In a wonderful, marvellous forest there lived a Rabbit. The long-eared creature lived in his little house beneath a tremendous tree that spread its branches in all directions. Every day the Rabbit would leave his home in search of food, and when he returned, he would invite all his numerous forest friends over. Together they would eat and share interesting stories.
The Rabbit was very kind; he never hurt anyone and always tried to help the other forest creatures. Once the long-eared one caught a nut that his friend Squirrel had dropped. The nut had fallen from the tree and rolled down the hill. The Rabbit saw this and rushed after it. Having caught up, he gave the nut back to Squirrel. He ran very quickly and could outrun any forest creature.
And once the Rabbit helped Owl find her way home. The bright sun had blinded Owl's eyes, and she had become lost. The Rabbit saw that the night hunter was sitting on a branch and crying. He immediately understood what was wrong and offered his help.
And so one fine morning the Rabbit woke up and remembered that tomorrow was his birthday. Of course, he immediately thought about what present he would receive. After all, it often happens that you dream of one thing, but receive a completely different gift. And then you feel so upset. And sometimes you fall asleep thinking about receiving, for example, a new beautiful game, and you do receive it. But for some reason you suddenly change your mind and start dreaming of something else.
The Rabbit's thoughts were interrupted by the singing of birds, who were singing their beautiful songs at the top of their voices. The Rabbit stretched out his paws, had a good stretch and got up. He had no idea at all what he wanted for his birthday. He already had toys, interesting books, and beautiful clothes.
And so the long-eared one decided to go for a walk in the forest. There, surely someone would help him decide what present he was dreaming of.
The Rabbit runs through the forest and suddenly sees Mole before him.
Hello, friend!
The Rabbit said happily.
Hello.
Mole mumbled barely audibly.
Why are you so gloomy? Has something happened?
The Rabbit asked cheerfully.
No, nothing. I'm just tired. I've been digging a burrow all day, and all by myself, without tools or help.
Mole replied.
The Rabbit thought for a moment, scratched his head, and said:
Oh, that would be the perfect present! Well, Mole, see you later, I still have lots to do.
The Rabbit ran further through the forest. And suddenly a large bag of nuts came crashing down to the ground in front of him.
Hey, up there. Why are you throwing things! Does it matter that I'm standing under the tree, and you nearly hit me on the head?
The Rabbit cried out, tilting his long-eared head upwards.
Sorry, friend!
A guilty voice was heard from above.
The Rabbit looked up and saw a squirrel on the branch.
I dropped my little bag, which I use to collect nuts. It's quite old now and the handles have fallen off. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to.
The squirrel jumped down from the branch to the ground and smiled shyly.
The Rabbit scratched his head again, examined the little bag carefully and went on his way.
He runs through the forest, humming a little tune, thinking about tomorrow. And suddenly his thoughts were interrupted by a terrible knocking sound. It was the Woodpecker making a hole in the tree.
Hey, Woodpecker, hello, friend!
The Rabbit cried out.
Hello, little Rabbit. I'm making a new hole, getting ready for winter, I need to insulate myself. I spent last winter in a small house, and I froze so much that I had to brew berries and drink tea for two whole weeks.
The Woodpecker replied.
Meanwhile, it was already getting dark outside, so the Rabbit decided to go home. He wanted to go to bed early today so he could wake up early tomorrow. After all, tomorrow was his birthday and he couldn't wait to receive his presents.
Every year the Rabbit makes a wish, and presents appear in his house early in the morning. Who brings them is still unknown. But the Rabbit knows that he will never be without a present.
The Rabbit settled into his warm bed and began to dream. What was going on in his head, in his thoughts — nobody knows. But the important thing is that the Rabbit knew what he wanted and firmly believed that it would definitely come true.
In the morning he woke up in a wonderful mood. Getting out of bed and going to the door, he saw a huge box. Hurrah! It's a present!
There was a knock at the door, and the Rabbit hurried to open it. On the doorstep stood Mole, Squirrel and Woodpecker.
Happy birthday, friend!
They cried out in unison.
Thank you so much! Thank you for not forgetting my birthday and coming to congratulate me. I was just about to open my present! Come on, let's hurry!
The Rabbit said happily.
The Rabbit placed the box in the centre and began to open it. He reached his paw down and said joyfully:
This is for you! You'll be able to dig burrows quickly and easily!
He handed a beautiful bright spade to the Mole.
And this is for you!
The Rabbit took out a beautiful red little bag from the box and handed it to the Squirrel.
This little bag is just right for nuts.
The Rabbit's friends were speechless; they couldn't understand what was really happening! Why was the Rabbit giving them presents when it was his birthday?!
And this is for you!
The Rabbit took out a set of hammers for the Woodpecker from the box.
This is so you don't damage your beak on the hard bark of the tree. You'll make yourself a big and warm house.
What does this mean?
The Rabbit's friends cried out in unison, utterly bewildered!
It means, my friends, that for my birthday I ordered friends, or rather happiness for my friends. After all, if you're all doing well, then I'll be happy too! True friends — that's the best present in the world!
