After breakfast, young bear Motya set off into the forest with his grandfather Boris Mikhailovich to pick berries. Along the way, they were discussing the news about coronavirus:
You need to eat berries and vegetables to keep your immune system strong, then no virus will frighten us, not even 'Corona'!
Grandfather said.
Once we fill our baskets with berries, we'll eat some ourselves and give the rest to our parents!
That's very good, that you want to share!
Grandfather nodded approvingly. A neighbour, badger Grigory, was walking towards them:
Hello, neighbours! Where are you headed?
Hello, Grigory!
Boris Mikhailovich replied and looked at his grandson. But Motya remained silent, shivering.
Hello, Motya! I haven't seen you in ages, you've grown so big!
Grigory addressed the young bear. Motya silently turned away and frowned.
We're going for berries to strengthen our immune system.
Grandfather began to distract the neighbour so he wouldn't focus on Motya.
Well, all the best to you!
The neighbour waved and walked on. Grandfather felt very embarrassed for his grandson, and he told him a story:
This story happened long ago in our village. There lived a hedgehog named Fufik. He never greeted anyone, just snuffled to himself: 'Fu-fik, fu-fik-fuyte', and everyone thought he was saying: 'I won't greet anyone'. But we all know that when people greet each other, they wish each other good health. No one wished him health, no one greeted him. Soon our hedgehog grew weak, his back and legs hurt, and his eyesight became poor. He walks with a stick and snuffles: 'Fu-fik, fu-fik-fuyte'. Well, thinks the hedgehog, I could end up bedridden. He went to the dentist and had his fallen front tooth replaced. He smiled at the dentist and said clearly: 'Fdravstfuyte!', thought again and pronounced it even more clearly: 'Hello!'. Since then, you wouldn't recognise our hedgehog: he walks without a stick, smiles, and greets everyone.
On the way to the forest, Motya walked in silence. He imagined the poor hedgehog who wanted to greet others but couldn't. But he, Motya, could—all his teeth were in place, everything was fine—yet for some reason it was very difficult for him to say the word: 'Hello'.
And he remembered his grandfather's words: 'The first step is always the hardest, but you must overcome it. Otherwise, you will never find happiness for all'
The first time Motya greeted someone very quietly, shyly, almost inaudibly, then louder and more confidently. Now he waves his paw at everyone in greeting so they can see him even from afar, and says with a smile: 'Hello!'.
