Autumn had arrived. The weather was quiet and autumnal.
Young bear Motya sat beneath a birch tree, leaning against the trunk. Rays of sunlight filtered through the golden foliage and tickled Motya's nose with warmth. He squeezed his eyes shut with pleasure. His heart felt light and peaceful.
Zin-zin.
It sounded above his ear. Motya opened his eyes wide, turned his head, but saw no one. "I must have imagined it," he thought, and sank back into the autumn silence.
Zin-zin.
It came again, this time above his other ear. Motya flinched: "Perhaps I'm ill, my ears are ringing," but just to be safe, he asked:
Who's calling?
Zin-zin-ichka!
But I can't see you. Are you invisible?
Zin-zin-ichka,
A tiny little bird!
Try to find me if you can,
I'll call to you with my voice!
Zin-zin! I'm here!
Motya followed the ringing voice:
What do you look like? Tell me so it's easier to find you!
Zin-zin! For my ringing voice, autumn has rewarded me with a little yellow dress.
The voice came from the other side.
So how can I find you among all the yellow leaves?
My head is black with white cheeks. Look more carefully, zin-zin!
I see! I see! How beautiful you are!
Motya exclaimed in admiration. The little bird quickly fluttered from a branch and landed on Motya's outstretched paw.
Well, let's get acquainted – I'm a blue tit, and I used to be called Zinichka. The swallows and rooks have already flown to warmer lands, but we blue tits are non-migratory birds.
Don't be sad, I'll play with you!
Dzin, won't you fall asleep? Won't you go into hibernation?
No, it's still too early. When the snow falls, only then will I build myself a den and sleep until spring.
Zin! Wonderful! Find me!
And the blue tit disappeared.
Zin-zin!
It could be heard from the neighbouring oak tree.
Motya became very close friends with the cheerful blue tit. For two months they frolicked, playing hide-and-seek and telling each other interesting stories. But the time came to part until spring.
Don't be sad, little blue tit. I'll sleep a bit, and then, snore – snore…
Said Motya, yawning as he settled into bed. But soon the young bear was snoring sweetly.
Zin, sleep peacefully, Motya. When you wake up, I'll definitely be nearby.
