Amelka finds a striped umbrella in the park and steps into a magical garden, where a tiny gate, a rabbit in a waistcoat, and a whispering bush wait for her.
Amelka loved rainy walks in the park. Her yellow wellington boots splashed through puddles, and the drops on the leaves sounded like tiny drums.
One day, under a big oak tree, she spotted something bright on the grass. It was an umbrella with green and purple stripes. A shiny silver bell hung from its handle.
Amelka picked it up.
At once, a warm breeze swirled around her ankles. The umbrella trembled in her hands. Lights flashed softly in the air, and the park began to shimmer and stretch. The trees grew taller, their branches curling overhead. In the grass, little glowing dots blinked like friendly stars. Even the puddles turned silver.
Then a tiny gate appeared right in front of her. It had gold leaves curling around its frame, and it stood open just a crack, as if it was waiting for her.
A rabbit in a green waistcoat poked his nose out and waved a paw. "This way," he seemed to say without words.
Amelka took one brave step forward.
Then, from behind a bush, came the softest whisper she had ever heard....