Julka and Fluffy follow a trail of sparkling pebbles deep into the Old Forest, where a strange humming sound waits inside a hollow tree.
Julka loved walks in the Old Forest, especially when Fluffy came along tucked under her arm. The tall trees made cool shadows on the path, and the leaves whispered overhead.
One sunny morning, Julka stopped so fast that Fluffy tipped against her chin. Right there on the path were tiny shiny pebbles, lined up one after another like they had been dropped on purpose. The first was red, then green, then blue, and the last one glittered like a silver star.
"Look, Fluffy," Julka whispered. She crouched down and touched the nearest pebble. It was smooth and warm, as if someone had just held it. The pebbles curved between the trees, deeper into the forest than Julka had ever gone before.
Julka took one careful step, then another, following the bright little trail over twisting roots and soft moss. The birds had gone quiet. Even the wind seemed to be listening. At last the pebbles led her to a huge old tree with a dark hollow in its trunk. The silver pebble waited at the edge, and from inside came a soft buzzing sound. Julka held her breath. What was hiding in the hollow?