From early morning the winter house was in a flutter: the snowflakes were getting ready for an airy dance. Each white beauty could perform this dance only once!
Oh, it is so exciting! How I long to whirl away in the dance at once!
And what happens afterwards? ― asked the smallest snowflake. ― What will happen?
What will happen, what will happen... You and your strange questions! Who cares! You'd better go and learn the dance! ― her sisters replied crossly.
The smallest snowflake just sighed. She always asked a great many questions. But what good are they if there are no answers? Well, in a couple of minutes she would whirl about in her first dance and find out everything!
And then the snowy hour arrived! The snowflake, together with her little sisters, left the house and found herself in the airy current of the dance.
How hard the little ones tried! Like white moths drawn to a flame, the snowflakes whirled and whirled. Many settled on rooftops, some on the trees, but our little one decided to float all the way down to the ground.
The ground was so black, with no snow at all, just green grass poking through here and there, and she so wanted to take a closer look. Of course, the snowflake did not know that the lovely spring was already ruling the streets, and that she and her sisters were only accidental guests.
Soon it was time to land. Nimbly flitting past a grumpy passer-by, the little one decided to settle on the roof of a bird table. She did not stay alone for long. A nippy sparrow flew in for breakfast and spotted the snowflake.
And what are we doing here? ― the sparrow asked crossly. ― This, in fact, is my café!
Well, first of all, good morning! And second, this is a bird table for all birds, and there is certainly no rule that stops snowflakes from resting on it! ― the visitor said all this with a smile. Although she was the smallest in her family, she had read a lot and knew everything about bird tables and birds.
Well, be my guest, ― chirped the sparrow, hiding his annoyance and hurt, and added with indifference, ― rest, then. You'll be asleep soon anyway!
I'll be asleep? ― the snowflake asked. ― And what happens next?
Nothing! You'll melt, that's all! For ever! ― the sparrow flapped his wings and flew away.
The little snowflake felt so sad that, if she could, she would have cried.
What's the matter, little one? ― came a gentle voice. It was like a tender melody that seeped into every fibre of her being.
It was the spring maiden.
I don't want to melt away for ever, ― the snowflake said sadly.
What is it, little one? Who has frightened you like this? I think I know, ― said Spring, and sternly called the sparrow, ― Pip, come here! You're up to your old tricks again!
Beside Spring appeared the very same sparrow who had frightened the snowflake. He looked guilty.
Dear Spring, forgive me, but she simply didn't understand, and I didn't get the chance to explain. She panicked straight away, silly thing, ― the sparrow chirped, and turning to the snowflake, apologised. ― I'm sorry, I never thought I'd frighten you!
So what will happen to me?
You'll find out for yourself very soon. Drop down onto the ground and have a little sleep, ― Spring smiled.
And I won't disappear for ever? ― the snowflake asked anxiously.
No, don't be afraid, everything will be fine. I'll be right beside you and sing a lullaby so you can fall asleep and gather your strength.
Spring's enchanting song was everywhere. It enveloped everything, like a mist, and the little snowflake, along with hundreds of her sisters, forgot all her worries and fell into a sweet sleep.
A couple of days later a tiny blue flower opened its eyes. All around it, other little flowers were waking up too. The sun kissed them right on their crowns, warming them carefully: let the little ones gather their strength!
The flower smiled:
Now I'm certain I won't melt! Thank you, Spring!
