The seasons gathered one day in a clearing in an old forest on some unknown planet: Winter in white regal clothing, Spring in a green dress, Summer in clothing made of flowers, and Autumn in golden robes.
And they began to argue about who among them was most important and necessary. Each one tried to prove their significance. But they couldn't come to any real agreement. They decided to go to Earth and ask people which season was the most needed.
They wandered the world for a long time, but never heard a definitive answer. It turned out that some people loved autumn, others loved winter, and still others loved summer and spring.
And everyone insisted that their favourite season was the most important and necessary. Only two teenage boys, two friends named Greg and Sergei, declared in unison that all of them were important and necessary—each in their own time.
But the seasons didn't listen to the boys, returned to their clearing, and sat down again at the "negotiation table" by the eternal fire. And they argued even more fiercely than before.
Suddenly the sky darkened, thunder rumbled, and lightning burned the trees in the forest and in the centre of the clearing. In the place where the fire had been burning, a distant cousin of the great arguers appeared—Timelessness.
And he offered them his help: "While you argue and decide, I'll replace you on Earth." The seasons agreed and sent their distant cousin to people in their place.
Many years passed, and they continued to argue and argue. And the power-hungry Timelessness imposed his own order on Earth. He changed everything and everyone: both animals and plants. He decided to change Earth and started by wrapping it in thick fog.
The sun's rays couldn't penetrate the thick veil, and gradually life on the planet began to fade: trees, flowers, and grasses stopped growing, birds stopped singing, and bees could no longer collect pollen for honey. And people began to hear worse and almost stopped seeing. Chaos reigned on Earth.
People became frightened and went to live underground. But two brave friends, Sergei and Greg, remained on the surface and decided to set out to find the seasons. But where should they look? Which way should they go? All around was fog and dampness.
But this didn't stop the boys. Taking a large stick and a long rope with them, they set out on their journey.
They walked almost by touch: stumbling over stones and snags, falling into swamps. It was terrifying to walk because they couldn't hear the rustle of leaves or the chirping of birds.
And then a new obstacle appeared—a sheer cliff. The boys began to climb it. They climbed all day, and the second day was coming to an end, but there was no end in sight. And suddenly the boys found themselves in a cave.
How did it appear at such a height? It was unclear. But the boys were incredibly happy because they were very tired and needed rest.
They slept for three days with the sleep of heroes. They might have slept longer, but they heard a bird singing. As if on command, the boys jumped to their feet and began to look around. No one was there. Where was this wonderful singing coming from?
Suddenly they saw a small bird, as if calling them somewhere. The boys obediently followed it. The little songbird led them to a winding staircase, which the brave rescuers began to climb without hesitation.
They climbed and climbed. It seemed like the steps would never end. And finally, when they had no strength left, the boys found themselves in a clearing in some old forest.
They had never seen such plants before. Each tree, each bush, and even each flower consisted of four parts: one with buds and shoots, the second flowering and fragrant, the third side consisted of yellow, red, or withered leaves, and the fourth was covered with snow.
While Sergei and Greg were examining the plants, the seasons appeared in the clearing. The boys weren't frightened by their stern appearance and told them what trouble had brought them here.
They explained that the seasons couldn't argue and quarrel because each period was important in its own time, each in its own way.
The seasons understood what they had done. They returned to Earth and got to work—each in their own turn. They wanted to drive away Timelessness, but changed their minds and forced him to fix everything.
Soon people left their shelters, and life on Earth became better than before, because everyone began to appreciate what they had.
