In the distance, beautiful tiled roofs could be seen, and the little puppy Rex's strength was running out. But his desire for lunch was so great that he pulled himself together and quickened his pace.
Since lunch could only be obtained in a village or town from kind-hearted people, he headed towards the nearest settlement.
It turned out to be a small village with well-kept streets, planted with beautiful and fragrant flowers. Bees circled above them and butterflies fluttered about.
One of the butterflies landed on Rex's nose, and he began to swat at it with his paw. But the butterfly seemed to be playing with Rex, flying away and then approaching again, tickling his nose with its wings. At first he was annoyed, but then without noticing, he got drawn into the game himself. Rex walked down the street, and the butterfly flew alongside. That's how their friendship began.
Catching the smell of roasted meat, Rex drew in a deep breath and slowly followed the aroma. He saw a large oven, and beside it a cook who was stirring some dish in an enormous frying pan. Whimpering pitifully, Rex looked questioningly straight into his eyes.
The cook smiled and said:
What, hungry are you? Well, come here, have a bone!
Rex, expressing his gratitude, wagged his tail and, grabbing the bone, began to gnaw on it. Meanwhile, the butterfly settled on a daisy blooming nearby and began to drink its nectar. Thus, each of them had their own lunch.
Having finished their meal, Rex set off on his way again, but no longer alone. He now had a friend, Butterfly. They decided to go to the stream to drink some clean, cold water. Descending from the hill into the valley, they found themselves right by the water. It was transparent and beckoned with its coolness.
Bending down low, Rex could even see the bottom of the stream. And there, what a wonder! At the very bottom of the spring swam a charming common frog. She jumped out of the water and smiled cheerfully at Puppy and Butterfly.
Hello.
Said Rex.
You're so sweet and friendly. Butterfly and I are travelling here. Would you like to join us?!
Excellent idea, thank you for the invitation. I'd be delighted to accept.
Said Frog.
They settled on the bank of the stream and held a competition for the best drawing.
Puppy Rex drew a beautiful house, Butterfly drew a gentle sun, and Frog drew green grass and spreading trees. It turned out to be a real picture.
Let's.
Said Butterfly.
Leave it here, on the sand. Perhaps someone will want to add to our drawing.
Rex and Frog agreed. And, casting a wistful glance at their creation, they set off again, now as a trio.
In the distance a small wood could be seen, and the friends decided to head straight for it. After all, it was from there that such wonderful birdsong could be heard that they wanted to see with their own eyes who was singing so beautifully.
The forest grew closer, and the singing grew stronger and clearer. Stopping under a tree, the travellers raised their heads and saw a small, plain little bird. It was her clear and mysterious voice that had lured them towards the forest.
The bird's name was Nightingale. And since nightingales sing in the evening and at night, it became clear to the friends that it was time to look for a place to spend the night. They hadn't noticed how quickly the day had passed, and it was getting dark.
Thanking Nightingale for the wonderful song, they set off in search of a secluded spot for the night. Suddenly, something stirred under a large tree stump. Slightly frightened, Rex, Butterfly and Frog jumped aside. And then a little face with a pointed nose appeared. It was Hedgehog...
Hello everyone!
He said cheerfully.
Where are you heading at this time of night?
Well, we'd like to find a place to spend the night. We're tired from the day, and night is approaching.
Said Rex.
Then you're lucky you met me. I'd be happy to help you. See this big stump? That's my home. I live here. And there's plenty of room in it, enough for everyone. Make yourselves comfortable, please, wherever suits you, it'll all be warm and cosy.
Butterfly settled on a twig—a shoot from the stump. Frog hid under a root sticking out above the ground, and Rex lay down at the threshold, like a true guard. Hedgehog also took his usual place.
The forest became completely dark, only the stars twinkled in the sky, and the bright moon shone. The friends settled down comfortably and fell into a deep sleep, so that in the morning they would wake up refreshed and rested. And so that in the new day they could set off on a new exciting journey.
Read fairy tales, and your heart will feel warm and pleasant!
