Once upon a time, perhaps not so long ago, Ugri the naughty bunny went for a walk. Well, it wouldn't have been much of a story, but on this day he wasn't following his usual route.
Ugri's mother warned her every day:
- Beware, Ugri, don't stray from the path, don't go towards the forest, for there danger awaits you!
Of course, Ugri wouldn't have been Ugri if he hadn't been constantly thinking about going to see the forest that everyone is so afraid of.
- They say rabbits are scared, but I'm not!" he thought to himself as he set off.
Soon he reached the forest. It was no ordinary forest, for the trees were black and the birds were never to be seen, only heard. And no flowers were open under the trees.
Ugri stepped closer and tried to fall as far as possible into the thick mire. However, he could not see much, for the depths of the forest were covered in mist.
- It's really scary, Ugri thought, but I'm going into the forest anyway!
The little bunny started off with slow, silent steps, lest he wake a giant or a dragon. He didn't know what to expect in this forest, but he thought of everything but what was waiting for him in reality.
When he reached the foggy area, he hesitated a little, but summoned up all his courage and ventured further in. But soon he saw something he could never have imagined in his dreams!
After about 20-30 steps, the fog disappeared and you found yourself in a beautiful clearing. This clearing was as beautiful as the human eye - the bunny eye - had never seen.
It was covered in dazzling, fragrant flowers, all the colours of the rainbow. Butterflies fluttered happily and birds chirped merrily. Ugri now understood why they could hear the birds singing and not see any: these birds were so happy in the depths of the forest that their melodious song could be heard even from the forest.
As Ugri admired the beauty of the clearing, he suddenly became aware of strange little creatures. They looked like butterflies, or perhaps dragonflies, but they were not butterflies, and I think they looked like people.
When one of the creatures spotted Jumping, it immediately jumped up and greeted him:
- Hi, Ugri!
- Hi! How do you know me and who are you? - asked the little rabbit, surprised.
- I am Rainbow, one of the fairies of the forest. We know everyone, because it's our job, for example, to make the snowdrops and violets and trees bloom in the spring, and in the autumn the trees and bushes shed their colourful canopies. I am responsible for the rainbows.
- But how can you live here when everyone is afraid of the forest?
- You know, it's an old story. I will tell you, but you have to promise to keep our existence a secret, because it protects us and nature!
- "I promise, I promise," Ugri said quickly.
- "All right, I'll tell you," said Rainbow. A long time ago this forest was like any other. Except that most forests don't have fairies to keep us hidden. Once, however, people came to this forest. They started cutting down trees, bird nests fell to the ground, squirrels, bunnies and other forest animals suddenly didn't know where to run. They were already approaching our clearing, so we were in danger too. Our queen at the time decided to cover the forest surrounding our dwelling in darkness. Fortunately, this frightened the people and they stopped coming around. Unfortunately, the animals that were trapped outside no longer dared to enter the forest, but it was better that way, as our existence had to remain a secret. If anything happens to us, nature will not be able to adapt to the weather and there will be no more real spring, summer, autumn and winter. Trees will not blossom, they will not bear fruit and the beauty of plants and animals will cease to exist. You are the first to enter the forest since then.
Ugri then understood how important it was to help preserve the secret of the forest and the existence of the fairies. He knew it was best to go home early and keep quiet about what had happened.
- I promise, Rainbow, that I will keep your secret. I will never reveal it! - Ugri said firmly.
That was when Ugri really understood the importance of trust, friendship and keeping secrets.
After what happened, Ugri changed. He was no longer the naughty bunny he had been before. He still loved to play, of course, but he was more attentive to what his companions wanted. He had become a true and trusted friend, as he was the keeper of the secrets of the fairies and the forest.
