This story happened in a cozy little village, hidden in a valley among the mountains. Kind people and happy animals lived here. Among them were three little goslings. The life of the goslings was as it should be for children. They walked, played and had fun. They had a favorite meadow, filled with bright flowers and fragrant herbs, and they spent whole days there.
On that beautiful summer morning, the goslings went to swim in the river. The water was warm and there was a pleasant murmur. One of the goslings thought: I wonder where our river runs? I see it coming down from the mountains, but what next? It's in such a hurry to get somewhere and I think it's a beautiful magical place, otherwise why would it be in such a hurry? How I want to see it!
Without thinking twice, the goslings set off on the road. They walked and walked along the river. It was not an easy path. The road was rocky and their crow's feet soon became covered with calluses. In addition, the sky suddenly became dark and cold rain began. The poor goslings were no longer happy. They hid under a large leaf, huddled close to each other and trembled with cold and fear.
They scolded themselves for disobedience and remembered their beautiful flowering meadow and their kind and caring mother goose. What a joy it would be to be home now! Meanwhile, the rain became stronger and colder.
Suddenly there was a rustling sound. The goslings froze in horror. They have heard so many stories about forest dwellers - wolves and foxes, who do not mind eating a gosling. And just when they were ready to face death, driving away from the house in the cold rain, a hare’s face appeared in front of them.
And what are we doing here? - the old stern hare asked irritably. Goslings! Alone! Where have you seen this?! Where is your mom?
Having survived the worst nightmare of their lives, the goslings could barely speak. Shaking with nerves, they told the hare about their reckless act. The hare was a very strict, but kind lady. She took the goslings to their hole so they could dry out, get warm and calm down. There they spent the rest of the night.
It was a beautiful bright morning. The sun was shining, bringing warmth and joy to all living things. Life no longer seemed terrible to the goslings. Well, said the old hare, “we need to bring you home.” I’m too old to travel, but I won’t let you go alone.
The hare was old, wise and had great authority in the forest. She turned to other animals with a request to accompany the goslings to their home and the young raccoon immediately agreed to do this. The cheerful company hit the road.
The goslings were infinitely happy when they finally saw a familiar meadow with bright flowers and fragrant grass. They thanked the raccoon warmly and ran towards the house.
Mother goose was speechless with happiness when she saw her goslings. She cried all night because she thought they were prey to predators. She did not scold them, but spoke very seriously about the safety rules that the little goslings must follow. And the goslings themselves fully realized their mistake. Since then, they always thought well before doing something.
