Spring. The sun shines brightly. At the edge of the forest, green grass has appeared and the first flowers have blossomed.
Young Hedgehog awoke in her soft, warm burrow lined with moss after winter hibernation. She had prepared thoroughly for winter, just as her mother had taught her: she had gathered plenty of moss, built up fat reserves under her skin, and stored food for the long winter months. So her sleep had been very sweet indeed.
Hedgehog stretched, yawned, opened her eyes wide and thought: "It's warm in my burrow, but spring has arrived. It's time to venture out into the light and see what's happening in the forest."
And the forest was lovely. Warm rays enveloped and warmed the earth. Snowdrops bloomed everywhere. The trees stood with swollen buds: green leaves would soon appear.
Young Hedgehog breathed in the fresh spring air, fluffed up the spines on her coat and looked around. What could she have for lunch? Suddenly an earthworm emerged from the ground. Hedgehog grabbed it... and ate it.
How long it's been since I've enjoyed such delicacies," she thought.
While she was examining the early flowers, a young Hedgehog approached her.
Hello, Hedgehog! How are you? Have you just woken up? I've been walking around here for two days now, looking for friends. Shall we be friends!
Good day," Hedgehog answered shyly. "I've only just come out onto the ground and don't know anyone."
Our burrows are next to each other, so we're neighbours. And neighbours can certainly become friends! I've already met Mole. He lives with his mother and sisters quite nearby. We have a lot in common: we love earthworms and spend all winter underground. Only moles don't sleep, but walk through their underground tunnels, whilst we sleep in our soft burrows. In spring, Mole peeks out from underground and sits in one place because the sun's rays blind him. But we come to the surface and warm ourselves in the sunshine, walk through the forest, and make new friends.
But what are friends and friendship?" asked Hedgehog.
I heard old Owl say that a friend is someone who is always nearby. Friends go together to pick mushrooms and berries, search for food. And friendship is when you have many friends and everyone helps each other.
What do you mean, help?" Hedgehog wondered.
Well, for example, if an Eagle Owl, an Eagle, or another bird of prey attacks us. Or perhaps it's a Fox or a Wolf. And together we fight back against the enemy – we help each other. We curl up into balls and stick out our spines. The enemy gets pricked, gets frightened and runs away. Or, for example, if you're building a burrow – I help you insulate it. And then you help me. Do you understand?"
Just as Hedgehog said this, the dark shadow of a large bird's wing covered the friends.
Quick, hide in your burrow! Danger! Enemy!" he shouted loudly.
Young Hedgehog was so frightened that she tumbled to the bottom of her burrow in an instant.
What was that? After my long sleep I'd forgotten all our enemies. What a clever fellow my neighbour is – he warned me in time. Now I'll be more careful!" she thought, lying on the soft moss.
After a while, Hedgehog plucked up courage to peek out of her burrow.
Why have you been sitting at home so long? Were you very frightened?" asked Hedgehog. He had been waiting for his neighbour to appear.
Yes, I was frightened.
Will you be my friend? It's more fun and safer together.
I will, you live right next door.
Come on, I'll introduce you to Mole," and Hedgehog led young Hedgehog along the forest path.
Look how beautiful it is around here!" Hedgehog admired the spring forest.
Most importantly, don't lose your vigilance, the enemy might appear again," Hedgehog warned his friend.
Look, a May bug has flown by! I wish I could catch it and eat it," Hedgehog said dreamily.
Approaching Mole's burrow, Hedgehog called out loudly: "Mole, we've come to see you! We're your friends!". After a few minutes, a head appeared from the burrow, and then the whole Mole.
Hello! And who is this with you, Hedgehog?
This is my neighbour Hedgehog. Will you be her friend?
I can't see her very well, but I can smell her. Of course I'll be her friend. When you have many friends – that's good. Come closer, Hedgehog, I'll treat you," and Mole gave her some fresh green grass.
Thank you very much! But I didn't bring a gift," Hedgehog was upset.
But I did," said Hedgehog and handed Mole an earthworm.
Thank you, Hedgehog!
You're welcome, I did it from the heart… for our friendship.
Let's lie in the sunshine and warm our bellies!" suggested Mole.
The three friends lay down on the warm green grass on their backs, and the spring sun's rays began to warm them.
