In a forest lived a little rabbit. He was very hurried: as soon as he woke up, he would run off to play. He didn't like brushing his teeth or washing up. Instead, he often sat in the clearing and got angry that his friends didn't come as early as he did.
One day the rabbit was waiting for his friends again and finally saw a hedgehog in the distance.
Hedgehog, why are you so late? — he asked.
I don't like to rush, — answered the hedgehog, — I need to wash up, have breakfast, brush my teeth. Only then do I go for a walk.
Oh, that's so boring! — said the rabbit. — I don't like wasting time. Why wash up and brush your teeth? It's better to get to the clearing earlier.
That's not right, — objected the hedgehog, — your teeth might get sick that way. Ask anyone!
By this time, their friends had already gathered in the clearing.
Squirrel, do you brush your teeth? — asked the rabbit.
Of course! I need strong teeth to crack nuts! — answered the squirrel.
How boring you all are, — said the rabbit, — let's play instead!
They ran around the clearing, jumped over streams, and picked beautiful flowers. When it was time for lunch, all the friends ran home.
How great that I have a handful of candies in my pocket! — said the rabbit. — I don't need to go home for lunch, I can just eat these.
You eat too much candy! Your teeth will definitely get sick, — the Hedgehog told him.
Nonsense! I have good strong teeth. Look!
The rabbit picked an apple from a branch and bit into it.
Ouch! My teeth! It hurts so much! — he suddenly cried out and started to cry.
The hedgehog sighed sympathetically.
I warned you. Now you need to go to Aunt Owl. She's a doctor. She'll help.
Aunt Owl quickly healed the rabbit's teeth.
You must remember that you need to brush your teeth every day, — she said, — and eat less candy and rinse your mouth. Otherwise your teeth will always hurt. They might even get offended at you and run away for good!
From that day on, the rabbit took care of his teeth. And they never hurt again.
