Winter had turned out severe and snowy. Heavy clouds hung just above the treetops and seemed almost to touch them. Rare rays of sunlight barely pierced through the clouds, and then one could see that far below, amongst the trees and shrubs, someone was there and something was bustling and moving.
All of this was observed with great interest by a solitary little snowflake who, amongst a circle of fluffy friends just like herself, merrily fluttered amongst the clouds and cloudlets. But whilst her friends, laughing heartily, tried to catch one another in gusts of cold wind and attempted to fluff up their patterns even more, the Little Snowflake kept glancing downwards and thinking about what was down there, who was running about between the trees and bushes, who was sparkling on the meadows and near the frozen river?
She was terribly curious, as she couldn't imagine that life existed anywhere else besides here—amongst the clouds in the reflections of sunbeams.
Oi, Snowflake, come along 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.
The Little Snowflake replied and winked towards the forest, which spread its sprawling green arms covered in snow.
Oh, what nonsense you're talking! There's nobody there and besides, it's fun and interesting up here. Look how merrily we flutter, spin, and have a jolly time.
Fluffy Snowflake called out cheerfully.
Well, if you don't want to—that's your business, but we're off!
She whirled into a snowy-airy dance with the other snowflakes fluttering amongst the little clouds.
The Little Snowflake, meanwhile, had finally decided to check what was down below and began gradually and cautiously to descend.
Who's this breaking away from the group?
The Snowflake heard a loud and booming cry from somewhere to the side.
The Snowflake was frightened and trembled unexpectedly in the gusts of wind. Turning over in an updraught, she saw not far from herself a handsome eagle who soared in the sky like a great airship, menacingly 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 quite flustered and didn't know what to say.
Well now, you're quite silly. What could possibly be interesting down there? It's far better up here—freedom, fly wherever I want, catch daydreaming crows, and enjoy life.
The eagle snorted, spreading his strong and beautiful wings with pleasure in the powerful gusts of harsh wind.
That's true, but still, I'm curious about what's there.
The Little Snowflake agreed, watching as the wind tossed the eagle about and enveloped him in its gusts.
Well, all right, it's your business, but I must be off hunting.
The eagle reluctantly agreed and, catching another gust of wind, powerfully turned and rushed off somewhere amongst the clouds in search of his next meal.
The Little Snowflake watched him go with a half-frightened gaze and continued, spinning, to descend lower and lower. She had barely recovered from her encounter with the heavenly beauty when she was surrounded by a flock of young crows who began racing past her like mad things, 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 below.
The Little Snowflake protested.
There's nothing interesting there, only forest and acorns mixed with fallen leaves!
Is that all?
The Snowflake asked disappointedly.
She had so hoped that there was still something there that had been beckoning and attracting her throughout her brief life amongst the dark clouds and winds.
Oh, forget about you! We want to play and fly!
One of the most vocal crows exclaimed, after which she cawed loudly, and the noisy company, overtaking and tugging each other by the tail and wings, flew off somewhere amongst 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. The 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 snowflakes just like her 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!
The Little Snowflake said, turning to all her neighbours.
Hello, friend!
A low and rich voice responded nearby.
The Little Snowflake turned and saw a beautiful, large beauty—an Icy Snowflake.
We're delighted to see you in our company!
Came a voice from another direction. This was the Pink Snowflake speaking, who hung on a twig of a bilberry bush.
Oh, how interesting!
Was heard from yet another direction, 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 amongst the snowflakes, the branch, and the icicle became merrier and more interesting. The Little Snowflake was so pleased to have found new friends. Her worries that her dream would remain unfulfilled had proved groundless. The new friends quickly bonded with the Snowflake, learnt with interest the story about the handsome eagle and the flock of noisy crows, and also began asking the new guest about what it was like up above.
Never before had the Little Snowflake been the centre of such attention; everything was interesting to her: the new friends, the mesmerising 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; her new friends were always nearby.
Because of this, the Little Snowflake began to sparkle even more; her soul was filled with joy and merriment, and she wanted to spin and play. But new adventures awaited her ahead, of which the Little Snowflake didn't yet suspect; discoveries and even greater amazement awaited her. However, that's for the next tale. The continuation of the Little Snowflake's adventures follows...
