In a far, far away forest, on a sunny forest edge, there lived a family of rabbits: Papa Rabbit, Mama Rabbit, and their little bunnies.
The oldest bunny was named Kolya. He was mischievous and playful, but always looked after his little sisters, Manya and Anya. Anya was brave and never feared the fox or the wolf. Often she and her brother Kolya would play in the meadow and tease the hunters.
Then they would scurry off in different directions so quickly that the hunters would lose their trail. Manya, on the other hand, was shy and a bit timid. She also loved spending time with her older siblings, but always stayed away from dangerous games.
All the forest animals lived together in harmony and always supported one another. But one day, a virus crept into the forest and the animals began to fall ill. Everyone panicked and became frightened. The eldest in the forest—the bear—tasked someone with figuring out how to deal with the virus. Until a solution was found, he banned all games in the meadows and clearings. The forest became quiet.
Papa Rabbit worked as a forest scientist and researcher. He quickly realized that they needed to invent a vaccine to defeat the virus so that everyone could play and have fun in nature again. He worked long and hard on the formula, but finally presented the finished result at a forest gathering. All the animals were delighted and hurried to get vaccinated. The bear personally congratulated the rabbit on his invention.
A long line formed for vaccinations with all the forest residents. The hedgehogs stood behind the squirrels, and the squirrels behind the moose. Of course, the little rabbits came to be vaccinated too. But there was one who was not in this line—the bunny Manya. She was very afraid of needles and didn't want to get vaccinated at all.
Manya's brother and sister quickly got their vaccinations and went to play with their friends. Mama and Papa also got vaccinated; they set an example for the other animals.
But Manya still wouldn't get the shot. After all, it was so scary!
Manya, little rabbit, you need to get your vaccination, or you won't be able to play with your brother and sister in the meadow!—Mama tried to convince her.
Mommy, how don't you understand? I'm very, very scared. I promise I'll do everything, I'll help around the house, clean the carrots, put away my toys, just please can I not get the shot?—the little rabbit pleaded tearfully.
If you don't get vaccinated now, you could get very sick from the virus, and you definitely won't feel like playing then.
So what! I'm going to play anyway!—the rabbit said defiantly and ran outside to her brother and sister.
The next day, just as Mama had said, Manya got sick. Her throat hurt very much and she couldn't even speak. And Manya's temperature rose, and she couldn't get out of bed. All day she lay there, feeling sad and looking out the window. In the meadow in front of the house, Kolya and Anya were playing tag, and Papa was watering the cabbage in the garden. The sun was shining. The birds were singing.
The doctor is here, Manya,—Mama peeked into the room.
Manya just nodded silently.
The children's doctor in the forest was an old owl named Phillip Savvovich. He carefully examined the bunny and prescribed some tablets. As he was about to leave, he heard Manya quietly call out to him.
Phillip Savvovich, tell me, could I get my vaccination now...?—the bunny whispered.
What? Aren't you afraid of needles anymore?
I am, very much...but I don't want to be sick.
Oh, silly thing, why didn't you go get vaccinated in the first place? Why are you such a scaredy-cat?
I just don't like needles,—Manya admitted.
Would you like me to show you a trick?—the owl said mysteriously.
Yes, please. That will help me take my mind off being sick.
The owl called Manya's mother and whispered something in her ear. Mama came over to her daughter, hugged her, and said:
Little rabbit, now look only into my eyes, okay? This will be our game.
Okay!—Manya perked up.
Meanwhile, the doctor took her arm and cleaned it with something, but Manya didn't even notice.
Repeat after me, my dear.
I'm ready, Mama!
I'm not afraid of needles!
I'm not afraid of needles!
I'll be very brave for my shot!
Manya hesitated for a moment, but soon made up her mind and said:
I'll be very brave for my shot! Ouch!—that's all she managed to say.
Mama smiled. Phillip winked at her.
Mama, let's keep playing. What else do I need to repeat?
That's all, my dear, nothing more.
But Phillip Savvovich promised to show us a trick! Didn't you?—she asked the doctor.
I already did, Manya!—he answered cheerfully,—Look at your little shoulder.
Manya noticed a small mark from the needle on her shoulder. But she couldn't figure out where it came from.
Oh! How is that possible?—she said absently,—Is this some kind of magic?
No, Manya, that's your vaccination! You didn't even notice when I gave you the shot, and that's because you weren't looking at the needle—you were busy playing a game with Mama. You were very brave to do it.
Wow! So I'm not afraid of vaccinations anymore?—Manya was surprised.
Looks like it!—the adults laughed in response.
So can I go play outside now?—the little rabbit asked hopefully.
Not yet, Manya. The vaccination needs time to work. You'll feel better in a couple of days,—Mama said.
Manya was disappointed, but she understood that she just needed to wait a little while and she would feel better. Besides, with each passing day she would feel healthier. Mama went to see the doctor out. As he was saying goodbye, he warned her:
Watch Manya carefully for how she's feeling. The vaccination may have some minor side effects. But that's not necessarily the case. The main thing is not to worry, because it's completely normal. But very soon, Manya won't be afraid of any virus.
Thank you, Phillip Savvovich. You're a real magician.
Just a week later, Manya was already playing with her brother and sister outside. She told all her friends that there's nothing to fear about vaccinations—you just have to not think about the shot and not look at the needle. She didn't experience any side effects, as the doctor had called them.
She ran through the forest and happily told every animal she met: "I'm not afraid of vaccines!"
