When Things Took a Twist

The morning was unusually clear and warm.
Rostik woke to birds chirping outside his window. He was excited: yesterday his dad had promised that today they would start building the treehouse.

The night before, he couldn’t fall asleep for a long time—he lay imagining how he and Dad would hammer nails, saw the boards, and how proud Dad would be of his strong son.

When morning came, Rostik jumped out of bed to wash up. Mom was already in the garden, picking fresh raspberries for breakfast.

“Mmm,” thought Rostik. “I have to invite Mila and Rada. Mom’s raspberry pies are the best in the world.”

Lost in thought, he spilled water on the floor but didn’t notice and ran into the kitchen. Sunbeams danced across the table, one landing right on his cheek.

“Rostik,” Mom said in surprise. “Why so cheerful?”
“Today Dad and I are starting the treehouse! He promised yesterday.”

The boy skipped to the table, nearly knocking over the cat, and sat at his favorite spot by the window where the oak tree stood in the distance.

Mom sat beside him.
“Rostik, early this morning your dad had to leave. You know his work. He’s the city’s chief architect. Someone urgently needed his help.”

Rostik’s face went pale. He pressed his lips together, trying not to cry.
“But… he’s on vacation…”

“Yes, but he can be called anytime.”

“What about me?..” Tears rolled down his cheeks.

“You’re very dear to him. As soon as he’s free, you’ll return to your plans,” Mom said.

But the words didn’t help. Rostik quietly left the house and walked toward the oak tree. He didn’t want anyone to pity him.

Sitting under the oak, he felt angry at Dad, but also knew it wasn’t Dad’s fault. His feelings tangled inside him.

Suddenly, from behind the tree, appeared the Gnome—the very same one.
“Hello, Rostik.”
“Hello…” the boy whispered, embarrassed.

The Gnome sat beside him, golden eyes glowing with warmth.
“May I sit with you?”

“Yes, of course.”

They sat together in the shade.
“Sometimes we feel sad and powerless. But it passes. Your dad helps many. He has a kind heart.”

“I know… But I’m angry at him, and I feel ashamed.”

“You’re angry because your plans fell through. But think: maybe he helped someone in real need.”

Rostik felt lighter. He smiled.
“Do you like raspberry pies?”

“Of course!” the Gnome chuckled.

Rostik suddenly wanted to please the Wise Gnome. He remembered the fresh pies his mom baked and ran home. But in the bathroom, he slipped on the wet floor and fell. He realized at once why Mom always warned him to wipe it dry. He got up, wiped the floor, and came back to the Gnome with a bundle of pies.

“Here, take some,” said Rostik proudly.

“Thank you,” said the Gnome warmly. “But I thought we should share. I invited Rada and Mila.”

And indeed, the girls appeared. Together they ate the pies, laughed, and talked. Rostik told them about his dad. And to his relief, the sadness was gone.

That evening, Dad returned with tools they needed.
“Tomorrow we start early—we’ve got to catch up!” he said cheerfully.

“Can Mila and Rada help too?” Rostik asked.
“Of course,” Dad replied.

“Today my friends supported me. I’m so glad,” the boy whispered, already drifting into sleep.

Dad wanted to ask more—but Rostik was fast asleep.