In a large family there lived a little bun called Kolobuk. His name was Roundy. He had no friends and lived by himself.
His favourite pastime was walking through the magical forest, even though he was afraid of everything there.
One day, while enjoying nature and fresh air, he didn't notice a little fox creeping very close to him, wanting to eat him. There was no one to complain to, as his family hardly paid him any attention.
As evening approached, Kolobuk ran away from the fox and wandered into a thick, dense forest. The forest was almost asleep, with only the hooting of a night owl breaking the silence.
Roundy was so frightened that he pressed himself against a birch tree trunk and fell fast asleep from exhaustion right there in the forest.
In the morning, he was awakened by cheerful voices. Trembling with fear, he struggled to open his eyes and saw three pairs of curious eyes. Three white hare brothers were examining Kolobuk.
How did you end up here?
Asked the bravest little hare.
I got lost again.
Kolobuk answered, almost in tears.
Let's get to know each other. What's your name?
Asked one of the little hares.
I'm Kolobuk Roundy, and what should I call you?
We're brother hares: Goodheart, Smokey, and Dick.
The three answered almost in unison.
And what are you doing here?
Kolobuk asked, looking carefully at each fluffy creature.
The forest is our home, we live here!
And you're not scared at all?
Kolobuk continued to ask in amazement.
Not scared at all. We change our coats to make it easier to hide from the wolf.
Smokey said quietly but confidently.
We invite you to visit us in our warm little house. You can warm up, and we'll have tea with biscuits and sweets.
Offered Goodheart.
You're shaking from the cold, and it's definitely not summer outside.
Just then, a strong wind picked up, and a blizzard was approaching.
Let's hurry after us.
Cried one of the brothers and ran towards their home.
Roundy didn't hesitate and followed them.
The hares lit the fireplace, set the table, and poured tea.
They sat together, chatting pleasantly and naturally.
Kolobuk noticed a beautiful but rather mysterious cabinet standing against the wall.
The cabinet doors were decorated with intricate carved patterns. Whoever made these patterns was a true master of their craft.
Roundy's curiosity got the better of him, and he asked:
What is this cabinet? It's so beautiful and unusual!
All in good time, you'll find out soon.
Dick answered mysteriously.
Suddenly, the clock chimed loudly and clearly.
Roundy asked alertly:
What are those sounds? What is it?
Come on.
The three brothers smiled mischievously and headed towards the cabinet door.
Kolobuk had no choice but to follow them. A bright light struck his eyes.
Roundy froze in amazement: before him was a forest, but completely unlike the one he had come from.
The trees were all covered in white fluffy snow, and each little spruce tree twinkled with beautiful colourful lights. The animals were peacefully talking to each other.
Seeing his new friends, Kolobuk decided to approach and thank the hares for the fairy tale he had found himself in.
But he lost sight of them again; they disappeared into the crowd.
Watching the magical forest and the little creatures, Kolobuk noticed an old man. He was wearing a red coat and hat, and in his hand was a huge silvery staff.
The top of the staff sparkled with the same lights as the trees. He recognized this old man—it was the real Father Frost.
He had never seen him before, but he remembered him well from fairy tales.
Oh, Grandfather Frost.
Roundy approached him joyfully and at the same time a little frightened.
Tell me your wish, Kolobuk.
Grandfather said confidently.
I have only one wish: I want to never be afraid of anything again.
Roundy asked sincerely.
As you wish, from now on you will be the Fearless Kolobuk.
Father Frost said and struck his staff several times.
In that very moment, Kolobuk's eyes grew heavy, he felt so sleepy that he fell asleep right there on the meadow.
Roundy woke up in his warm, cosy bed at home.
He was so upset, realizing that it had all just been a dream.
After breakfast, Kolobuk went outside, expecting to be teased again.
But what his friends said surprised him; he hadn't expected to hear:
Look, the Fearless Kolobuk is coming.
The animals whispered quietly to each other.
Roundy came closer and asked:
Am I really Fearless?
Kolobuk asked himself more than anyone else.
Of course you are! You weren't afraid and ventured into the dark forest that no one has ever returned from!
The Fearless Kolobuk just smiled in response.
«But this isn't a dream at all!» thought Roundy, and he went off to play snowball fights with his friends.
From that time on, no one teases the Fearless Kolobuk, and he himself is not afraid of anything or anyone!
