Little Misha was a big fan of toy robots. His entire room was filled with different models, large and small, and there were even some that could talk. On each birthday, his parents gave their son another robot, which immediately received a name.
In class, almost all the boys envied Misha because no one else had such a large collection of toys. Once, even one of his friends wanted to trade his new remote-controlled car for one of Misha's robots, but the boy refused outright.
Misha, you've got loads of these robots! Come on, let's swap. Look at this brilliant car I've got!
His friend pleaded.
No, I don't need your cars! I want to build an entire army of robots that will protect me and my family.
Misha replied, and after school he would rush straight home.
After some time, Misha learned that a new boy had moved into their neighbourhood. His name was Daniil. He had moved with his parents into a new house next door to Misha's.
One day there was a knock at the door.
Who's there?
Misha's mum asked.
It's your new neighbours.
Came the reply from the other side of the door.
Misha's mum hurried to open it. Standing on the doorstep was Daniil with his mum, and in her hands was a large, beautiful pie.
Misha, come and greet our guests!
Misha's mum called out warmly.
The two mothers immediately began sharing delicious recipes and discussing the news, settling in the kitchen. Meanwhile, the boys went to Misha's room.
Wow!
Said Daniil admiringly.
I've never seen such a robot collection! Can I touch them?
Carefully! Better not, you might break them!
Oh, come off it, what's the big deal about your collection!
Daniil snapped.
I've seen better!
Daniil turned around and left the room, feeling hurt and disappointed.
The next day the boys met at school.
So, how are your robots getting on? Still all in one piece, nothing broken?
Daniil asked Misha mockingly.
Misha looked at his new neighbour and said nothing. He didn't have time for such nonsense; a whole army was waiting for him at home.
Evening came, Misha switched off the light in his room and fell asleep.
A bright light and a loud crash woke the boy, coming from right above his head. Misha jumped up and nearly fell to the floor in surprise. Before him stood an entire army of robots, the ones that used to live on his shelf. Now these robots seemed to have come to life, moving around the room and making strange sounds like engine rumbles and grinding noises.
At-ten-tion!
One of them said in an electronic voice.
We have a tar-get! We must pro-tect our home!
Misha couldn't believe his eyes. The boy looked out of the window in fear and saw that his house was surrounded. On the street stood Daniil and the other boys, with catapults and stones in their hands, clearly preparing for an attack.
Hey, Misha, what are you doing standing there? Come out! If you won't share your robots nicely, then take this!
A huge stone flew through the window.
At that moment everything around began to sparkle with bright lights, and right before Misha's eyes his little robots transformed into real huge machines, ready to protect their home and their master. Lights flashed on their heads, and real rifles appeared in their hands, though they fired paper bullets.
Daniil and the other boys climbed over the fence, smashed the window with their catapult and were about to climb into the room to take the robot collection.
But the robots, now transformed into real soldiers, raised their rifles and one of them whistled loudly:
O-p-e-n-f-i-r-e!
There was whistling, humming, roaring, the lights flashed on and off, the robots defended the room, whilst Daniil and the boys just shouted:
Retreat, run away!
Misha closed his eyes for a moment and opened them again. Everything around was in perfect order, his robot collection, safe and sound, stood on the same shelf, the window was intact. An alarm clock woke the boy—it was time to get ready for school.
It must have been a dream!
Misha sighed with relief and began to get ready for school.
Misha entered the classroom. Daniil was already sitting at his desk, and he had a large black eye and his arm was in a sling. When the boy saw Misha, he quickly opened his satchel and took out a beautiful box with a robot from the latest collection.
This is for you!
Daniil said quietly and shook Misha's hand.
Then Misha understood that it wasn't a dream at all, and that miracles do happen to us—we just need to believe in them.
Read fairy tales and you will always be able to emerge victorious from difficult situations.
