Once upon a time, in a small house near a green forest, lived a boy named Patter. Patter was a good boy. He helped his mother and father. They did not have much money. Winter was coming. The winter was cold and long.
One day, Patter went into the forest. He looked for firewood. He wanted to help his family. The forest was big. Patter walked for a long time. He felt cold.
Suddenly, Patter heard a small sound. “Chirp, chirp,” it went. Patter looked down. On a big leaf, a tiny green creature sat. It had tiny wings. It looked sad and lost. This was Blink, a forest sprite. Blink was very cold. Its wings were wet.
Patter felt sad for Blink. “Are you lost?” Patter asked. Blink nodded its small head. It tried to fly. But its wings were too wet. It fell down.
Patter took a small cloth from his pocket. He carefully wrapped Blink. “Do not worry, little friend,” Patter said. “I will help you.”
Patter put Blink in his warm pocket. He found dry leaves. He made a soft bed for Blink. He shared his piece of bread with Blink. Blink ate a little bit. Blink felt warm. Blink felt safe.
Patter found more firewood. He put it in his basket. He walked home. He still had Blink in his pocket.
At home, Patter made a tiny house for Blink. He used a matchbox with soft moss. Blink lived there for a few days. Blink got strong. Its wings became dry.
One morning, Blink flew from its house. It flew around Patter’s head, happy. Blink spoke in a tiny voice. “Thank you, Patter. You helped me. I will help you now.”
Blink flew to the window. It pointed its small finger. “Look, Patter! Look outside.”
Patter looked. Outside, the forest was changing. Small, shiny things grew on the trees. They looked like clear stones. They sparkled.
“These are ice-berries,” Blink said. “They are very special. They shine with a soft light. They keep you warm. You can sell them.”
Patter was surprised. He went outside. He saw many beautiful ice-berries. He picked them carefully. They were cold but felt warm.
Patter took the ice-berries to the town. People saw them. “How beautiful!” they said. “We want them!” The ice-berries were very special. They glowed. They made the winter air warm. People bought them quickly.
Patter got money for the ice-berries. He bought food, warm clothes, and a new axe for his family. His family was happy.
Every winter, Blink came to Patter’s window. Blink showed Patter new ice-berry places. Patter always had enough. His family was never cold or hungry. Patter never forgot Blink. He knew kindness makes the world warm.
The End.