Winter turned out to be harsh and snowy. Heavy clouds hung right over the treetops and seemed almost to touch them. Rare rays of sunlight barely broke through the clouds, and then you could see that down there, far below among the trees and shrubs, someone was there and something was bustling and moving.
All of this was watched with great interest by a lonely little snowflake who, among a circle of fluffy friends just like herself, merrily fluttered among the clouds and cloudlets. But while her friends, laughing heartily, tried to catch one another in gusts of cold wind and attempted to fluff up their patterns even more, Little Snowflake kept looking down and thinking about what was down there, who was running between the trees and bushes, who was sparkling on the clearings and near the frozen river?
She was very curious, as she couldn't even imagine that life existed anywhere else besides here—among the clouds in the glimmers of sunlight.
Hey, Snowflake, come with us!
Fluffy Snowflake called out and waved her magnificent little needles.
No, Fluffy, I don't want to. I want to go down there.
Little Snowflake replied and winked toward the forest, which spread its sprawling green arms covered in snow.
Oh, what are you thinking? There's nobody there, and besides, it's fun and interesting up here. Look how merrily we flutter, spin, and have fun!
Fluffy Snowflake called out cheerfully.
Well, if you don't want to—that's your choice, but we're off!
She whirled into a snowy-airy dance with the other snowflakes fluttering among the clouds.
Little Snowflake, meanwhile, finally decided to check what was down there and began gradually and cautiously to descend.
Who's breaking away from the group here?
Snowflake heard a loud and booming call from somewhere to the side.
Snowflake was startled and trembled unexpectedly in the gusts of wind. Turning over in an updraft, she saw not far from herself a handsome eagle soaring in the sky like a great airship, fiercely surveying his heavenly domain and checking whether anyone had disturbed his peace.
Me, me... I want to find out what's down there, who's bustling about, and well...
From fright, she became completely flustered and didn't know what to say.
Well, you're quite silly. What could possibly be interesting down there? Up here is where it's at—freedom, fly wherever I want, catch unsuspecting crows, and enjoy life!
The eagle snorted, spreading his strong and beautiful wings with pleasure under the powerful gusts of harsh wind.
That's true, but still, I'm curious about what's there.
Little Snowflake agreed, watching as the wind tossed the eagle and enveloped him in its gusts.
Well, alright, it's your business, but I need to go hunting.
The eagle reluctantly agreed, and catching the next gust of wind, powerfully turned and rushed off somewhere among the clouds in search of his next meal.
Little Snowflake watched him go with a half-frightened gaze and continued spinning downward, descending lower and lower. She had barely recovered from her encounter with the sky's handsome resident when she was surrounded by a flock of young crows who began racing past her like mad, cawing loudly.
Look, a snowflake, a silly snowflake! Where are you flying, where are you falling?
The crows cawed loudly, shouting over the gusts of wind.
Why silly? I want to find out what's down there!
Little Snowflake protested.
There's nothing interesting there, just forest and acorns mixed with fallen leaves!
That's all?
Snowflake asked disappointedly.
She had so hoped that there was still something there that had been calling and attracting her throughout her brief life among the dark clouds and winds.
Oh, forget about you, we want to play and fly!
One of the loudest crows exclaimed, after which she cawed loudly, and the noisy company, overtaking and pulling each other by the tail and wings, flew off somewhere among the branches of the now-approaching forest.
The forest was already close; the first youngest branches had appeared, the wind began to die down, and forest silence replaced the turbulent gusts. Little Snowflake descended lower and lower, spellbound, watching with interest the increasingly mighty and beautiful snow-covered branches of the forest giants.
She became so absorbed in observing everything she was seeing for the first time that she didn't notice how quietly she settled onto the snow cover. And it turned out she wasn't alone here: there were many other snowflakes who, falling one beside another, had created a truly fluffy and soft blanket. The snow cover, following the contours of the forest clearing, concealed small shrubs, almost covered little trees, and stretched far into the distance.
Hello!
Little Snowflake said, turning to all her neighbours.
Hi there, friend!
A low and rich voice responded nearby.
Little Snowflake turned and saw a beautiful large beauty—Icy Snowflake.
We're glad to see you in our company!
Came from another direction. This was Pink Snowflake, who was hanging on a blueberry bush twig.
Oh, how interesting!
Was heard from yet another side, and this turned out to be the voice of a young tree branch that was holding several snowflakes and a small icicle at once.
The conversation among the snowflakes, the twig, and the icicle became merrier and more interesting. Little Snowflake was so happy to have found new friends. Her worries that her dream would remain unfulfilled turned out to be in vain. The new friends quickly bonded with Snowflake, learned with interest the story about the handsome eagle and the flock of noisy crows, and began asking the new guest about what it was like up there.
Never before had Little Snowflake been the centre of such attention; everything was interesting to her: the new friends, the mesmerizing silence, and the deep peace of the forest blanket. She gladly told them everything she knew. Her mood was wonderful. Now she wouldn't be alone; new friends were always nearby.
From this, Little Snowflake began to sparkle even more; her soul was filled with joy and merriment, she wanted to spin and play. But ahead of her awaited new adventures that Little Snowflake didn't yet suspect; discoveries and even greater wonder awaited her. But that's for the next tale. The continuation of Little Snowflake's adventures follows...
