Autumn had arrived. The weather was quiet and peaceful.
Young bear Motya sat under a birch tree, leaning against the trunk. Rays of sunlight filtered through the golden leaves and tickled Motya's nose with warmth. He squeezed his eyes shut in delight. His heart felt light and calm.
Zinn-zinn.
A sound rang out above his ear. Motya opened his eyes wide, turned his head, but saw no one. "I must be imagining things," he thought, and sank back into the autumn silence.
Zinn-zinn.
It repeated, this time above his other ear. Motya flinched: "Maybe I'm getting sick, my ears are ringing," but just to be safe, he asked:
Who's calling?
Zinn-zinn-ichka!
But I can't see you, are you invisible?
Zinn-zinn-ichka,
A tiny little bird!
Try to find me if you can,
I'll call to you with my voice!
Zinn-zinn! I'm here!
Motya followed the ringing voice:
What do you look like? Tell me so it's easier to find you!
Zinn-zinn! For my ringing voice, autumn has dressed me in a little yellow dress.
The sound came from the other side.
So how can I find you among all the yellow leaves?
My head is black with white cheeks, look more carefully, zinn-zinn!
I see! I see! How beautiful you are!
Motya exclaimed in wonder. The little bird quickly fluttered down from a branch and landed on Motya's outstretched paw.
Well, let's get to know each other – I'm a chickadee, they used to call me Zinichka. The swallows and rooks have already flown to warmer lands, but we chickadees are non-migratory birds.
Don't be sad, I'll play with you!
Dzinn, won't you fall asleep? Won't you go into hibernation?
No, it's still too early. When the snow falls, only then will I build myself a den and sleep until spring.
Zinn! Wonderful! Find me!
And the chickadee disappeared.
Zinn-zinn!
It could be heard from the neighbouring oak tree.
Motya became very close friends with the cheerful chickadee, and for two months they frolicked together, playing hide-and-seek and telling each other interesting stories. But the time came to part until spring.
Don't be sad, little chickadee, I'll sleep a bit, and, snore – snore…
Motya said, yawning as he settled into bed. But soon the young bear was snoring sweetly.
Zinn, sleep peacefully, Motya. When you wake up, I'll definitely be nearby.
