The boy Vanechka and the Fairy

                The boy Vanechka and the Fairy
                (Bedtime story for grandson)

       Once upon a time, there was a boy named Vanechka who lived in a small village at the foot of a great mountain. Vanechka was known for his adventurous spirit, and he often ventured out into the wilderness to explore the world around him.
       One day, Vanechka decided to climb the mountain that loomed over his village. He packed his backpack with provisions and set out early in the morning, eager to conquer the peak.  As Vanechka climbed higher and higher, the air grew thin, and his legs grew weary. He was tempted to turn back, but his curiosity pushed him forward. Finally, he reached the summit and was greeted by a breathtaking view of the world below. But as he looked out over the horizon, he noticed a strange mist hovering over the land. Intrigued, Vanyusha made his way down the mountain and into the misty valley. The mist was thick and gray, and it obscured his vision of the world beyond.  As he walked deeper into the valley, Vanya realized that the mist was alive. It moved and shifted around him, almost as if it had a mind of its own. Suddenly, Vanechka heard a voice calling out to him. It was a small, fragile voice, barely audible over the mist.
       «Who's there? » Vanya called out.
       «It's me, » the voice replied. «I'm lost in this mist, and I can't find my way home. Will you help me? »
       Vanechka searched the mist until he found the source of the voice. It was a tiny, delicate creature, no bigger than a bird, with shimmering wings and a halo of light around its head. The creature was a fairy, and it explained to Vanyusha that it had been caught in the mist for days and was unable to escape. It begged Vanya to help it find its way home. Vanechka agreed to help the fairy. He took the fairy in his hand and began walking through the mist, using his keen sense of direction to guide them.
       As they walked, the mist began to clear, revealing a beautiful world of forests, rivers, and mountains. Vanechka had never seen such a stunning landscape, and he marveled at the beauty of it all. Finally, they arrived at the fairy's home, a small glade surrounded by trees. The fairy thanked Vanechka for his help and granted him a wish as a token of its gratitude.
       Without a moment's hesitation, Vanya wished for the ability to see and appreciate the beauty in the world around him, no matter where he went. The fairy granted his wish, and from that day on, Vanechka saw the world with new eyes. He treasured every moment of his life, and he never forgot the magic of the misty valley and the tiny fairy that changed his life forever.


              By Vladimir Angelblazer (Khlynin), 19 May, 2020
               
               (A story told at night to grandchildren)