Old Oak Secret. Chapter 9. On the Trail of the Indians.

Chapter 9. On the Trail of the Indians

The birthday was over. It felt strange—like you’re already a year older, but not used to it yet. The fun stayed behind the door, but Rostik couldn’t calm his mind. He felt wound up, and his mom had to soothe him for a long time.

Now Rostislav lay alone in his room, thinking. Everything felt unreal, like something made up. He couldn’t believe his old dream had come true—and in such a big way. He had a treehouse, friends, and… the Wise Gnome, who had given him a key to his home. He was surrounded by wonders.

After everything that had happened, it was hard to fall asleep. Thoughts buzzed in his head. He remembered his friends’ joyful shouts, their jumping and games. He looked into the darkness outside the window. Silence crept in and gently lulled him, wrapping him in sleepy thoughts and quietly humming: “Sleep, little one…”

The boy felt for the key under his pillow and drifted off.

In the morning, the sun didn’t wait long. Its rays woke Rostik. He pulled the blanket over his head, hiding from the bold light. But a minute later, he threw it off and greeted the morning with a smile. He stretched sweetly and got up. He couldn’t wait to return to the treehouse. Just thinking about it warmed him.

He washed, brushed his teeth, got dressed, and even made his bed—something he didn’t really like doing. Then he went to the kitchen. No mom there. He checked the rooms—quiet. For a second, worry crept in. Then he remembered: before bed, mom said they’d go to the city in the morning to shop. Breakfast would be in the fridge.

Rostik relaxed. He’d forgotten, too busy thinking about the праздник. “Happens,” he shrugged.

It felt nice knowing his parents trusted him to stay home alone, even for a short time.

“Let’s see what mom made,” he thought. He opened the fridge. Rice porridge, sour cream, and pies. He smiled. They trusted him to set the table himself. That was real responsibility—and he would handle it.

He straightened his back and shoulders, as if he really had grown older—and even a bit taller.

After a good breakfast, he washed the dishes and was finally ready to go to the treehouse. Humming a tune, “tra-ta-ta…,” he skipped along the path. He stopped, squinted one eye, and looked up.

Beautiful.

He savored the moment, imagining going inside and playing again. A satisfied smile appeared. Birds flew around, the wind gently moved the leaves.

He lifted his foot to step onto the ladder when he suddenly heard the girls shouting behind him. Mila and Rada were running toward him, waving their arms.

“Guess they want me to wait,” he thought, lowering his foot.

Out of breath, cheeks flushed, they reached him.

“Good thing we caught you! I dreamed all night about going back to the treehouse,” Rada said, catching her breath.

“Me too! Me too!” Mila clapped, jumping.

Rostik smiled. He had wanted to be alone for a bit—but he was glad to see them. He shook his head, brushing away the thought.

“Of course. Come on up.”

Grunting a little, they climbed after him. Step by step, they reached the top. The door glowed in the morning light, showing fresh scratches in the wood.

Rostik opened it wide.

They froze.

Inside was a mess. The whole place was upside down. Torn blankets lay in a heap. Food from last night was scattered everywhere—on the couch, chair, floor. Rada’s favorite toy sat on the pile with its paw torn off.

Rada’s eyes filled with tears.

Rostik stepped inside slowly.

“What happened here?” he said.

He took another step—something crunched under his foot. He jumped back.

Two squirrels shot out from under the table. The girls screamed. Rostik ducked. The squirrels dashed around, then escaped through the open window into the tree.

The children stood still. Rada cried. Mila held her hand. Rostik felt anger rising.

“I’ll catch them,” he thought. “Just let me catch them!”

Rada’s crying pulled him back. She hugged her toy.

Then they heard a voice. The Gnome appeared at the window.

“Hello, children. Oh my… what happened here?”

“It’s the squirrels!” Rostik snapped. “They ruined everything! We have to catch them!”

The Gnome looked surprised.

“Rostik, do you think squirrels clean up after themselves? They’re actually very tidy creatures. But…”

“They tore my toy!” Rada sobbed.

“Wait,” said the Gnome. “Before blaming anyone, think. What attracted them here?”

Rostik looked around and saw the leftover food.

“The food,” he said.

“Exactly,” nodded the Gnome. “Animals come for food. They likely got in easily, but couldn’t get out. Imagine being trapped somewhere unfamiliar—how would you feel?”

“Scared,” Mila said right away.

“Exactly. They’re like children too. So no hunting. But you must remember—don’t leave food where animals live. It can harm them.”

The children lowered their heads.

“Maybe we clean up?” Rada suggested.

“Rada, I have something for you,” said the Gnome, pulling out a needle and thread. “This is a magic thread. It can mend anything. Sew the toy yourself.”

I can’t,” she said. “I’m too little.”

“Trust your hands. And believe in yourself.”

“What if I can’t?”

“How will you know if you don’t try?” he winked.

She carefully took the needle. It looked like crystal, but felt strong. She remembered how her mom sewed.

“I know what to do.”

She sat down and, to everyone’s surprise, quickly fixed the toy. It looked new again.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

They cleaned the house. An hour later, everything was neat again. The Gnome had quietly disappeared.

They agreed: food stays outside, in a bowl for the squirrels. No food inside anymore.

Suddenly, Rostik had an idea.

“Let’s follow animal tracks. Like real Indians!”

“Great idea!” Mila shouted. “I’ll bring ponchos from grandma’s attic!”

“And I saw goose feathers—we’ll put them in our hair!”

They were about to run off when Rostik stopped.

“Let’s invite the Gnome too.”

He appeared right away, smiling.

“I’ll help. I’ll show you animal tracks and what they mean.”

The kids were thrilled.

“Animals know the forest well,” said the Gnome. “They move unseen. People are smart, but often don’t respect animals. They destroy forests, build roads…”

“How can we help?” Rada asked quietly.

“Don’t litter. Don’t burn grass. Take care of the forest. That’s already a lot. Now go—your adventure awaits!”

They ran home, dressed up, and came back looking like real Indians. Rostik had a bow, the girls had sticks to lift grass.

The Gnome showed them tracks of a hedgehog and her three babies. One was clearly playful.

“That one’s like me,” Rostik laughed.

They found tracks of dogs, cats, mice, even birds. The squirrels jumped nearby.

That day, the children discovered a hidden world of animals—and learned to respect it.

And you—what animal tracks have you seen?