy white veil.
Before the wedding, the bride wanted to look at the sun and breathe fresh air one more time. After all, she was going to have to live in an underground home all winter.
Thumbelina went up, looking so beautiful, and began to sing a cheerful song. Suddenly a bird flew by, grabbed her and carried her far, far away, and only Aunt Fieldmouse saw her go. So Uncle Mole never married after that and lived out his life alone".
Why didn't he find another bride? ― asked the son.
Many moles don't want to marry and live as hermits, ― answered Mother Mole and shrugged her paws. ― We've warmed ourselves in the sun, and now it's time to eat. Look, earthworms have come out, grab them quickly before they hide!
The little moles had their lunch and got ready to go home. One after another they slowly crawled back to their burrow.
