Spring. The sun shines brightly. Green grass appears at the forest edge and the first flowers bloom.
Young Hedgehog woke up in her soft, warm burrow lined with moss after winter hibernation. She had prepared thoroughly for winter, just as her mother taught her: she had gathered plenty of moss, built up fat reserves under her skin, and stored food for the long winter months. So her sleep had been very sweet.
Hedgehog stretched, yawned, opened her eyes wide, and thought: "It's warm in my burrow, but spring has arrived. It's time to come out into the light and see what's happening in the forest."
And the forest was wonderful. Warm rays enveloped and warmed the earth. Snowdrops bloomed everywhere. Trees stood with swollen buds: green leaves were about to appear.
Young Hedgehog breathed in the fresh spring air, fluffed up the spines on her coat, and looked around. What could she have for lunch? Suddenly an earthworm crawled out from under the ground. Hedgehog grabbed it... and ate it.
How long it's been since I've enjoyed such delicacies, she thought.
While she was admiring the early flowers, a young Hedgehog approached her.
Hello, Hedgehog! How are you? Did you just wake up? I've been walking around here for two days already, looking for friends. Let's be friends!
Hello, answered Hedgehog shyly. I just came out of the ground and don't know anyone.
Our burrows are next to each other, so we're neighbors. And neighbors can certainly become friends! I've already met Mole. He lives with his mother and sisters very close by. We have a lot in common: we love earthworms and spend all winter underground. Only moles don't sleep, they walk through their underground tunnels, while we sleep in soft burrows. In spring, Mole peeks out from underground and sits in one place because the sun rays blind him. But we come to the surface and warm ourselves in the sun, walk through the forest, and make new friends.
But what are friends and friendship? asked Hedgehog.
I heard old Owl say that a friend is someone who is always nearby. Friends go together to pick mushrooms and berries, search for food. And friendship is when there are many friends and everyone helps each other.
How do they help? wondered Hedgehog.
For example, if an Eagle Owl, an Eagle, or another predatory bird attacks us. Or maybe it's a Fox or a Wolf. And we together fight back against the enemy—we help each other. We curl up into balls and stick out our spines. The enemy gets pricked, gets scared, and runs away. Or, for example, if you're building a burrow, I help you insulate it. And then you help me. Understand?
Just as Hedgehog said this, a dark shadow of a large bird's wing covered the friends.
Quick, hide in your burrow! Danger! Enemy! he shouted loudly.
Young Hedgehog was so frightened that she immediately tumbled to the bottom of her burrow.
What was that? After my long sleep I forgot all our enemies. What a good neighbor I have—he warned me in time. Now I'll be more careful! she thought, lying on the soft moss.
After some time, Hedgehog decided to peek out of her burrow.
Why did you stay home so long? Were you very scared? asked Hedgehog. He was waiting for his neighbor to appear.
Yes, I was scared.
Will you be my friend? It's more fun and safer together.
Yes, you live right next to me.
Come on, I'll introduce you to Mole, and Hedgehog led young Hedgehog down a forest path.
Look how beautiful it is around here! Hedgehog admired the spring forest.
Most importantly, don't lose your vigilance, the enemy might appear again, warned Hedgehog.
Look, a May beetle flew by! I wish I could catch it and eat it, said Hedgehog dreamily.
Coming to Mole's burrow, Hedgehog shouted loudly: "Mole, we've come to see you! We're your friends!". After a few minutes, a head appeared from the burrow, and then Mole himself.
Hello! And who is this with you, Hedgehog?
This is my neighbor Hedgehog. Will you be her friend?
I can't see her well, but I can smell her. Of course, I'll be her friend. When there are many friends, that's good. Come closer, Hedgehog, I'll treat you, and Mole gave her fresh green grass.
Thank you very much! But I didn't bring a gift, said Hedgehog sadly.
But I did, said Hedgehog and gave Mole an earthworm.
Thank you, Hedgehog!
You're welcome, I did it from the heart... for our friendship.
Let's lie in the sun and warm our bellies! suggested Mole.
The three friends lay down on the warm green grass on their backs, and the spring sun rays began to warm them.
