This story happened on one of those autumn days when the weather is not too cold as in winter, or too hot as in summer, and there is a rich smell of burning leaves in the air. This is my favorite time of the year when it is so pleasant to have a holiday outdoors. In this period, late September – early October, our family often gathers for the common hobby – camping. I should say that we are not professional campers, though we have some equipment, and basic survival skills. That is why it does not usually take us more than two or three days to enjoy nature, and start craving for the benefits of civilization. We planned this holiday trip to Minoqua long ago: me, my mom, dad, my cousin Lia, and aunt Sandra. All the gear was prepared, provisions made, and minor businesses cancelled for this trip to be successful. The bad thing is that my parents had quarreled with aunt Sandra, perhaps on some political issues. My cousin Lia and I could not understand how such abstract issues as politics could ruin our happy family communication. Still, it happened that aunt Sandra left indignant, and unwilling to go camping as agreed. My parents were also irritated, my mother was so hurt that she could not resist crying. All my attempts to change their attitude to aunt Sandra were unsuccessful. Fortunately, Lia was very convincing in persuading aunt to join this trip, as if she had done in other way, it would only have aggravated the situation. Lia also stated that relaxed atmosphere of nature they would have had more chances to find common grounds, and finally, make their peace.
The road to Minoqua was silent, the tents were settled, and all the other arrangements were also made in silence. My cousin and I could not stand this any more, and we decided to give the adults some time for themselves. As we wandered around, we saw an shabby trailer, and an old man sitting outside and making very beautiful glass birds. A large fluffy dog was lying beside him. We became interested in his job, and approached the man very carefully being afraid of the dog. Surprisingly, the dog did not pay any attention to us, neither did the old man. When we were close enough to start conversation, the man told us to present these birds to our families, as they have a magic power of protecting peace inside the family. We felt that we had found exactly what we needed. Having returned to our camping we realized that the magic birds had been broken. Willing to reconcile our adults we returned to the old man and asked for the other talismans for our family. But he refused, and told us to show the broken birds to our relatives, and explain them that family happiness is very fragile, and we should do all our best to avoid hurting or ruining it. Otherwise, …