In a magical land there lived magical creatures that resembled little gnomes. From birth, they each received a piece of happiness. They could give it to any person of their choosing. However, they had to do this before their 20th birthday. Otherwise, that piece of happiness would simply disappear.
One such gnome named Rocky was in no hurry to share his piece of happiness. But inevitably his 20th birthday was approaching, and he had to find within a week a person to whom he would want to give his piece of happiness.
To begin with, he decided to ask his friends who they had given their gifts to.
I gave my piece of happiness to a boy who dreamed of a toy that his parents couldn't afford to buy.
Rocky's friend told him.
And how did you find him?
It's quite simple. In our forest there is a wish tree. People often come to it and tie ribbons on which they write their secret wishes. And then it's quite easy to find that person. Our Wise One has a special mirror. It shows the person you're thinking of.
Thank you so much. I'll go to that tree too.
Rocky ran into the forest and found the important tree his friend had told him about. It was quite easy, as it stood out considerably. The tree was enormous and completely covered with colourful ribbons.
Rocky was amazed at how many wishes people had. He began to read the inscriptions. On one of them was written: "I want lots of money".
Is money happiness? In our country we don't have money at all, but we live happily.
Rocky thought and continued studying the inscriptions on the ribbons.
On another ribbon was written: "I want a new remote-controlled car".
A new one? That means he already has one. Why have lots of identical toys?
Rocky thought to himself.
Rocky continued studying the inscriptions on the ribbons. But whatever wish he looked at, it seemed foolish and meaningless to him. And then on the most inconspicuous ribbon he saw the inscription: "I really want my mum to be well".
Rocky joyfully and with excitement grabbed this ribbon and ran home to the Wise One. He was the eldest gnome in their magical land and knew the answers to many questions. People often came to him for help and advice.
Rocky burst into the Wise One's house. He was so out of breath that he couldn't say a word.
Good day, Rocky. What's happened?
The Wise One asked in alarm.
Hello, Wise One, I heard you have a magical mirror that can find any person.
Rocky said breathlessly.
Yes, that's right. What do you need it for?
You see, in a week I'll turn 20, and I still haven't given away my piece of happiness. There hasn't been anyone worthy. But I found something on the wish tree that I'd like to make happen.
Rocky said and handed the ribbon to the Wise One.
This is indeed a worthy wish. This person deserves happiness.
The Wise One said and took out the mirror.
Holding hands, they looked into the mirror and saw a little boy sitting by a bed in which his mum lay. She was very thin and pale. Tears streamed down the boy's cheeks. He clung to his mum and kissed her hand.
The Wise One gave Rocky magical gloves that allowed him to pass right through the mirror and appear in the place it showed. And Rocky, without hesitation, set off to the boy.
He took out his piece of happiness.
Hello, boy, tell me, what is happiness to you?
Rocky asked the little one.
It's the health of my loved ones. And who are you?
The boy asked in surprise.
That's not important. But I can give you my piece of happiness.
Rocky said and handed a parcel to the boy.
The little one took it, and then a miracle happened. The boy's mum opened her eyes. Her skin took on a natural colour. The boy hugged his mum and at that moment he was the happiest person in the world. And the gnome was glad that he had given his piece of happiness to a worthy person.
Everyone has their own understanding of happiness. But each of us would agree that happiness is when our loved ones are healthy and truly happy.
