In a faraway town there lived a boy called Misha with a very kind heart. He didn't live alone, of course, but during the summer he was often bored. His mum went to work every day and only returned late at night, his dad was away on business trips altogether, and his classmates were all off travelling to seaside resorts and holidays.
So Misha usually went for walks. And on one such day he was passing by a dense forest when suddenly — a light flashed. His mum had told the boy not to go into the forest, but curiosity proved stronger than any warning.
Without a moment's hesitation, Misha headed into the forest. The strange light led him to a clearing — and what a scene unfolded there! A butterfly of incredible beauty, the size of a hand or even larger, was tangled in a web. And a spider no less enormous was crawling towards it.
Had it been anyone else in Misha's place, they would have been frightened, but our hero was brave. He wasn't scared, picked up a stick and drove the terrible creature away. And the butterfly suddenly vanished. And all at once a beautiful young woman appeared in the clearing, in a long dress and with delicate wings.
Thank you, my saviour.
She spoke in a ringing voice.
Since you found me and saved me, I grant you three wishes. What do you desire?
Misha even rubbed his eyes with his hand — the beauty hadn't disappeared. And then, smiling broadly, he squeezed his eyes shut and wished:
I want a Transformer. From the new collection.
You shall have a Transformer this evening. What else do you wish for?
Misha paused to think. Wishes are such a thing, you mustn't waste them on any old rubbish. Books said that magic only comes once in a lifetime.
I want… I want Mum and Dad not to have to work so much.
The boy stated firmly. A gentle smile appeared on the fairy's lips.
Excellent choice. And the last one?
How about… How about you tell me everything about magic!
The boy couldn't help himself.
Well, I can't tell you absolutely everything, but… What do you want to know? Let's not count this as a wish.
Who are you? Are you a real fairy? And where are the others? Why haven't I seen any of you before?
In the smiling girl's eyes, sadness suddenly flickered.
Yes, I am a fairy. There are many of us, but we live in our own world, where you cannot reach. I alone fly about your world. I was cursed long ago. I met a powerful sorcerer, and he demanded wishes. I refused to help him, and in return he imprisoned me on Earth. I must fulfil your wishes…
The fairy sadly lowered her head. Unable to bear it, Misha ran up to her and stroked her head.
Don't cry! You know what? Let my third wish be: that you are free!
The fairy laughed with happiness, thanked the boy warmly and melted away right there on the forest path. And that evening Mum came home. She shared the good news that she and Dad had been promoted, and now they would be home more often.
And she brought a Transformer as a gift, naturally.
