The little bear cub was born in autumn. Autumn changed the forest every day, and the little bear loved to watch as the leaves fell, the grass turned yellow, and how frost painted everything grey in the mornings.
Not long ago, beautiful leafy trees stood all around, but now they had turned into long grey sticks. However, a colourful rustling carpet appeared under his feet, which was wonderful to run across!
Where did it come from? ― wondered the little bear.
It was getting colder, and the mother bear, telling her cub about some unknown winter, tried to convince her son to eat well, to store up fat, so that he would fall into a deep sleep and sleep long, peacefully, and sweetly.
The mother bear made her son eat to build up a layer of fat for hibernation, but the restless cub would run off to play and ate very poorly. He was wrong not to listen to his wise and experienced mother…
Winter arrived, and the mother began to prepare the little bear for hibernation. Misha was very upset. Lying in the den for three whole months seemed like a waste of time to him, when there was so much interesting stuff around!
The mother bear knew that the little bear had not built up the necessary layer of fat for winter, so she held him as close as possible. This kept the cub warm. Finally, the bears fell asleep. Outside, a real harsh winter raged with strong, biting frosts.
The hungry little bear woke up before his mother. He was terribly hungry and decided to look for food in the forest. He barely managed to climb out of the den, which was buried in snow. His eyes watered from the white colour and the sun. There was no food anywhere.
The little bear returned to the den and snuggled up to his sleeping mother. He warmed up, but he was still hungry. A whole month remained until spring. The cub became very sad and frightened.
Spring saw how hard it was for the little bear cub and decided to help him.
When the hungry little bear peeked out of the den once more, he saw a beautiful young woman in a bright green dress, decorated with flowers and leaves, with a wreath of dandelions on her head.
The young woman walked towards the little bear, and wherever she walked, the snow melted.
Who are you? ― asked the little bear in surprise.
I am Spring, ― answered the young woman.
What does Spring mean? ― continued the curious cub.
It is a season that comes after the cold winter. In spring it is warm. The snow melts, and nature awakens.
Will my mother wake up too? I am so hungry!
But why didn't you listen to her? She tried her very best to prepare you for winter hibernation, but games were more important to you.
I won't do it again. Please, save me!
Very well, I will help you, but only this time. From now on, you must listen to your mother.
Spring removed her sunny shawl and covered the little bear with it. He warmed up instantly.
Spring twirled in the meadow, and the meadow became covered with lush grass with flowers and berries. The little bear rushed at the food greedily.
When he had eaten his fill, he thanked his saviour and returned to the den to his mother. He snuggled up to the mother bear again and slept through the last winter month. When spring arrived, they woke up.
Hurray, spring! ― cried the little bear joyfully, peeking out of the den.
Do you know what spring is? ― the mother bear was surprised.
Of course, I do! It is the most wonderful time of year!
The little bear told his mother what had happened to him during the winter. He was ashamed of how foolishly he had behaved in autumn. He promised that from now on he would listen to the mother bear in everything.
And indeed, he became very obedient. Even when his mother forbade him something, he did not get upset with her or whine. Because he knew that the mother bear loved him very much and would not give him bad advice.
You must always listen to adults. They only want the best for their children.
