Once upon a time, the seasons gathered in a clearing in an old forest on some unknown planet: Winter in white regal clothing, Spring in a green dress, Summer in clothes made of flowers, and Autumn in golden garments.
And they began to argue about who among them was most important and necessary. Each tried to prove their significance. But they couldn't reach any agreement. They decided to go to Earth and ask people which season was the most needed.
They wandered the world for a long time, but never heard a clear answer. It turned out that some people loved autumn, others loved winter, and still others loved summer and spring.
And everyone insisted that their favorite season was the most important and necessary. Only two teenage boys, two friends named Gregory and Sergei, declared in unison that all seasons were important and necessary—each in its own time.
But the seasons didn't listen to the boys, returned to their clearing, and sat down again at the "negotiating table" by the eternal fire. And they argued even more fiercely than before.
Suddenly the sky darkened, thunder rumbled, and lightning burned trees in the forest and in the center of the clearing. In the place where the fire had burned, a distant cousin of the great arguers appeared—Timelessness.
And he offered them his help: "While you argue and decide here, I will replace you on Earth." The seasons agreed and sent their distant cousin to people in their place.
Many years passed, and they continued to argue and argue. And the power-hungry Timelessness imposed his order on Earth. He changed everything and everyone: animals and plants. He decided to change Earth and began by wrapping it in thick fog.
Sunlight couldn't penetrate the dense veil, and gradually life on the planet began to fade: trees, flowers, and grass stopped growing, birds stopped singing, and bees could no longer collect pollen for honey. And people began to hear worse and almost stopped seeing. Chaos reigned on Earth.
People became frightened and went to live underground. But two brave friends, Sergei and Gregory, remained on the surface and decided to search for the seasons. But where should they look? Which way should they go? All around was fog and dampness.
But this didn't stop the boys. Taking a large stick and a long rope, they set out on their journey.
They walked almost by touch: stumbling over stones and snags, falling into swamps. It was terrifying to walk, as they heard neither the rustle of leaves nor the chirping of birds.
Then came a new obstacle—a sheer cliff. The boys began to climb it. They climbed for a day, then a second day was ending, but there was no end in sight. And suddenly the boys found themselves in a cave.
How did it appear at such a height? It was unclear. But the boys were incredibly happy, as they were very tired and needed rest.
They slept for three days like heroes. They might have slept longer, but they heard a bird singing. As if on command, the boys jumped to their feet and began to look around. No one was there. Where was this wonderful singing coming from?
Suddenly they saw a small bird, as if calling them somewhere. The boys obediently followed it. The little songbird led them to a winding staircase, which the brave rescuers began to climb without hesitation.
They walked and walked. It seemed the steps would never end. And finally, when everyone was exhausted, the boys found themselves in a clearing in some old forest.
They had never seen such plants before. Each tree, each bush, and even each flower consisted of four parts: one with buds and shoots, the second flowering and fragrant, the third side consisted of yellow, red, or withered leaves, and the fourth was covered with snow.
While Sergei and Gregory were examining the plants, the seasons appeared in the clearing. The boys weren't frightened by their stern appearance and told them what misfortune had brought them here.
They explained that the seasons couldn't quarrel and argue with each other, because each period was important in its own time, each in its own way.
The seasons understood what they had done. They returned to Earth and got down to their work—each in their turn. They wanted to drive away Timelessness, but changed their minds and forced him to fix everything.
Soon people left their shelters, and life on Earth became better than before, because everyone began to value what they had.
