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Alevtina, please set down the book for a moment and take a break. Otherwise, you'll miss out on the beauty of the summer," Faina remarked as she joined Alevtina in the gazebo, wiping her hands on her apron.
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But Grandma, when will I get the chance to read so much again?" Alka protested. "There's not much to see in the forest anyway. The books have tales of valiant knights rescuing maidens and true love that seems too rare in real life!"
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How can you say that love doesn't exist?" Faina questioned. "Is love just sweet words and empty promises? True love is shown through actions, not just words. A knight is defined by his care, protection, strength, and sacrifices for his beloved."
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Like our grandfather," Faina nodded in agreement. "Grandfather shows love through his actions, not just words. A man's true feelings are revealed when he is alone with his beloved.
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I understand, Grandma. Actions speak louder than words," Alka acknowledged. "It's easier for men to show love. But what about us women?"
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For us women, love is also shown through actions - through care and support," Faina explained. "Tonight, when grandfather returns tired from his work, we will show him our love through a warm meal, a bath, and freshly baked pies. Sometimes, actions speak louder than words."
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I will help you, Grandma," Alka eagerly agreed. "What can I do to assist?"
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Today, we need lingonberries for the pies," Faina said. "But I cannot let you go alone."
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I'm not alone, I have Button," Alka reassured, petting her cat who was eager to join the journey.
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With Button?" Faina hesitated. "I wish Simba was here instead of that troublemaker. But it's a short trip, and I will start preparing the pies while you collect the berries."
Alka and Button ventured towards the lingonberries, guided by Button's playful nature. The vibrant berries lay like a pathway through the grass, leading them to the edge of the dried-up swamp.
As Alka filled the bucket with the crimson berries, she felt drawn to the beauty of the surroundings. Delighted by the picturesque scene, she decided to explore the area barefoot, relishing the sensation of the cool grass beneath her feet. Intrigued by a hazel tree with unique leaves, Alka appreciated nature's intricate designs and imagined preserving a leaf as a memory in her beloved books.
Alka made the decision to take a few leaves with her as she placed the bucket beside her sneakers and approached the hazel tree. Lost in admiration, she gazed up at the tree without paying attention to the ground below. Unknowingly, the hazel tree had shallow roots as thick as a spade handle that intertwined around her feet. As Alka stepped between the roots, they entwined around her ankle, firmly holding her in place.
Remaining calm, Alka reassured herself by pretending she was a princess in need of rescue by a noble knight. However, no knight appeared, leaving only Button, her faithful cat, spiraling around her with concern.
Seeing the forest creatures scurrying near her, Alka was overcome with shock and horror. The mice obliviously nibbled on nuts, almost brushing against her bare feet. Alka's startled reaction sent the mice scattering for cover behind the hazel trunk and roots protruding from the ground.
In distress, Alka shut her eyes and let out a cry. Button, sensing her fear, comforted her by rubbing against her legs, offering solace in her time of need.
Emerging from the bushes, Simba, the other cat, joined the scene with curiosity and concern. Observing the situation, Button pleaded with Simba to assist in freeing Alka from the rooted trap.
Realizing their collective lack of strength, Simba suggested calling for human help. Alka, desperate and scared, implored her feline companions not to abandon her in her predicament.
Simba sprung into action, swiftly dealing with the intruding rodents and venturing off towards the cordon for aid. In his absence, Button kept a vigilant watch over Alka, ensuring the pesky mice kept their distance while offering her comfort through gentle gestures and soothing purrs.
"Be patient, they will rescue you soon," reassured Faina.
"Alka, where are you?" Faina's voice called out.
"I'm here, grandma, right here!" Alka's joyful shout echoed through the forest.
Approaching with haste, Faina, still donning her flour-stained kitchen apron, swiftly comprehended the situation and intervened to help Alka. With a thick branch as her tool, she skillfully pried apart the entangled roots, freeing Alka's leg.
"Sit down, let me check. Can you walk? Does it hurt?" Faina inquired, relieved to hear Alka's reassurance that she was unharmed.
"No pain at all, grandma," Alka replied, shaking her head.
"Thank goodness," Faina exhaled, a smile creeping across her face. "Where were your brave knights, my dear?"
"Right here, grandma," Alka chuckled. "Button is my faithful savior, protecting me from mice, the real dragons! And Simba, did he summon you for help?"
Surprised, Faina explained, "Simba wasn't involved. Grace led me to you in a hurry, sensing something was amiss. She knows how to convey messages without words. It was Grace who alerted me to your predicament. Clever creatures, they are."
Alka playfully added, "Simba is like Robin Hood, a noble forest guardian!"
Faina chuckled, agreeing, "Indeed, a noble 'robber' in his own right. Hold on to Button, she's your companion through thick and thin."
"I won't let her stray," Alka vowed. "We are united now, forever bonded."
Amused by Alka's theatrics, Faina suggested, "Let's get you ready, we'll bake pies together. In sorrow and in joy!"
Laughter resonated through the forest as Alka and Faina embarked on their new adventure. Even Button seemed to join in the mirth, her eyes gleaming with shared joy.
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