In a small house lived a little girl named Vera with her parents. She loved to play in her room while her mom cooked in the kitchen. But when her mom asked her to tidy up after herself, Vera would whine and refuse. She really didn't like cleaning her room at all.
One evening, the girl was busy with her toys as usual. Suddenly, someone sneezed in the corner behind the bed. Vera thought she imagined it. But it happened again.
Then Vera became curious, and she wasn't scared one bit. She moved all the toys away from the corner and peeked behind the bed. There sat a strange, shaggy little man. His hair and beard looked like dust bunnies. The little man lifted his head and got frightened—he never expected to be discovered, since no one had ever looked in that corner before.
Who are you?
Vera asked nervously.
And what are you doing here?
Hello, Vera! I'm the Dusty Little Man. You never clean your room, and for me—it's the perfect place to live! The more dust there is, the faster I grow!
I don't want you living in my room!
The girl said firmly.
Then you'll never get rid of me. How about we be friends instead!
The little man said.
I'm almost ready, and soon I'll drive you all out of this house and build my own kingdom!
No, I will never be your friend!
The girl cried out.
I'll clean all the dust right now and chase you out forever! And I won't let you come back here again!
The girl ran to her mom in the kitchen, got a damp cleaning cloth and a vacuum cleaner from her, and started tidying up her room. Very soon everything around sparkled with cleanliness, and the Dusty Little Man had no choice but to leave the house for good.
From that day on, Vera's room was always clean and all the dust was wiped away.
