The Fir Tree

An evergreen grew in the forest and dreamed of becoming big as soon as possible. She didn’t notice the beauty around her and thought about the future. But one day, they cut her down.

That was such a lovely little Christmas tree standing in the forest. Her spot was good: the sun warmed her, there was plenty of air, and around her grew older companions—spruce and pine. Only the little tree couldn’t wait to become an adult herself. She didn’t think about warm sunshine or fresh air. She didn’t notice the talkative village children when they came into the forest to gather strawberries or raspberries. They would fill a mug, or string berries onto straws, then sit by the little tree and say:
— What a lovely little tree!

And the tree, if only she could, would prefer not to listen to such words at all.

A year passed—the tree grew one new sprout. Another year—she stretched a little more. And by the number of sprouts, you can always tell how many years the tree has been growing…