In a large family there lived a Kolobok. His name was Kruglyash. He had no friends and lived by himself.
His favorite pastime was walking through the magical forest, although he was afraid of everything there.
One day, while enjoying nature and fresh air, he didn't notice a little fox creeping very close to him, wanting to eat him. There was no one to complain to, as his family barely paid him any attention.
Towards evening, Kolobok, running away from the fox, wandered into a thick, dense forest. The forest was almost asleep, with only the hooting of a night owl breaking the silence.
Kruglyash was so frightened that he pressed himself against a birch trunk and fell into a deep sleep from exhaustion right there in the forest.
In the morning, he was awakened by cheerful voices. Trembling with fear, he barely opened his eyes and saw three pairs of curious eyes. Three white hares were examining Kolobok.
How did you end up here?
Asked the bravest little hare.
I got lost again.
Kolobok answered, almost crying.
Let's get to know each other. What's your name?
Asked one of the little hares.
I'm Kolobok Kruglyash, and what should I call you?
We're brother hares: Dobryak, Dymok, and Dik.
The three answered almost in unison.
And what are you doing here?
Kolobok asked, carefully examining each fluffy creature.
The forest is our home, we live here!
And you're not scared at all?
Kolobok continued to ask in amazement.
Not scared at all, we change our coats to make it easier to hide from the wolf.
Dymok said quietly but confidently.
We invite you to visit us in our warm little house. You can warm up, and we'll have tea with cookies and candy.
Offered Dobryak.
You're shaking from the cold, and it's definitely not summer outside.
At that very moment, a strong wind began to blow, and a blizzard was approaching.
Let's hurry after us.
Shouted one of the brothers and ran towards their home.
Kruglyash didn't hesitate and followed them.
The hares lit a fireplace, set the table, and poured tea.
They sat together, having a pleasant and relaxed conversation.
Kolobok noticed a beautiful but rather mysterious cabinet standing against the wall.
The cabinet doors were decorated with intricate carved patterns. Whoever made these patterns was a true master of their craft.
Kruglyash was overcome with curiosity and asked:
What is this cabinet? It's so beautiful and unusual!
All in good time, you'll find out soon.
Dik answered mysteriously.
Suddenly, the clock chimed loudly and piercingly.
Kruglyash asked alertly:
What are these sounds? What is this?
Let's go.
With a sly smile, the three brothers headed towards the cabinet door.
Kolobok had no choice but to follow them. A bright light struck his eyes.
Kruglyash froze in amazement: before him was a forest, but completely different from the one he had come from.
The trees were all covered in white fluffy snow, and each little spruce tree twinkled with beautiful colorful lights. The animals were peacefully talking to each other.
Seeing his new friends, Kolobok decided to approach and thank the hares for the fairy tale he had found himself in.
But he lost sight of them again, they disappeared into the crowd.
Watching the magical forest and the little animals, Kolobok noticed an old man. He was wearing a red coat and hat, and in his hand was a huge silver staff.
The top of the staff sparkled with the same lights as the trees. He recognized this old man—it was the real Father Frost.
He had never seen him before, but he remembered him well from fairy tales.
Oh, Grandfather Frost.
Kruglyash approached him joyfully and at the same time a little frightened.
Tell me your wish, Kolobok.
Said the old man confidently.
I have only one wish: I want to never be afraid of anything again.
Kruglyash asked sincerely.
As you wish, from now on you will be the Fearless Kolobok.
Said Father Frost and struck his staff several times.
In that very second, Kolobok's eyes grew heavy, he felt so sleepy that he fell asleep right there in the clearing.
Kruglyash woke up in his warm, cozy bed at home.
He was so upset, realizing that it had all just been a dream.
After having breakfast, Kolobok went outside, expecting to be teased again.
But the words of his friends surprised him, he didn't expect to hear:
Look, the Fearless Kolobok is coming.
The animals whispered quietly to each other.
Kruglyash came closer and asked:
Am I the Fearless one?
Kolobok asked, more to himself than to others.
Well yes, it was you who wasn't afraid and ventured into the dark forest from which no one had ever returned!
The Fearless Kolobok just smiled in response.
«But this isn't a dream at all!» thought Kruglyash and went to play snowball fights with his friends.
From that time on, no one teases the Fearless Kolobok, and he himself is not afraid of anything or anyone!
