Stranger

Have you ever had something so magical happen, it felt like a dream? But even if it was just a dream—who says it can’t come true?

That’s exactly how Rostik, Rada, and Mila felt. Just moments ago, they were working in their usual yard, and then—poof! A Gnome appeared, and suddenly even the old oak tree looked mysterious and enchanted.

While the Gnome greeted the kids and explained where their treehouse tools had gone, the friends glanced at each other nervously. They didn’t know whether to run or stay. After all… how often do you meet a real Gnome?

Mila hid behind her big sister, only her curious little nose poking out. Rada was scared too, but tried to be brave so Mila would feel safe. Rostik wasn’t sure what to be scared of—he still thought this was just a dream.

— You see him too? — he whispered.

Rada and Mila nodded silently. That’s when the three of them realized it wasn’t a dream. They looked the Gnome over carefully. He reminded them of a kind grandpa—just way smaller.

They first noticed his unusual clothes. Of course, they’d never seen a real gnome before, so the outfit seemed perfectly magical. But the most surprising thing was his eyes—they glowed softly with golden light. It made them feel calm… and safe.

— He…llo, — Rostik dared to speak. — Who are you, and how…

— …did I get here? — the Gnome finished with a kind smile. — I’m the Wise Gnome. This oak tree has been my home for many years.

— But gnomes usually live in caves, or at least in their own world, — Rada said, unsure.

— True. I was born far away, in a land that doesn’t appear on your maps. I did live underground. But I left my old home long ago and searched for a new one. I found it here. — The Gnome touched the oak’s bark gently, eyes closed, hiding tears.

— He’s kind, — Mila whispered, stepping out from behind Rada. — Anyone who feels that way about home can’t be bad.

She walked right up to the Gnome. — I’m Mila.

The Gnome turned toward her, eyes glowing even warmer. Mila smiled back and hugged him. Rostik and Rada realized there was nothing to fear.

— I’m Rada, — said the older sister, giving the Gnome a hug too.

— I’m Rostislav, — said the boy cautiously, offering a handshake.

— So… convinced I’m real now? — the Gnome chuckled, his sky-blue hat wobbling.

— Maybe… but I still want to know what you’re doing here, — said Rostik.

— Rostiik! — Mila scolded.

— What? We’ve just met! I want to know why a magical gnome is in our backyard.

— I’ll tell you. Let’s sit on the grass, — the Gnome plopped down first. — I’ve been watching over the people here. I try to help when I can.

— Like when I wanted to give the girls a gift the first day we met? — Rostik remembered.

— Exactly! You didn’t know what to give. You asked your parents, but they weren’t sure either. You started looking in the kitchen, but there wasn’t much unpacked yet. Then you saw the fruit basket…

— Yeah! That’s what we ended up bringing!

— But the basket was originally in the hallway. I quietly moved it to the table so you’d find it there.

— So that’s who helped us eat all that tasty fruit! — Rada said.

— And the berries on Friday, too, — the Gnome added.

The girls looked confused. Mila started to remember.

— On Friday, Aunt Sveta asked us to pick berries from the bushes.

— Yeah, but someone ate more than they picked… right, Mila? — Rada teased.

Everyone laughed.

— I was so distracted, I didn’t even notice I knocked over the basket, — Mila said sadly.

— I picked them back up, — the Gnome winked.

— You?! We thought a breeze helped them roll back in!

— That’s what you thought, but I wondered how not a single berry fell out, — Rada added.

Now they were sure: the Gnome was a kind soul. But they had one more question.

— Why didn’t we notice you before? — Rada asked.

— I’m invisible to most people. But I can choose to reveal myself when the time feels right.

— Magic! — Rostik whispered in awe.

— The real magic is what you did—staying friends and saving that butterfly. That’s why I showed myself. And honestly… I’ve been lonely. It’s nice to talk to someone on the grass like this.

— You’ll be welcome in our treehouse anytime! — Mila said.

— Yeah! — Rostik agreed. — But how do we call you?

— I’ll come when the time is right, — the Gnome smiled and winked.

So they agreed. Then they kept chatting about butterflies and the patterns they’d painted on the treehouse boards.

Later, when it was time for dinner, the kids headed home.

That night, looking out at the sunset, each of them thought the same thing: It’s wonderful to have friends you can trust.