The seasons gathered one day in a clearing in an old forest on some unknown planet: Winter in white regal clothing, Spring in a green dress, Summer in clothes made of flowers, and Autumn in golden raiment.
And they began to argue about who among them was most important and necessary. Each proved their significance. But they couldn't agree on anything sensible. They decided to go across the Earth and ask people which season was most needed.
Whether it was a long time or a short time, they wandered about the world, but never heard a definitive answer. It turned out that some people liked autumn, others—winter, and still others—summer and spring.
And everyone insisted that their favourite season was the most important and necessary. Only two teenage boys, two friends Grisha and Sergei, spoke in unison, saying that all of them were important and necessary—each in their own time.
But the seasons didn't listen to the boys, returned to their clearing and sat down again at the "negotiating table" by the eternal fire. And they argued even more fiercely than before.
Suddenly the sky darkened, thunder rumbled, and lightning burned trees in the forest and in the centre of the clearing. In the place where the fire had been burning, a distant cousin of the great arguers appeared—Timelessness.
And he offered them his help: "While you argue and decide here, I will replace you on Earth." The seasons agreed and sent their distant cousin to people in their place.
Many years passed, and they continued to argue and argue. And the power-hungry Timelessness imposed his order on Earth. He changed everything and everyone: both animals and plants. He decided to change the Earth and, to begin with, enveloped it in thick fog.
Sunrays couldn't penetrate the thick veil, and gradually life on the planet began to fade: trees, flowers and grasses stopped growing, birds stopped singing, and bees could no longer collect pollen for honey. And people began to hear worse and almost stopped seeing. Chaos reigned on Earth.
People became frightened and went to live underground. But two brave friends Sergei and Grisha remained on the surface and decided to set off in search of the seasons. But where should they look? Which way should they go? All around was fog and dampness.
But this didn't stop the boys. Taking a large stick and a long rope with them, they set off on their journey.
They walked practically by touch: stumbling over stones and snags, falling into swamps. It was terrifying for them to walk, as they could hear neither the rustle of leaves nor the chirping of birds.
And then a new obstacle—a sheer cliff. The boys began to climb it. They climbed for a day, the second day was coming to an end, but there was no end in sight. And suddenly the boys found themselves in a cave.
Where did it come from at such a height? Unclear. But the boys were incredibly delighted, as they were very tired and needed rest.
They slept for three days like heroes. They might have slept longer, but they heard a bird singing. As if on command, the boys jumped to their feet and began to look around. No one. Where was this wonderful singing coming from?
Suddenly they saw a small bird, as if calling them somewhere. The boys obediently followed it. The little songbird led them to a winding staircase, which the brave rescuers, without hesitation, began to climb.
They walked and walked. It seemed the steps would never end. And finally, when no one had any strength left, the boys found themselves in a clearing in some old forest.
They had never seen such plants. Each tree, each bush and even each flower consisted of four parts: one—with buds and shoots, the second—flowering and fragrant, the third side consisted of yellow, red or withered leaves, and the fourth was covered with snow.
While Sergei and Grisha were examining the plants, the seasons appeared in the clearing. The boys weren't frightened by their formidable appearance and told them what trouble had brought them here.
They explained that the seasons couldn't quarrel and argue with each other, because each period was important in its own time, each in its own way.
The seasons understood what they had done. They returned to Earth and got down to their work—each in their turn. They wanted to drive away Timelessness, but changed their minds and forced him to fix everything.
Soon people left their shelters, and life on Earth became better than before, because everyone began to value what they had.
