New Year's fairy tale for adults. Esther Emden - “House with magic windows”. Little Women by L. Elcott

Until the start of the long New Year holidays, there is very little left, and you have work, preparation for the holidays, the choice of gifts, and there is absolutely no time to rest, and maybe there is not that “New Year mood” about which everyone is talking so much.

Do not be sad! We have selected for you short stories and stories of your favorite authors, which will improve your mood and will not take much time. Read on the run and enjoy the New Year and Christmas!

"Gifts of the Magi".

14 minutes

Readers know this story almost by heart, but still, year after year, they remember it on Christmas Eve. The story of two "stupid children" who sacrificed the most precious things for each other has inspired us for over a century. Her moral is this: no matter how poor you are, love makes you rich and happy.

"New Year's holiday for father and little daughter."

11 minutes

A very short and bright story about a man who spent best years life for some kind of work unknown to the reader and who did not notice how his daughter grew up.

V " New Years holiday... ”one can feel the cold and hopelessness that the author himself experienced in an unheated St. Petersburg room in the terrible year of 1922, but there is also that warmth that only close people can give. In the case of Green's hero, this is his daughter, Tavinia Drap, and in the case of the writer himself, his wife Nina Mironova.

"Angel".

25 minutes

Sasha is a thirteen-year-old teenager from a poor family, eccentric, embittered, accustomed to enduring beatings and insults. On Christmas Eve, he is invited to a Christmas tree in a rich house, where the boy is surrounded by the clean and happy children of the owners. In addition to this, he sees his father's first love. The woman he still remembers.

But on Christmas, as we remember, miracles happen, and Sasha's heart, which until now was gripped by an iron vice, melts when looking at a toy angel. In an instant, his usual rudeness, hostility and callousness disappear.

"Christmas tree". Tove Jansson

15 minutes

A charming story about unknown to science, but so beloved by Moomin trolls. This time, Tove Jansson described how a family familiar to readers celebrated Christmas. Not knowing what it is and how it is celebrated, the Moomin family managed to arrange a real holiday with a Christmas tree and gifts for whips (even more mysterious animals).

The story, of course, is for children, but adults on New Year's Eve will also be pleased to re-read it.

"Anniversary". Narine Abgaryan

20 minutes

A realistic story, devoid of even a hint of magic, nevertheless leads to the most joyful New Year's thoughts. “Jubilee” is a story of friendship, old and just acquired, breaking with an unpleasant past and hoping to fulfill all the promises made with the onset of the New Year.

"Not just for Christmas."

30 minutes

A fly in the ointment in our barrel of honey: a satirical tale of how Christmas suddenly became a daily intolerable torture. At the same time, the whole essence of the holiday, its religious and moral implications came to naught because of the love of people for "tinsel". A masterpiece by Heinrich Böll, Nobel Prize Laureate for Literature.

« ».

1 hour, 20 minutes

Both adults and children know that the blacksmith Vakula had to make a deal with the devil himself for the sake of Oksana's slivers. "The Night Before Christmas" is the brightest, funniest and most atmospheric thing in Gogol's cycle "Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka", so do not consider it a work, take an hour and a half for the pleasure of spending time with your favorite characters.

A duck burned out, a bottle of champagne broke, or a gift for yourself was lost to a loved one? Believe me, such New Year's failures did not overtake you alone. We have "worse" stories.

Anastasia

Marketer, 24

I somehow lost my wallet on New Year's Eve. Thank God, I managed to buy gifts for the closest ones. The truth came to visit without champagne and tangerines. Of course, I was very upset. After all, there was not only money, but also important cards. After the New Year, it began to rebuild. But then I got new job... Therefore, everything is interconnected here. You lose something and gain something.

Social worker, 22

Popular

V new year's eve my sister and I got off the elevator on the first floor, and some inadequate guy greeted us with a firecracker. Imagine, he launched a firecracker straight into our elevator. It’s good that we didn’t hurt anyone, we ran out, but the fire alarm went off, and the dispatchers were on their guard. For another hour, we figured out who was right and who was wrong.

Economist, 28

And my daughter ran after Santa Claus and got lost in the crowd! In our area there was a New Year's concert: songs, dances. Then Santa Claus began to walk and hand out sweets, she reached out to him, I turned away for a minute, turned around - neither her nor grandfather. Of course I was hysterical! They searched for her for half an hour. As a result, they found her backstage, the artists treated her to sweets.

Student, 20

And my friends and I were driving through the forest to the dacha and got lost. Looped there for an hour, the navigators refused to work. They also stumbled upon some suspicious men. They were already tipsy and knocked on our windows, ran after the car. We were uncomfortable. As a result, we went to some field and opened champagne there. Then, by some miracle, we got out.

Engineer, 31

And they brought me a Doberman puppy from Germany especially for my beloved. I rode with him in an electric train, drove him in a special container, he fell asleep, I could not even hear. And since, besides him, I still had a bunch of bags, I hesitated at my station and left him in the car! It's good that I came to my senses in time, when the train drove off, turned to the controller, and he managed to contact the depot so that the driver was informed about the loss. Nobody had time to pick up the puppy yet, they found it on time. True, I came to the girl an hour after the start of the holiday. But she was very pleased.

The guy and I were going to visit friends. They were putting on something like a little masquerade. Everyone had to be in costumes and masks. The trick was that the couples did not know what their other half would wear. But the young man and I decided not to bother. He told me he would be wearing a Batman costume, and I was just going to wear a sexy red dress and mask. He would definitely recognize me. And so it happened. When we came to the party, he instantly recognized me. And for a long time I could not find him in the crowd, and then I noticed! She ran up from behind and pinched her ass. And when he turned around, it turned out that he was a completely different man! My boyfriend, meanwhile, stood on the sidelines and watched this. It turned out there were several Batmen at the party ...

Books about New Year and Christmas create a special atmosphere of coziness, unforgettable sensations of magic and fun, a fairy tale that comes to life, which is different and unique from year to year, and I do not want it to end in one night.

On the eve of the holiday, I especially want to read something good, kind and light on the New Year theme. Fortunately, books about the New Year for adults now appear on the shelves with enviable regularity. Some of the authors make up real instructions on how to celebrate the holiday, what dishes to put on the table and what traditions to observe so that the year becomes successful. Others place their bets on sentimental and romantic stories about people who find themselves in a New Year's fairy tale, find each other "under the tree" and become a real winter wonder for a casual passer-by.

Do you want to believe in miracles and happy accidents again, or, perhaps, at least not for a long time, you yourself are transported to winter's tale? Then our selection of books is just for you!

5 books about the New Year for adults

John R.R. Tolkien "Letters of Christmas Grandfather"

A wonderful book by an equally wonderful writer. A book that will suit everyone. It tells about the incredible adventures of Christmas Grandfather at the North Pole: how one man created a fairy tale long ago, which is still alive today. A kind of Christmas book for adults on how to write your own unforgettable story and become a part of it.

Cleveland Emory "Cat for Christmas"

A small but entertaining book about a stray cat named Polar bear living on the streets of New York and, of course, about Christmas. She makes the reader believe that miracles, albeit small, but still happen on the eve of the holiday. And this story is also about how important a random oncoming person can become, even if he has four legs, a mustache and a tail.

Donna Vanleer "Christmas Shoes"

The anticipation of Christmas is always full of good hopes and Have a good mood, even in spite of a slight touch of sadness. A touching book where the main characters overcome their fear of parting with loved ones on the eve of the holiday will not leave anyone indifferent. Their stories will touch every string of your soul and leave their barely perceptible, light and warm trace in it.

Anna Berbenitskaya "Santa Claus Corporation"

Even if what is happening in life does not portend anything supernatural, this does not mean at all that on New Year's Eve a miracle will not happen, which will completely capture and carry away into the cycle of incredible events.

And this time was no exception for the young girl. The unexpected adventures of the newly-made Snow Maiden, secrets, the mission to save Santa Claus and the New Year, all this and much more will be told by the story of the main character Vlada.

Andrey Zhvalevsky, Evgeny Pasternak "The True Story of Santa Claus"

New Year is the most long-awaited and magical time. Santa Claus and Snow Maiden, a Christmas tree and gifts, fireworks and an explosion of emotions - all this is new year miracle.

The main characters from year to year gave and continue to give unforgettable sensations and fulfill wishes. Both adults and children are always eagerly awaiting them, because close people can turn out to be real wizards. The main thing is to believe in a miracle.

No matter how old we are, five or twenty-five, we want it when the New Year evokes feelings of naive joy. Books about the New Year for adults give us this opportunity - to plunge into exciting events, recharge the energy and spirit of Christmas, and they also allow us to learn some life lessons and remember about family values. Read, worry and smile - bring in a drop of New Year's miracle, which is sometimes lacking in real life.

On New Year's Eve, everyone wants a little bit of magic. Although we understand that miracles do not happen and this is only written in books. "Heavenly Angel" is not a fantastic story about fulfilled dreams or something similar, on the contrary, it is realistic to the limit. An exemplary mother is unhappy in marriage - her husband is a tyrant, and the connection with her parents has been lost, she has to endure domestic violence, but she has no strength to leave.

In parallel, there are two life stories in the book, told at Christmas. In the end, they will happily unite, and we will rejoice, because this happens in life, which means that everyone has hope. Especially before Christmas.

Sad and joyful, like Christmas itself, the story of people who have been looking for each other all their lives, wandered in the dark and on Christmas evening they still found it. But first they had to go through trials, and pain, and separation, and misunderstanding. And only then they realized that the main thing is to love each other. Just to love.

Rachel's memory retained only one bright childhood memory: she and her father at night, after a magical snowfall, create angels on the sparkling snow. Rachel falls into the snow, waves her arms, her father picks her up, and an angel remains in the snow. Years go by. Rachel is a grown woman, beautiful, rich, her husband is the envy of everyone, a luxurious house and a daughter, so similar to her in childhood. But there is no happiness. Only one longing for the unrealizable. And the memory of the wonderful snow angels. So maybe we should find these angels? And then that acute happiness will return even for a moment? And Christmas evening is the best time to immerse yourself in a fairy tale again and try to find your ...

Mom sends Anyuta to the store for groceries for the New Year's table. On the way, the girl walks into a clothing store and tries on a fabulously beautiful dress. With the help of the Snow Maiden's magic, Anya passes through the mirror and finds herself in a real fairy tale, where her double, Princess Rosalie, asks for help ...

There was only one day left until the new year. There was no mood. Anyuta looked at herself in the mirror and turned away. And why is she not like the rest of her classmates? Every single girl in their class was slim with trendy haircuts, could afford beautiful clothes, and the boys liked it. And only she alone, against their background, seemed to herself shapeless, awkward and ugly. And worst of all, the others felt the same way. Nagging, jokes, ridicule poured on the fifteen-year-old girl in abundance. It was terribly insulting and bitter. Artyom, the only boy from all over the school, whom she liked and treated her more or less humanly, met a girl from their class - Irka Grebeshkova. Looking at how he escorts her home every day and carefully carries a fashionable girl's bag, Anyuta wanted to cry. And it had to happen so that her mother and parents Artyom and Irka were family friends and often gathered at joint feasts. Sitting at the table, Irka crawled out of her way to show Anyuta how carefully Artyom treats her.
The only person who could support Anyuta in all her misfortunes was her mother, but ... The girl's mother was a young thirty-seven-year-old woman of rather attractive appearance. She divorced her husband, and not so long ago a new gentleman appeared in her life. Peter. He was a tall man, an economic man, a non-drinker, behind whom one could feel as if behind a stone wall. Unfortunately, this stone wall has grown between mother and daughter. Anyuta resentfully declared that her mother did not pay attention to her at all. It seemed to Svetlana that her daughter simply transitional age with his characteristic selfishness. The relationship deteriorated more and more, and the wall became thicker every day.
- Anya, I’m missing something for the New Year’s table, - Svetlana entered the room and handed her money to her daughter, - here, please go to the store and buy mayonnaise, cinnamon and cream.
Anyuta, without saying a word, went to get dressed. That's always the way, Anya, then Anya, but as for Ani, there is no time, sometimes there is no money. Walking along the snow-covered street, the girl reflected on her difficult fate. But all she needs is just to become like everyone else, not to stand out from the crowd.
Snow was falling softly from the sky. Snowflakes danced in the air, and, whirling, fell on the girl's eyelashes. The shops sparkled with colorful garlands. Anya's attention was suddenly attracted by a beautiful New Year's board displayed in one of the windows. It was black, embroidered with lurex thread, with gold sleeves and gold bows at the hem. Oh, if only she had such a dress! Anyuta smiled dreamily. Tempted, she pulled the store door open and entered. The bell rang, and the girl found herself in a warm room, smelling of pine needles and tangerines. Here, in the corner, there was a Christmas tree richly decorated with beads and toys, around it a garland shimmered with blue lights. How great it is here!
Anyuta went to the dress and looked at it again. Mom would never buy her that. She sighed heavily.
- Do you want to try on? This is just your size, - a melodious voice came from behind.
Turning around, Anya saw the Snow Maiden. Of course, the Snow Maiden was not real, apparently, the store owner decided to show off originality and dressed all the staff in New Year's clothes.
- No, thanks, - the girl shook her head. - I just went to look.
- This dress will suit you very much, - the Snow Maiden insisted, - and your style. Try it on.
“I don’t think it’s worth it,” she said again.
- Why not? They don’t take money for fitting, ”said the girl, taking off her dress from the mannequin. Pulling it up, she stated: The size is exactly yours.
“It's quite narrow,” Anya objected.
- And here there is a lacing at the back, - the Snow Maiden smiled slyly and pulled her hand to the fitting room. - Come in, take off your clothes, I'll help you.
“Well, okay,” thought Anyuta, “since she insists so much, why not try it on? At least see how it sits on her. " Before she had time to pull on the dress, the curtain moved aside, and the Snow Maiden began to deftly lace it up. Adjusting her belt, she pointed to the mirror.
- Well, I told you! And your style and size! And if you still loose your hair ... - with a dexterous movement, the Snow Maiden pulled off the elastic that was intercepting her hair, and they scattered over her shoulders. - Look!
Anya looked at herself in the mirror. She looked, in fact, lovely. The black color made her visually thinner, gold glittered richly along the sleeves and hem, her loose hair made her absolutely pretty. She smiled at her reflection. Ah, if Artyom had seen her in this dress ... Before she had time to think about it, the Snow Maiden appeared in the mirror from behind. Putting her arms around the girl's shoulders, she pushed her slightly ... right into the mirror. Surprised Anyuta put her hands forward in order to maintain support, but the mirror, instead of keeping her from falling with its hardness, suddenly melted, turning into liquid silver, and the girl, passing through it, flew down somewhere. It was dark all around. She quickly rushed down, completely out of place remembering Alice, who fell into the rabbit hole. Falling on something soft, she lost consciousness.

Wake up, wake up, - someone tugged at her sleeve, forcing her to open her eyes. Anya sat down slowly and looked around. Next to her was a girl who resembled herself, like two drops of water. The girl was wearing the same dress that Anyuta tried on in the store, her hair was also loose, a small crown shimmered on her head with precious stones, which left no doubt about who she saw in front of her. And, nevertheless, Anya asked:
- Who are you? Where I am?
- Everything worked out! Happened! - the princess happily clapped her hands. - My name is Rosalie, I am the princess of this kingdom. My evil stepmother Grisella wants to get rid of me in order to take over the throne. I asked Snegurochka to send someone to help me, and she chose you.
Anya listened and clapped her eyelashes in surprise. Princess, kingdom, evil stepmother. Turning her head from side to side, she saw that she was in some strange room, where there was no furniture at all, but there was a large oval mirror in a frame, in which you could see yourself from head to toe. It is impossible to believe that she found herself ...
- I'm in a fairy tale? She finally asked.
- Well, of course! I'm so glad it's you. You are brave, smart, strong, resourceful and beautiful.
- I AM? - Anyuta looked incredulously at Rosalie. Although the princess looked exactly like her, there were still some differences. Her eyes were lined up like a doll's, and her eyelashes were longer than Anya's, her hair was curled into curls, and overall she looked just wonderful.
- Yes! I even envy you a little and want to become like you.
- Do you want to be like me? - the girl was completely taken aback.
- Uh-huh, - Rosalie nodded, - I hope that you will teach me to be the same fearless, brave, smart, kind ...
- But where did you get the idea that I have all these qualities? - Princess Anyuta interrupted.
“I know,” Rosalie smiled slyly. - After all, I asked the Snow Maiden to send me just such an assistant, and she chose you.
- But how can I help you?
“Grisella has invented some kind of test for me, if I don’t pass it, I’ll lose my throne.” She has already tried several times to get rid of me. If you help me, she won't be able to handle the two of us. Just look how alike we are! Like sisters.
- You are much more beautiful than me, - the girl objected, - you have big eyes, long eyelashes, shiny hair ...
“Stop,” Rosalie laughed. - It's all called one magic word - cosmetics.
“I thought the princesses didn't need her.
- Very much even needed. Come on, we need to go back to my room before no one saw that I was not alone now.
- Where are we? In your palace?
- Yes, and this is a room that my stepmother does not allow anyone to enter, because her magic mirror is hidden here. But I have this, - the princess pulled out a piece of some fabric from her pocket.
- What is it?
- Invisible hat. I begged her as a gift from Santa Claus last year.
Anyuta would never have thought that an invisible hat could look like an ordinary hat.
- Look, - Rosalie put it on her head and disappeared into thin air, - great, isn't it?
- Blimey!
“Now let's get out of here,” said the princess, reappearing.
Holding hands, they left the room and closed the door tightly behind them. In the dark corridor, several torches were burning almost under the very ceiling. The girls stepped carefully so that their steps would not echo. Suddenly they heard a strange sound of clinking iron.
- What is it? - Anyuta asked quietly.
“It's Crack,” Rosalie said.
- Crack?
- Yes. When my father died, Crack appeared, and now he accompanies Grisella everywhere, grovels in front of her, praises her, and for this she showered him with expensive gifts. They want to rule my kingdom together.
The footsteps died away. The girls continued on their way.
- How far are we still to go?
- No longer, now you need to climb the most extreme tower.
Counting the steps, they climbed a spiral staircase and found themselves at the door to some kind of closet.
- Is it your room? - Anyuta was surprised. “I thought princesses lived in luxurious chambers.
The room was small. There was only a bed, a wardrobe, and a tiny dressing table with a mirror.
“I lived in luxurious quarters,” Rosalie sighed, “until Grisella evicted me from there. Now she has a rich bedroom, and I live here. But this is even better.
- Why?
“She rarely comes here, so she won't see you helping me.
- I would not have hoped for it, - Anya said carefully, - we are still different with you. As soon as she sees me, she will immediately guess everything.
“But she won’t guess. Sit down!
Sitting Anyuta on her bed, Rosalie brushed her hair and curled it into curls, tinted her eyes and eyelashes, from a large box on the dressing table, the princess took out another sparkling crown and placed it on the girl's head.
- Look, - she led her to the mirror. Anya gasped. Yes, now their own mother will not distinguish them from Rosalie. The same dresses, the same hair, the same painted eyes, and both with crowns on their heads.
- Awesome!
There was a knock on the door. Both girls flinched.
- Rosalie, dear, who are you there with? - they heard someone's disgusting voice.
- This is Crack, - whispered the princess, throwing an invisibility hat on Anyuta, - hide for now.
“With no one,” Rosalie answered, opening the door. - I'm talking to myself.
A tall, thin man with an unpleasant face and a thin mustache entered the room. He moved as if he was clowning or showing some kind of incomprehensible pantomime.
- Truth? He asked, sniffing out something, as if some foreign smell could point him to an uninvited guest. - And there is no one here? - He suddenly opened the wardrobe and glanced at all the princess's dresses. Anyuta, pressing herself against the wall, was afraid to even breathe. - Indeed, nobody. Okay honey. Grisella is waiting for you on the big balcony, she wants to tell you something.
- I'll be right there, Crack, - answered Rosalie, - just powder my nose.
- Oh, these things of yours, - he winced and walked away, clattering his heels.
When the door closed behind him, Anyuta breathed a sigh of relief.
- It's good that he didn't notice me! She whispered.
“Where would he go,” Rosalie grinned. - He constantly sniffs out something, looks out and never finds anything.
- Will you go to your stepmother?
- No, you will go instead of me.
- I AM? But I don't even know what she looks like! - Anya exclaimed in shock.
- You can't confuse her with anyone. She is very beautiful and very angry. Do not be afraid, I will be there and will prompt you, ”she said, putting on an invisibility hat. - Let's go to.
“Okay, but I can’t vouch for the result.
- You will succeed, you are brave and you can fight her back.
- Show the way.
Rosalie whispered in Anyuta's ear where to turn, and from the side it even seemed that she knew where she was going.
On the balcony, at the railing, a young woman was waiting for her. beautiful woman in a red dress with a high collar, a precious necklace shimmered on the stranger's neck in different colors, on her head was a high crown.
“Address her," Your Majesty, "whispered to Anya in Rosalie's ear," and bow down. "
“Your Majesty,” the girl approached Grisella and bowed awkwardly. The princess did not teach her how to curtsey.
- I see, with bows you still feel bad, - haughtily hissed the stern beauty. So Rosalie isn't good at that either.
- Yes, Your Majesty, - Anyuta obediently agreed.
“Okay,” Grisella smiled indulgently. - I decided to forget all our disagreements with you, - she began, - I always wished you only well, you know that. And although you were a completely unbearable child, impudent, ill-mannered, rude, I endured everything for your father's sake. I spent so much energy and patience on your upbringing, Rosalie! Grisella raised her hands and shook them in the air. - Of course, I failed to achieve excellence in my educational work, but the piece of clay that I got didn’t lend itself well to sculpting.
Anyuta silently listened to this passionate, pathetic monologue. She must be so kind-hearted, she thought ironically, in every word she praises herself and insults Rosalie.
- I spent the best years of my life on your upbringing! And I never asked thanks for it! And you constantly resisted me, did not want to assimilate good manners, which is why I had to come up with a special challenge for you. You probably think that I did it for some harm, but, in fact, it is for your own good! You must be worthy of the throne you claim.
Anyuta gritted her teeth. She wanted more and more to tell Grisella that Rosalie had this throne by birthright. Just think, she hasn’t been here for a day, but has already begun to think in terms of a fairy tale!
“My dear Rosalie,” said Grisella after a short pause, “let's forget everything that happened and try to become friends. What do you say?
- I agree, Your Majesty, - said the surprised Anyuta.
- Truth? - delighted Grisella. “Then, as a sign of our reconciliation, I want to give you this apple,” as if by magic, a large red apple appeared in Grisella's hands.
What a twist! Anyuta simply could not believe her eyes. Grisella decided to poison her, how did the evil stepmother poison Snow White? Does she really think that she does not know this tale?
- Take it! - she hastened her.
Reaching out, she took the apple and looked at the wicked queen. She certainly won't eat it!
“Look what a wonderful ripe apple,” Grisella continued, meanwhile. - Come on, you bite off the red side, and I - with the green, this will mean that all the grievances between us are forgotten.
Okay, stop. Anyuta recalled that in one of the versions of the fairy tale about Snow White it was said that the apple was poisoned only from the red side.
- You are a queen, and I am only a princess, - said Anyuta, biting off an apple from the green side, - therefore I leave the red side to you as a sign of my respect, - and she held out the apple to Grisella. She glared at the girl, and then slowly took the apple.
Damn girl! Grisella already had several options for explaining her death to everyone. And now she was driven into her own trap. She spent so much eloquence explaining why Rosalie needed to eat the poisoned apple that now it was too late to refuse to try it herself.
“Of course, honey,” Grisella hissed through clenched teeth, going up to the railing and bending down. - What is that noise there?
- I don't hear anything, - Anyuta shrugged her shoulders.
- Oh, how awkward I am! - exclaimed the queen, deliberately dropping an apple from the balcony. - It's a pity that it fell, but it's just an apple. You're not mad at me, are you?
“Of course not, Your Majesty,” the girl answered her.
“Well, that's nice,” Grisella smiled with her lips alone. - Tomorrow there will be a ball in the palace, all the closest kings and princes, as well as all our courtiers and simply noble people, are invited to it. I'll send you a dress.
- Thanks.
- Go to your room, child, I'm tired.
As soon as Anyuta disappeared from sight, Grisella in a rage tore off the crown from her head and threw it to the floor.
- I hate! I hate it!
- Honey, what happened? - Crack appeared on the balcony, as if he had been waiting all this time around the corner.
- She didn't take a bite of the apple!
- But why?
- Because she bit it off!
“You just said she didn't take a bite,” Crack looked at Grisella in confusion.
- Do not make me angry! - She threatened him. - She took a bite of the apple on the other side, not poisoned! And she left me poisoned!
- And what, did you eat it? - Crack stared at her in horror.
“God, why are you so ... stupid,” Grisella almost shouted, but she held back. - I dropped the apple from the balcony.
- Ugh, - Crack breathed out in relief and looked at the queen with admiration. - How smart you are.
- Clever! Some girl just got twisted around me!
- Well, it just happened by accident. Darling, why do you absolutely want to kill her yourself? Leave that to your aunt Brangold, she's an experienced witch.
- I just want to play it safe! If she returns from Brangolda safe and sound, then we will lose the throne!
- If it suddenly happens, and she comes back, you can always say that Rosalie did not pass the test. You have an amazing gift of persuasion, everyone will support you and agree with you that the girl cannot be trusted with the government.
- OK let's see. I prefer it to be certain.

As soon as Anya entered the closet of the outer tower, Rosalie took off her invisibility cap.
- Ah, Anyuta! - she exclaimed. “I just admire your quick wits! I would not even have guessed that the apple was poisoned. Grisella is so cunning, but she knows how to pretend to be a poor sheep.
“Don't you know the story of Snow White? - the girl was surprised. “After all, her stepmother also tried to poison her with an apple.
- No, we do not know what happens in other fairy tales.
“How then did Grisella know about this?
- She has a magic mirror through which you got here. She can see whatever she wants.
- By the way, how can I get back? After all, tomorrow is a new year.
- It is in your world a new year tomorrow, - Rosalie smiled, - and in our fairy tale it will come only in a week. I will turn sixteen on New Years Eve, and Grisella will have to hand over the throne to me. Don't worry, you will definitely come back.
- And my birthday is December twenty-second. I thought we were born with you on the same day. How then can we explain our similarity?
- Just everyone good man there is definitely a double who lives in a fairy tale, and once every hundred years a New Year's miracle happens - we meet. I was lucky that during this century no one had yet met their counterpart from the world of people, so I persuaded Snegurochka to give me such a New Year's gift.
- Clear. I didn't even think that your stepmother would be so insidious, - Anyuta returned to the conversation about the poisoned apple. - And how would she then explain your death?
“She’s not even capable of that. She probably had everything prepared and invented. There will be a ball in the palace tomorrow, and I suspect she will try to kill me again.
- In front of everyone?
- Oh, if you knew her the way I do, you would not be surprised.
The next day after dinner, there was a knock in Rosalie's closet.
- Yes, who is there? - shouted the princess, while Anyuta, meanwhile, quickly put on her invisibility hat.
“It's me, Rosalie,” they heard Crack's obsequious voice. - Open it to me. I brought you a present from your stepmother Grisella, - he handed the princess a large box, - this dress was made especially for tonight's ball. See how the queen cares for you.
- Yes, Crack, thanks.
- And this is a gift from me, - he handed her a smaller box, - at this ball you should be the most beautiful, - he grinned with his nasty smile.
- Of course, Crack, thank you too for your concern.
“Don't be late, dear, Artius will be at this ball too,” he slyly narrowed his eyes and looked at the princess.
When the door closed behind him, Anyuta threw off her invisibility cap.
- Who is Artius? She asked.
“Artius,” Rosalie said, her cheeks a delicate blush, “this is the son of the neighboring king. I really like him.
- And the boy I like is called Artyom, - Anyuta sighed, - but I have no chance.
- Why? Rosalie exclaimed.
- He's so handsome, - Anyuta smiled, remembering Artyom with his clear, clear look, - and I ...
- You are beautiful too! Even more! You and I are doubles, I am a princess, and princesses cannot be ugly.
- Let's look at the dress, - Anyuta translated the conversation to another topic.
Opening the box, the girls gasped in surprise - the dress was very beautiful. Anya held out her hand to him, but Rosalie intercepted it.
- Wait, what if the dress is also poisoned?
“I don’t think your stepmother is actually that smart. With the help of her magic mirror, she looks at other fairy tales, but she herself cannot think of anything. I have never heard of such a fairy tale where the princess was presented with a poisoned dress.
- There is definitely some kind of insidiousness here. But how can you guess what it is?
“I don’t know,” Anyuta thought. “Let's take a look at Crack’s present.”
- Let's.
Opening the box, the girls saw stunningly beautiful crystal shoes.
- I know! I know! - Anya clapped her hands happily. - This is a fairy tale about Cinderella. With the striking of the clock, the dress will turn into rags, but why would she?
“She wants to embarrass me in front of everyone,” Rosalie said. “You heard what Crack said, Artius will be at the ball. Imagine what a shame if I find myself in front of everyone in torn dirty rags!
- Then you and I will have a lot of work today, - Anyuta smiled mysteriously.
- Have you come up with something?
- Yes, - Anya quickly whispered her plan in Rosalie's ear.
“I can imagine Grisella's face,” the princess laughed.
- Can you get everything?
“I can,” Rosalie said confidently.

Standing aside, with an invisible hat on her head, Anyuta watched the magnificent ball. Everyone was here: ladies in sparkling outfits, barons, counts with high wigs on their heads, kings of neighboring powers and princes in lace frills, and even hussars in red uniforms.
Grisella sat on the throne. Crack fussed about beside her, as usual. Anya grimaced. How vile, spiteful and envious they are both!
Rosalie appeared among the crowd, and the guests began to cheerfully greet her. The princess smiled and answered everyone politely. Anyuta looked at Grisella - her face was contorted with anger. Or else it will be when she realizes that her plan with the dress has failed.
Turning away from Grisella, Anya looked for the princess with her eyes. She danced with a young man who looked so much like Artyom that the girl's mouth opened in surprise. It's good that she's wearing an invisible hat, and no one sees her. Prince Artius looked at Rosalie with admiration. But if he admires her, then Anyuta herself probably has qualities that Artyom could admire. This thought made her heart beat faster and suddenly wanted to find herself at home, where they all gathered at the New Year's table. And if it hadn't been for the malicious Irka Grebeshkova ...
In fun and dancing, time flew by unnoticed. Anyuta also danced, although no one saw her. She would never have thought that dancing could be so great. She looked at dressed ladies and gentlemen and copied their movements. The girl had never danced, but was surprised to find that she was able to manage even the most difficult waltz movements.
Grisella kept glancing at her watch and grinning maliciously. The arrows were approaching twelve. The main thing is that Rosalie at this moment was somewhere near Artius, then her shame will be complete. The princess is called! All ragged and dirty. How wonderful that Grisella has a magic mirror, and with it she can look into other fairy tales!
Antyuta also looked at her watch. Twelve is about to strike. Grisella suddenly rose from her throne and addressed everyone present:
- Gentlemen, let's welcome the heiress of this kingdom, Princess Rosalie!
There was applause. The guests parted, forming a small circle around the princess. “Grisella specially drew attention to Rosalie,” Anyuta suddenly thought and heard the chime of the clock. The most benevolent smile blossomed on the evil stepmother's face. Now her sorcery will work, and everyone will see that Rosalie is not such a princess worthy of the throne.
The guests continued to applaud and cheer Rosalie, the clock struck its twelve beats, and the princess still stood in the spotlight in her gorgeous dress.
The smile slowly faded from Grisella's face. Didn't her sorcery work? But it just can't be!
- Music! - shouted the evil queen and again sat down on her throne.
- What's happened? Crack asked her quietly.
“I don’t know,” she said irritably, “the dress should have turned into tatters, but it didn’t happen. Damn girl! How she pisses me off! And you also asked why I want to kill her myself. Who, if not you, know that I have already tried several times, but she's like a spell! And as recently as yesterday I failed to get her to eat the poisoned apple.
- Nothing, - consoled the Queen Crack, - your aunt Brangolda will certainly cope with the girl.
- All hope is now only on her.
Anyuta laughed quietly on the sidelines. She and Rosalie had been making a replica of the dress Grisella had sent all day. The evil queen thought that Rosalie came to the ball in an enchanted dress, and did not even know that they had changed it.
“Gentlemen,” Grisella said again at the end of the ball, “you know that Rosalie is the heir to our kingdom. And according to the rules, she must pass the test in order to prove to everyone that she is a worthy applicant. Tomorrow she will go through the forest to my Aunt Brangolda for a magic thing. I ask you all to stay with us at the palace, so that when Rosalie returns, welcome her as the new queen.
There was joyful applause and congratulations for Rosalie. So what Grisella came up with was to send her to her witch aunt. Rosalie remembered from childhood horror stories who talked about Brangold and her huge teeth.
Accompanied by the wishes of a successful test, Rosalie went up to her room. Anyuta was already waiting for her there.
- Did you hear? The princess asked the girl.
- Yes. Who is this Brangolda?
“Grisella's aunt is a very terrible witch. She lives in the wilderness of the forest, and after meeting her, no one, except for Grisella herself, has returned.
- How does she want to lime you!
- Still would. Sleeps and sees how to take over my throne.
- By the way, look here, - Anyuta pulled out of the box a dress that Grisella had sent.
- What terrible rags! Rosalie exclaimed. - I simply would not have survived such a shame! Thank you for warning me.
- Tomorrow we have to go to the aunt of the evil queen?
- Yes, there is no other way out. I need to bring Grisella some magic item.
- The morning is wiser than the evening, - said Anyuta, - I suggest going to bed, and in the morning we will go on the road.
Rosalie nodded her head in agreement. If Anya is with her, she will definitely help, and even Brangolda herself will not be able to defeat them!

In the morning, smiling slyly, Grisella handed the princess a small wicker basket.
“Here's the medicine for my aunt,” she said. “Give it to her from me. She will ask you several riddles, if you answer them, she will give you one magical thing that you will have to bring to the palace and show everyone. Then I will cede the throne to you.
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Rosalie replied with dignity, “see you soon.
“And one more thing,” Grisella added, “if you don’t come back by tomorrow night, the task will be considered not completed.
- Of course, - making an awkward curtsy, Rosalie briskly walked straight to the forest.
She walked in splendid isolation until she completely disappeared from sight. Satisfied, Grisella returned to the palace. When no one else's eyes could see the princess, Anyuta appeared next to her.
“It's so good that now I can see you,” Rosalie exclaimed happily, “but it’s quite sad in this forest.
“You know that I’m always with you,” Anya reassured her.
“Yes,” said the princess, and fell silent.
- What's happened?
- Grisella did everything so that I did not come back. Her aunt lives in the very depths of the forest. Even if we run all the way back and forth, we will not be able to get back on time through these snowdrifts.
- We should at least try!
Rosalie said nothing. Grisella had left her no chance beforehand. In frustration and thoughtfulness, she was stepping over large snowdrifts, when suddenly the sound of bells rang out.
- What is it? Anya asked.
“I don’t know,” Rosalie said, turning around.
From behind the trees appeared a silvery sleigh, harnessed by three white-maned horses, hung with ringing bells. A young girl in a white fur coat was sitting in the sleigh.
- This is the Snow Maiden! Rosalie exclaimed happily.
- Hello girls! - the Snow Maiden greeted, pulling on the reins. The white horses stopped and hammered with their hooves. “I came to help you get to Brangolda's house.
- How amazing! - the princess and Anya exclaimed in one voice.
- I see that you have already managed to be upset that you will never cope with this task, - said the Snow Maiden, referring to Rosalie.
“It's impossible to get there on foot,” she replied.
- How could I leave you in trouble? Sit in my sleigh, I'll bring you almost to your place in no time.
The girls quickly climbed into the silvery sleigh and drowned in the soft seats. The Snow Maiden waved the reins, bells rang, and the frisky troika rushed forward, almost without touching the ground. The wind whistled, a whirlwind of snowflakes soared up almost to the sky. Quite a little time passed, and the sleigh stopped in a small clearing.
- I can't go further, - said the Snow Maiden, - here the possessions of Brangolda begin. Go straight all the time, without turning anywhere, and soon you will see her house.
“Thank you, Snow Maiden,” Rosalie thanked her.
- See you, girls! - the girl waved her hand to them goodbye. Leaping from their place, the three snow-white horses took off, leaving behind a whirlwind of sparkling snowflakes.
- You see how wonderful it is! - said Anyuta. - And you were afraid that we could not get there on time.
Hand in hand, the girls walked along the snowy road. The further they went, the more impassable the forest became. Huge branches of trees under the weight of snow hung down to the ground, tall overgrown bushes now and then clung to their fur coats. Finally, it brightened a little ahead, and the girls found themselves in a small clearing, where there was a hut on chicken legs.
- Blimey! - Anyuta exclaimed. - This is Baba Yaga's hut!
- Who is this, Baba Yaga?
- Eh, you! You live in a fairy tale, but you don't even know fairy tales. Baba Yaga is a bone leg, such an old, old woman who practices witchcraft.
- So this is Brangilda. But this strange house has no windows or doors.
“Watch and learn,” Anya said proudly. - Hut, hut, stand with your back to the forest, in front of me!
The hut swayed, creaked and began to turn towards the girls. Huge chicken feet stomped on the ground so that everything around began to shake.
“I'll be there,” whispered Anyuta, putting on her invisibility hat.
When the hut stopped, its skewed door swung open with a rattle, and Brangolda appeared on the threshold. She looked, in fact, scary - crocheted nose, tangled grey hair and huge protruding teeth. Rosalie felt cold inside at the sight of the old witch.
- Who walks around here? Cried Brangold in a rough voice. - My peace is disturbing!
- Hello, grandmother! The princess answered politely. “Your niece Grisella sent me, I brought you medicine,” and Rosalie handed the wicked old woman a basket covered with a handkerchief.
- Grisella! Come on, come on, come on, let's see what my niece sent, - the sorceress mumbled. Opening the basket, she pulled out a whole cubicle of small vipers. - Oh, you are my darlings! Oh, you are my pretty ones! Pleased nephew, pleased. Well, come in, you will be a guest, - she invited Rosalie.
Shuddering with disgust, the girl climbed the steps to the hut. Someone squeezed her hand encouragingly. Anyuta.
- Well, tell me, what do you want in return? Rosalie Brangolda asked.
- G-grisella said that you will give me some magic item. I have to bring her to the palace.
- Look, how cunning! Give! I won't give it to you just like that! If you guess my riddles, you will get a thing, but if you do not guess it, I will eat you!
- Ouch!
- So much for you! Listen to my first riddle: There is a curly hair, a white shirt, a golden heart in the garden, what is it?
“I need to think,” Rosalie managed. Well, and a riddle, how to guess this?
- Think, just not for long, otherwise I really want to eat, - Brangolda laughed, showing her terrible teeth.
“It's a daisy,” Anyuta whispered softly in Rosalie's ear.
- I know! It's a chamomile! The princess repeated.
- Oh, you ... - laughter died in the throat of the old witch. - Okay. Listen to my second riddle: my grandfather is sitting, dressed in a hundred fur coats, who undresses him sheds tears. Well, tell me, what is it?
Rosalie had never heard of such a grandfather. How to guess? And Brangolda is just waiting to devour it.
“It's a bow,” Anyuta whispered in the princess's ear again.
- I know! It's a bow!
- Oh, that's how! - Brangolda moved towards her. - Then here is the third riddle for you: whoever has no arms or legs, but walks!
Rosalie was confused. Well, how can you walk if you have no arms or legs?
- Do you know? - Joyfully rubbed her bony hands of Brangold.
- Watch! This is a clock! - Rosalie screamed with the last bit of strength.
- Wow! - the old witch was angry. - And how do you only know all this? She hit the floor with her bony leg out of anger. She'll eat this girl anyway! She looked painfully appetizing. - Okay, you have guessed my riddles. Here is a basket with a magic thing. ”She gestured to the table. - Now I'll collect some pies for your journey, and here you go, play on the guseries for now.
The old woman thrust the harp into Rosalie's hands and limped out of the hut. The princess began to play the harp.
“We need to run away from here,” she heard Anyuta's voice. - She went to sharpen her teeth to eat you!
- How can I escape from here?
- I will play the harp, so that she thinks that you are still here and does not set off in pursuit. And you run!
- And what about you?
- She won't see me anyway, I'm wearing an invisible hat. Run to the place where Brangolda's domain ends, and wait for me there. Take the basket!
Grabbing the basket, Rosalie jumped out of the hut and started running as fast as she could. At this time, Anyuta continued to play the guseries instead of the princess. Brangolda heard the music and slowly sharpened her huge teeth. When she finished, she hobbled into the hut and saw that there were psaltery on the bench, playing by themselves.
- I ran away! She screamed. - Oh, you damned gusli! Why are you playing yourself? - out of anger, the old witch grabbed them and threw them against the wall. - I will catch up anyway! You will not leave!
The old woman jumped out of the hut and ran in Rosalie's footsteps. Anyuta ran after him. For such an ancient old woman, Brangolda moved rather quickly, as if she did not have any bone leg.
- You won't get away from me! She screamed suddenly, and Anyuta saw Rosalie. Apparently, the princess fell, running away, and now she was limping. Delighted, Brangolda ran even faster. Until the end of her possessions, there was very little left.
Rosalie, with the last of her strength, moved forward, but the witch inevitably overtook her. What to do? The old woman stretched out her arms to grab the princess. Anyuta was frantically thinking how to help Rosalie, when suddenly a saving idea came to her mind! Running ahead, she tripped Brangold, and the old witch fell at full speed right into a huge snowdrift.
Taking Rosalie by the arm, Anyuta dragged her to the clearing. While running, the invisibility cap fell off her, and now the old woman could see that the princess was not alone. As she ran, Anyuta grabbed the fallen cap while Brangolda, dusting herself off, got out of the snow. At that moment, the girls crossed the border of the old witch's possessions, and now she was not afraid of them.
- All the same, you will not leave! - the sorceress screamed in a thunderous voice and muttered some kind of incantation. Immediately, an ominous wolf howl was heard from all sides, and wolves appeared in the clearing. With a menacing growl, they surrounded the girls.
- Aha! Gotcha! - Joyfully rubbing Brangold's hands. The wolves came closer and closer. The circle narrowed.
- Anya, what should we do? Rosalie almost cried.
“I don’t know,” the girl replied. For the first time, she really didn’t know what to do.
The animals growled menacingly, the girls closed their eyes in fear ... And suddenly the familiar ringing of bells rang out. A silvery sleigh, harnessed by three white-maned horses, drove into the clearing.
- Went! Go here! - the Snow Maiden shouted at the wolves, clapping her hands. Tails between their tails, the animals scattered between the trees. - Get into my sleigh! - the Snow Maiden shouted to the girls. Rosalie and Anyuta quickly jumped into the soft seats, and the snow-white horses galloped ahead briskly.
Brangolda could only scold after the disappearing prey.

The Snow Maiden took the girls to the very edge of the forest. Having listened to the words of gratitude and, with an encouraging smile, she whipped with the reins, and the white horses rushed straight into the sky, leaving behind them, as usual, a whirlwind of dancing snowflakes.
- It's only morning, and we have already returned! Rosalie exclaimed happily.
- Yes, now we can take our time. I wonder what kind of magic item is in the basket? - Anyuta suddenly asked. - Let's see if old woman Brangold has deceived us?
“Come on,” Rosalie agreed.
Opening the basket, the girls saw there a small stick with gold threads wound around it.
- What is it? - Anyuta was surprised.
“It's a spindle,” Rosalie replied and reached out to pull it out of the basket.
- Stop! Anya grabbed the princess's hand.
- What?
- If this is a magic spindle, then as soon as you touch it, you will prick and fall asleep for a whole hundred years, like the Sleeping Beauty!
- Anyuta, you are so smart! - the princess admired. - What would I do without you? You have guessed all Brangolda's riddles and you know so many fairy tales!
“In fact, her riddles were quite easy, we went through them at school,” the girl boasted. - And I really like to read fairy tales.
- What to do now? When I return to the palace, I will need to hand the spindle to Grisella, she probably really hopes that I will inject with it, and she will get rid of me for a whole hundred years.
- You and I are alike, like sisters, - Anyuta smiled, - I will go instead of you.
- What if you too prick and fall asleep for a hundred years?
- Only a princess can prick with a spindle, and I am not a princess, I am an ordinary girl. Grisella will be surprised!
“She'll eat her crown out of anger,” Rosalie laughed.

As soon as Anyuta appeared on the horizon, the royal heralds began to announce to everyone that Princess Rosalie was returning. Grisella was very surprised. Did she manage to return alive from her aunt Brangolda? Together with everyone she went out to greet the princess.
Entering the throne room, Anyuta went up to the throne and handed her a basket with a spindle.
“Here, Your Majesty, is the magical item I was supposed to bring,” she said, bowing awkwardly to the evil queen.
- What is there? Get it out and show it to everyone.
Anyuta opened the basket and took out a golden spindle. Grisella smiled happily. Now Rosalie will inject herself and fall asleep for a whole hundred years, and all this time she will rule the kingdom with Crack. But the girl quite calmly held the spindle in her hands.
- This spindle is not real! Grisella squealed suddenly.
“But your aunt Brangolda gave it to me,” Anyuta objected to her.
- Sassy Girl! I tell you: it's not real!
- Look for yourself, Your Majesty, it is all gold and golden threads are wound on it.
In a rage, Grisella rose from the throne and snatched the magic spindle from Anyuta's hands.
- Ay! She screamed. - I injected with them! Blood! What is it with me? - Grisella's legs gave way, and Crack ran up to her.
- The doctors! The doctors! He shouted.
The doctor who came running to his cries ordered to transfer the queen to one of the rooms. After examining her, she made the verdict that she was asleep.
- How long will she sleep? Crack asked, biting his fingers.
“At least a hundred years,” said the palace physician importantly.
- A hundred years! But why?
- She was pricked with a magic spindle. Most likely, such a spell was imposed on him.
"But why didn't Rosalie inject herself with them then?"
“Our princess held him neatly, so she didn’t prick herself,” the Aesculapius said in an instructive tone, “and Her Majesty the Queen grabbed this magical object too sharply.
- What to do now? Whined Crack.
- Nothing. Leave her alone and let her sleep.
- But a hundred years!
“There is nothing I can do to help Her Majesty,” said the doctor, putting all his instruments into a white briefcase. - Better take care of the coronation.
- What kind of coronation? - asked the upset Crack.
- The coronation of Princess Rosalie, of course! She passed the test and must now take the throne.
- Oh yes! Yes! Crack exclaimed bitterly. - I will definitely do it.

Against Crack's wishes, Rosalie refused his help. Her coronation was magnificent and festive. All kings, queens and princes of neighboring states congratulated her and wished her kingdom prosperity. Anyuta was also present at the celebration. Of course, no one saw her, but she had a lot of fun, imitating the dancers.
After the holiday, the girls were left alone. Rosalie once again thanked Anyuta for her help.
- Probably, it's time for me to go home, - said Anya, - my mother must have searched me.
- I will miss you, - the princess smiled sadly.
The bells rang out, and the Snow Maiden appeared in front of them.
“I see you've already said goodbye,” she smiled. - Then let's go to the magic mirror. Anyuta really has to go home.
The three of them entered secret room Grisella and stopped at the magic mirror. The Snow Maiden touched the mirror with her hand, and it rippled. The girls hugged one last time. Anyuta closed her eyes and walked through the molten mirror. This time she did not fly anywhere or fall, but only heard the cheerful ringing of bells.
When the girl opened her eyes, she saw that she was standing in front of the very store, in the window of which a black and gold dress was displayed. Taking one last look at him, Anya ran to the store for mayonnaise, cinnamon and cream.

Waking up in the morning, she stretched sweetly. What a wonderful adventure happened to her. Visit a real fairy tale, help a real princess and win the battle against Rosalie's cunning and insidious enemies. For the first time, Anyuta was truly proud of herself. If Artyom only knew where she was and what happened to her, he would be surprised!
- Anya, are you awake yet? - Mom entered the girl's room.
- Yes, just now.
- Can you help decorate the tree? Parents of Ira and Artyom will come to visit us today together with their children.
Anyuta winced at Irka's name. Again she will go out of her way, showing everyone how she is painting.
- Of course, I will help, - Anya sighed.
Entering the hall, she saw that the tree was already standing in the middle of the room, it just needed to be decorated. And under the tree was a large red box tied with a bright bow. I wonder what it is there?
- Looks like Santa Claus brought you a present in advance, - my mother smiled.
Carefully undoing the bow, the girl opened the box with curiosity. Inside was the very dress she tried on in the store, and from which her magical adventure began.
- Mommy! - Anya exclaimed in admiration. - But how did you guess?
- And it's not me, - Svetlana smiled slyly, - it's Santa Claus!

Before the guests arrived, Anyuta put on her new dress, tinted her eyelashes, let her hair down and curled it up with a curling iron. Going to the mirror, she saw the princess Rosalie in front of her. No, of course, it was Anya, but how she still looks like a princess!
There was a knock on the front door.
- Anya, open it! - shouted mom. - Guests have arrived!
Running out into the corridor, Anyuta pulled the heavy door towards herself. Indeed, Irka looked at Anya with an expression of superiority, hanging on Artyom's arm.
- Holiday greetings! - said Anyuta. - Come on in.
- Thank you, - said Artyom, casting an approving glance at the girl.
- And you, too, - added Irka in a hoarse whistling voice, limping into the corridor.
- Oh, what is it with your voice? - Anya asked sympathetically.
- She ate ice cream, - answered her mother instead of Irka, - you look great today, Anyuta.
- Thanks. What about the leg?
- I turned it up, - croaked Irka. Look, how curious, tell her everything, what and why.
The guests sat down at the table. Irka sat, as always, next to Artyom, and Anyuta - opposite both of them. Artyom kept raising his eyes and admiring Anya. She has changed so much, she began to look completely different, so unusual.
The clock began to strike twelve, and Anyuta made her most cherished wish to herself. After congratulations, adults suddenly started talking about dancing.
- Nowadays young people don't even know how to dance, - said Irkin's dad, - either it was before! Quadrille, mazurka, waltz!
- Our Artyom went to a dance club for several years, - Artyom's mother immediately boasted.
- So this is when it was! - Irkin's dad waved his hand. - Probably already forgot everything!
- But I have not forgotten!
- And then let him show!
- And I would have shown! Yes, only he has no partner. Of the girls, no one can dance a waltz.
- I can! - Anyuta suddenly said, and she was amazed at her own courage.
- You? - Irka burst out laughing with her hoarse laugh. - What a scream! Anka can dance a waltz! Did you go to dances? She hissed.
Artyom looked at the girl with disapproval. It would be better if she was silent with such and such a voice.
- So let him dance with Anka, since they both know how, - Irkin's father immediately interjected, - or weakly? Weak! I thought so!
“Nothing is weak,” Artyom said suddenly, rising from his seat. - Anya, do you really know how to dance a waltz? - he turned to Anyuta. She nodded her head. - Then let's show them how to dance.
Anyuta also got up and went out to the center of the room.
- Now, I'll turn on the waltz for you, - Svetlana fussed with the music. The woman even felt a little uncomfortable. After all, if her daughter does not cope with the dance, then the ridicule will not subside for a long time afterwards.
When the music started playing, Artyom took Anyuta's arm and led her in the dance. Remembering how she waltzed at balls in Rosalie's palace, the girl easily and naturally danced in a waltz. The adults fell silent, admiring the beautiful couple. And only Irka Grebeshkova looked angrily at the dancers. Today, her self-confidence has been shattered. First, Anyuta suddenly began to look completely different; secondly, it turned out that she can dance, and not just something, but such a complex dance as a waltz; and thirdly, not only all the parents looked at her in admiration, but also Artyom.
When the dance ended, there was a storm of applause. Artyom's mother even had tears of affection in her eyes. Svetlana looked at her daughter as if she were some kind of miracle. And Irka just turned green with envy.
When the guests had left, Anyuta went to the mirror in her room. Looking at her reflection, she smiled. For the first time in a long time, the girl was absolutely happy. From today, from the first day of the new year, everything will be new in her life.
"So it will be!" - She heard someone's voice, coming from afar to the ringing of bells, and the reflection in the mirror slyly winked at her.