In a wonderful, magical forest there lived a Hare. The long-eared one lived in his small house under a huge tree that spread its branches in all directions. Every day the Hare would leave his home in search of food, and when he returned, he would invite all his numerous forest friends over. Together they would eat and share interesting stories.
The Hare was very kind; he never hurt anyone and always tried to help other forest dwellers. Once the long-eared one caught a nut that his friend Squirrel had dropped. The nut fell from the tree and rolled down the hill. The Hare saw this and rushed after it. Catching up, he gave the nut back to Squirrel. He ran very fast and could outrun any forest creature.
And once the Hare helped Owl find her way home. The bright sun had blinded Owl's eyes, and she got lost. The Hare saw that the night hunter was sitting on a branch crying. He immediately understood what was wrong and offered his help.
And so one fine morning the Hare woke up and remembered that tomorrow was his birthday. Of course, he immediately thought about what gift he would receive. After all, it often happens that you dream of one thing but receive a completely different gift. And then you feel so upset. And sometimes you fall asleep thinking about getting, for example, a new beautiful game, and they give it to you. But for some reason you suddenly change your mind and start dreaming of something else.
The Hare's thoughts were interrupted by the singing of birds, who were singing their beautiful songs at the top of their voices. The Hare stretched out his paws, stretched well, and got up. He had no idea what he wanted for his birthday. He already had toys, interesting books, and beautiful clothes.
And so the long-eared one decided to go for a walk in the forest. There, someone would surely help him figure out what gift he was dreaming of.
The Hare runs through the forest and suddenly sees Mole in front of him.
Hello, friend!
The Hare said happily.
Hello.
Mole mumbled barely audibly.
Why are you so gloomy? Did something happen?
The Hare asked cheerfully.
No, nothing. I'm just tired. I've been digging a burrow all day, and all by myself, without tools or help.
Mole answered.
The Hare thought for a moment, scratched his head, and said:
Oh, that would be the perfect gift! Come on, Mole, see you later, I still have a lot to do.
The Hare ran further into the forest. And suddenly a large bag of nuts landed on the ground with a crash in front of him.
Hey, up there! Why are you throwing things! Does it matter that I'm standing under the tree and you almost hit me on the head?
The Hare cried out, raising his long-eared head.
Sorry, friend!
A guilty voice was heard from above.
The Hare looked up and saw a squirrel on the branch.
I dropped my little bag where I collect nuts. It's already very old and the handles fell off. I'm sorry, I didn't do it on purpose.
The Squirrel jumped from the branch to the ground and smiled shyly.
The Hare scratched his head again, looked carefully at the little bag, and went on.
He runs through the forest, humming a little song, thinking about tomorrow. And suddenly his thoughts were interrupted by a terrible knocking sound. It was the Woodpecker making a hole in the tree.
Hey, Woodpecker, hello, friend!
The Hare cried out.
Hello, little Hare. I'm making a new hole, getting ready for winter, I need to insulate. I spent last winter in a small house and froze so much that I had to brew berries and drink tea for two whole weeks.
The Woodpecker answered.
Meanwhile, evening was falling outside, so the Hare decided to go home. He wanted to go to bed early today so he could wake up early tomorrow. After all, tomorrow was his birthday and he couldn't wait to receive gifts.
Every year the Hare makes a wish, and gifts appear in his house early in the morning. Who brings them is still unknown. But the Hare knows that he will never be without a gift.
The Hare lay down in his warm bed and began to dream. What was happening in his head, in his thoughts—no one knows. But the important thing was that the Hare knew what he wanted and firmly believed that it would definitely come true.
In the morning he woke up in a wonderful mood. Getting out of bed and going to the door, he saw a huge box. Hurray! This is a gift!
There was a knock on the door, and the Hare hurried to open it. On the doorstep stood Mole, Squirrel, and Woodpecker.
Happy birthday, friend!
They cried out in unison.
Thank you so much! Thank you for not forgetting my birthday and coming to congratulate me. I was just about to open my gift! Let's go quickly!
The Hare said joyfully.
The Hare placed the box in the center and began to open it. He reached his paw down and said happily:
This is for you! You'll dig burrows quickly and easily!
He handed a beautiful bright shovel to the Mole.
And this is for you!
The Hare took out a beautiful red bag from the box and handed it to the Squirrel.
This bag is perfect for nuts.
The Hare's friends were speechless; they couldn't understand what was really happening! Why was the Hare giving them gifts when it was his birthday?!
And this is for you!
The Hare took out a set of hammers for the Woodpecker from the box.
This is so you don't break your beak on the hard bark of the tree. You'll make yourself a big and warm house.
What does this mean?
The Hare's friends cried out in unison, full of confusion!
It means, friends, that for my birthday I ordered friends, or rather happiness for my friends. After all, if everything is good for you, then I will be happy with you! True friends are the best gift in the world!
