Lina and the Wonderful Seasons

Lina lived in a red-roofed cottage on the edge of the village with her mother and father. Behind the house was a lush garden, full of fragrant flowers and green trees. Lina’s room was in the attic, with a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside.

Lina was ten years old, a lively and curious little girl. She had long blonde hair in pigtails and blue eyes that sparkled with curiosity. She loved adventures, running around the garden, climbing trees and chirping with birds.

The little girl’s room was nice and cosy. Colourful drawings hung on the walls, flowers lined the windowsill and a soft teddy bear stood guard in the corner. Lina loved this room, but what she loved most was the view.

One of her favourite pastimes was to watch her neighbours from the window.

Lina had four special neighbours – Spring Girl, Mama Summer, Uncle Autumn and Papa Winter. Each of their gardens was unique and Lina watched with enthusiasm as they dressed the landscape in new robes as the seasons changed.

Papa Winter’s garden was covered in snow. The branches of the trees, decorated with glittering icicles, shone in the winter sun. The snowman stood proudly in the middle of the garden, bringing a smile to the little girl’s face. Birds chirped happily among the snow-covered bushes.

Mama Summer’s garden was full of fragrant flowers. Sunbeams bathed the butterflies playing in the garden in a golden glow. The bees were busy gathering nectar from the flowers and the birds sang merry songs on the branches of the trees. There was also a cooling pool in the garden where Mama Summer used to swim.

In Spring Girl’s garden, fresh green leaves glistened in the sunshine. Birds nested in the branches of the trees and flowers perfumed the air. In the garden, a stream trickled and the grass was soft, where Spring Girl often ran barefoot.

The atmosphere in Uncle Autumn’s garden was vibrant and serene. The leaves on the trees were golden yellow, orange and deep red, but those that had fallen were a carpet of colour on the ground. The air was fresh and refreshing. When Uncle Autumn allowed it, Lina skipped merrily through the leaves.

The four neighbours often quarreled, sometimes more seriously, just teasing each other. On one of these occasions, Lina was watching them from the window.

Winter Papa, always dressed as if he were about to go on an expedition around the Arctic Circle, began, “Ladies and gentlemen, did you know that winter gives the best holidays? Plus, who doesn’t love snowballing? Look, I even decorate my own beard with snow!”

Mama Summer, who professed to be a personal friend of sunshine, giggled and replied, “Dear Winter, but what do you do when you freeze your own beard? Summer is the time for life, parties and big beach parties. And let’s not forget, you have me to thank for the ice cream!”

Spring girl, with the smell of flowers and fresh grass, lightly interjected: “Oh, my darlings, you don’t understand any of this! Spring brings the world to life, flowers bloom and birds chirp. And who doesn’t love it when you can finally take off your winter coat?”

Uncle Autumn, never one to miss a good harvest festival, nodded his head in an old-fashioned way, “Now, now, children, all is well and good, but Autumn gives the best pies and the best apples. Besides, if you do it right, you can eat the jam I make all winter long! And remember, my season also brings the richest colours.”

As the four neighbours teased each other, Lina laughed and watched. The competition of the seasons was like a live comedy show for her.

“None of you can win,” she shouted over to them, trying to remain serious amid her laughter. “Because all seasons are the best… when they are!”

The neighbours looked over at Lina, surprised but amused, and suddenly realised that the real beauty was not in the competition, but in the cooperation.

“Maybe you’re right, Lina,” said Uncle Autumn, as the others nodded. “But we still have to discuss who makes the best jam!”

With that funny comment, the four neighbors walked laughing back to their own little gardens and their seasons, while Lina watched them happily, knowing that more fun times were in store for her in the days to come.