Ivan, a well-known hunter, was not a poacher and always followed the rules of hunting. After his wife left him, he moved to the village and started taking his son Maxim with him into the forest. One day, on his way to a neighboring village, Ivan noticed a wolf stuck in an ice hole.

He pulled the animal out, despite its heaviness, and brought it home. Ivan covered the wolf with a tulup and began to restore its health, using hot rags and vodka and pepper. The beast looked exhausted, but there was a spark of life in its eyes.

Soon the wolf regained consciousness, but could not stand up because of weakness. Ivan patiently fed him, offering him meat and water. Maxim, having arrived on vacation, watched his father and the beast with interest.

The boy offered to give the wolf a massage to restore his strength. Ivan approved the idea, and Maxim gently kneaded the animal’s paws. The wolf, though wild, did not show any aggression, as if understanding the good intentions.

Gradually the wolf began to get up and take its first steps. Ivan was happy to see the animal coming to life thanks to their care. Maxim, spending time with his father, felt closer to him than before.

When the vacation was over, Maxim left, and Ivan continued to take care of the wolf. He checked its condition every day, adding herbs to its food to strengthen it. The beast grew stronger, and his fur shone again.

In the summer, the wolf fully recovered and one day jumped over the fence. Ivan watched him, realizing that the beast was returning to its element. He felt a strange mixture of pride and sadness.

Maxim, having learned of the wolf’s departure, was a little disappointed, but proud of his father. He often remembered the time the three of them had spent together and longed to see the beast again. The forest became for the boy a place full of secrets and stories.

In winter, Maxim returned to his father for vacation. His mother had found a new suitor, and the boy preferred to spend time with Ivan. They went to the forest together, where his father taught him to read animal tracks.

One day Maxim decided to go to the village across the river….

Ivan forbade him to take a shortcut, but the boy disobeyed. The ice cracked, and Maxim fell into the cold water.

His clothes got wet, pulling him to the bottom, and he couldn’t get out. At that moment the wolf that Ivan had once rescued appeared. The beast did not hesitate and rushed to the boy.

The wolf grabbed Maxim by the scruff of the neck and pulled him to the shore. The boy, shivering from the cold, knew he had to move to get warm. He ran toward the house, and the wolf followed him as if guarding him.

Ivan, seeing his wet son, rushed to him with a blanket. He noticed the wolf standing nearby and nodded gratefully. The beast, as if realizing that the debt was paid, disappeared into the forest.

Maxim, warmed by the stove, told his father what had happened. Ivan listened without interrupting and felt warmth in his chest at the thought that their good had returned. They never saw the wolf again, but his presence remained in their hearts.

Ivan often thought about how people and nature were connected. He taught Maxim to respect the forest and its inhabitants. The boy absorbed these lessons, realizing that the world around them was alive and full of mysteries.

The forest became for Ivan not just a hunting ground, but a home where he found peace. He noticed how the seasons were changing, how the animals were preparing for winter. Every tree, every trail told him its own story.

Maxim, returning to his father, brought with him new questions. He asked why the wolf had returned and what made him help. Ivan answered that nature has its own laws, which are not always clear to people.

They often sat around the fire, discussing the past. Ivan talked about his youth, about how he had become a hunter. Maxim listened, imagining himself in his father’s place, with a rifle in his hands.

One day Ivan found an old trap, forgotten by someone in the forest. He showed it to Maxim, explaining how dangerous such traps were. The boy thought about how many animals suffer because of human negligence….

Maxim started drawing the wolf they had rescued. His drawings were simple but full of feeling. Ivan hung one of them on the wall, proud of his son’s talent.

The winter that year was harsh, and Ivan stayed home more often. He repaired his tools, preparing for the spring hikes. Maxim helped him, learning to work with wood and metal.

In the evenings they read books about nature and animals. Ivan chose old editions that described the habits of animals. Maxim especially liked stories about wolves living in packs.

One day Maxim asked if their wolf was lonely. Ivan wondered, for wolves rarely lived alone. He suggested that their beast might have been looking for his pack after he recovered.

The forest was quiet in winter, but full of life. Ivan taught Maksim to spot tracks in the snow, to distinguish birds by their cries. The boy felt that he was becoming part of this world.

Ivan sometimes remembered his wife, but without bitterness. He understood that their paths had diverged, and he was grateful for his son. Maxim became his support and the meaning of his life.

Maxim dreamed of becoming like his father, but with one difference. He wanted not only to hunt, but also to protect the forest. Ivan supported him, seeing in his son a spark of kindness.

One day they found a wounded bird that had fallen from a tree. Maxim insisted on taking it home. They treated it, and soon the bird flew away, flapping its wings in farewell.

Ivan was telling Maxim about the importance of maintaining balance in nature. He explained that hunting was not just about the prey, but about responsibility. The boy nodded, memorizing every word.

Spring brought with it new sounds and colors. The forest was coming alive, and Ivan and Maxim spent more time in the air. They watched the animals come out of hibernation and the birds build their nests.

Maksim began keeping a diary, writing down his thoughts about the forest. He described the trees, the animals, and his feelings. Ivan, reading his notes, marveled at the depth of his son’s thoughts …

One day they saw a moose walking majestically through the clearing. Maxim froze, afraid to frighten the animal away. Ivan whispered to him how moose lived and why they were called the masters of the forest.

Summer came with warm rains and long days. Ivan and Maksim built a tent to shelter from the weather. It became their little adventure, full of laughter and work.

Maxim asked his father why the wolf didn’t stay with them. Ivan answered that wild animals belonged to the forest, not to humans. The boy hesitated, but accepted these words.

Ivan taught his son how to make a fire without matches. Maxim tried, but he did not succeed at once. His father patiently explained until the boy succeeded.

One day they found an old tree that had fallen from the wind. Ivan showed them how to make a bench out of it. Maxim helped, feeling like a real master.

In winter they went back to the river, where Maksim had almost drowned. The boy looked at the ice with respect, remembering the wolf. Ivan hugged him, happy that his son was safe.

Maxim started taking pictures of the forest with Ivan’s old camera. His pictures were simple but lively. His father praised him, saying that his son had an artist’s eye.

Ivan sometimes sang songs he had known since childhood. Maxim would sing along, though he didn’t always know the words. These moments brought them closer together, filling the house with warmth.

One day they found tracks that looked like wolf tracks. Maxim got excited, hoping it was an old acquaintance of theirs. Ivan smiled, but said it was probably a different animal.

The forest was teaching them patience and attention. Ivan showed them how to find mushrooms hidden under the leaves. Maxim rejoiced at every find, as if it were treasure.

Maxim asked what would happen if they met the wolf again. Ivan replied that they would just say hello, like an old friend. The boy laughed, imagining this scene…..