Ivan Semenovich saw traces at dawn when he went to check the haystacks. He has not seen such large prints in 72 years of life in the taiga. Not bears, too narrow. Not lynxes, too large. Something in between cat and dog, but the size of a wolf. The old man sat down on a jacket, carefully studying each detail. On the soft ground, four fingers with slender claws could be clearly seen , but the shape of the paw was unusual.
What kind of beast is this? He whispered, rising and rubbing his sick lower back. The trail led to thick thickets and into the ditch by the stream. Ivan slowly walked along it, trying not to make noise.
In 40 years of work as a forester, he learned to move almost silently. Every step is well thought out, every movement is careful. The morning fog had not yet dissipated, and the visibility was poor.
Suddenly a strange sound was heard from the bushes, not a growl, not a meow, but something similar to a muffled moan of pain. Ivan froze, listening. The sound was repeated more clearly.
The animal was definitely suffering. Moving the branches of the ivy, the old man saw it. The creature lay in a small burrow, hard to breathe.
It was the size of a large dog, but the appearance was unusual. Thick gray, brown wool with dark stripes, a round head with small ears, short paws, but massive body composition. Most of all, the beast looked like a giant manula, only several times larger.
Oh my God, Ivan Semenovich sighed quietly. The animal turned its head towards him. The eyes were surprisingly smart, almost human.
They were full of pain and fear, but not aggression. The front paw was clearly damaged, perhaps it got into the trap of the poachers. Ivan slowly stepped back a few steps, without taking his eyes off the beast.
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Leave to die? But all his life he could not pass by someone else's pain, be it a person or an animal. Once Maria's wife said that he had too kind a heart for this cruel world. Well, my friend, he turned to the animal, should I help you or something? The beast looked at him carefully, as if he understood every word.
Ivan approached carefully, ready to jump back with the first sign of aggression. But the animal only grumbled pitifully, trying to raise the damaged paw. Ivan Semenovich always had a small veterinary first aid kit at home , the remains from the times when he fed homeless dogs and cats in the village.
But first you had to somehow get the wounded beast home, and this was not an easy task. Lie down until you twitch, he said, and hurried home for the stretchers that he once made for transporting firewood. Half an hour later, he returned with homemade stretchers and an old blanket.
The animal lay in the same place, but his eyes became more blurry. Time was running out. Well, be patient a little, Ivan persuaded, carefully covering the beast with a blanket.
Now we will get home, there we will treat. To his surprise, the animal did not resist. As if he understood that the person wants to help.
It was strange and at the same time amazing. During all the years of work in the forest, Ivan did not meet such a trustworthy wild beast. The journey home took more than an hour.
I often had to stop. The stretchers were heavy, and a 72-year-old old man such a load was not easy. But he stubbornly went ahead, from time to time encouraging his unusual patient.
Nothing, nothing, we'll get there. The house is already close. When they finally got to the hut, Ivan arranged the beast in the shed on the hay.
It was warm and dry here. The animal lay motionless, rarely opening its eyes and watching the movements of the old man. Having washed the wound with warm water, Ivan saw that the damage was serious, but not critical.
Most likely, the beast really got into the trap, but managed to break free. Deep cuts from the metal teeth have already begun to rot. Be patient, friend, now we will process it, he said, pulling out the hydrogen peroxide.
The animal twitched when the antiseptic hit the wound, but did not try to bite or run away. This finally convinced Ivan that the beast understands, he is being helped. After treating the wound and applying the bandage, the old man brought a bowl with water and some frozen meat.
The beast greedily drank, but was careful when it came to food. He sniffed, tried a small piece and, only after making sure that the meat was fresh, began to eat. How smart! Ivan spoke with admiration.
And careful. This is good in our area. In the evening, he came several times to check how the patient was doing.
The beast slept, but when he heard footsteps, he immediately opened his eyes. Gradually, he got used to the presence of a person, stopped straining with every movement. The next morning, Ivan discovered that the animal could already stand, although the damaged paw was still safe.
It was a good sign, so the bones are intact. How are you, buddy? He said hello, entering the barn with a new portion of food. The beast looked at him carefully, and something very similar to gratitude was read in his eyes.
Ivan put a bowl of food and sat down next to the overturned box. You know, we won't tell anyone about you yet. And then the people are worried about us, which is good, they are scared.
And you, I see, are a peaceful beast. The animal slowly approached the bowl, but did not eat at once. Instead, it carefully approached Ivan and lightly poked his face into his hand.
It was so unexpected and touching that the old man got pinched in the eyes. Oh, buddy, he quietly said, carefully stroking the thick wool. I haven't talked to anyone alive for a long time.
Five years have passed since the death of Maria's wife, but loneliness is still pressing. The children have long moved around the cities, the grandchildren came rarely. There were almost no neighbors in the village, the youth left, the old men died one after another.
Of the 20 houses, only 5 were inhabited. You will live with me until you get better, Ivan decided. And there it will be seen.
Maybe you will stay, if you want. The beast seemed to understand his words. He approached the bowl and began to eat, looking at the man from time to time.
There was no fear in his gaze, only trust and some amazing wisdom. The next few days passed calmly. The wound healed quickly, the animal was gaining strength.
Ivan gave him the nickname Manulich, similar to Manul, although the size was completely different. Every morning the old man brought food and fresh water, changed his bandage, talked to his unusual tenant. Manulich turned out to be surprisingly smart.
He quickly understood where his place to eat was, where to go to the toilet, how to behave in the presence of a person. Moreover, he began to show initiative, brought pieces of wood for stacking in his teeth, watched Ivan when he was working in the garden. Look at what assistant has appeared, the old man was surprised, looking at how Manulich was dragging a fallen branch to the greenhouse.
But the most amazing thing happened on the fifth day. Ivan was working in the garden, licking potatoes when he felt that someone was watching him. Turning around, he saw Manulich, who was sitting by the edge of the bench and carefully watching his actions.
What, are you interested? Ivan smiled. To his amazement, Manulich approached the neighboring bench and began to carefully pull out the weeds with his teeth, accurately copying the movement of a person. He did it carefully, without harming the cultural plants.
What are you thinking, what are you doing? The old man was amazed. Manulich raised his head, looked at him and continued working. It was incredible.
Ivan had never seen such a smart animal in his life. In the evening, sitting on the bench near the house, he told Manulich about it, who was sitting next to him. Do you understand, my friend? The old man said, scratching the beast by the ear.
I have lived in the forest all my life, I have seen all kinds of animals. But I have never seen one like you. Manulich grumbled quite a bit, clinging to the warm side of a person.
At these moments, Ivan forgot about his loneliness, about the fact that his old age had come unnoticed, about the fact that his days were numbered. It's good that you came to me, he quietly added. And then he was all alone.
But the calm days ended when Kanna Petrovna, the only close neighbor, came to visit her niece from the city. A curious young woman noticed that Ivan began to behave strangely. He often went to the barn, carried food there.
He talked to himself. Aunt Anya said she was for evening tea, and Uncle Vanya was not sick for an hour. He behaves strangely.
Anna Petrovna frowned. She also thought that something unusual was happening to the neighbor. Yes, I noticed it myself.
Sometimes he carries food in the barn, sometimes he talks to someone. Maybe the truth is that his head has gone from loneliness. Or maybe he picked up some dog.
The niece assumed. Maybe. But why is she hiding then? The next day, Anna Petrovna decided to go to her neighbor under the pretext of taking a little salt.
Ivan met her at the gate, which was unusual, usually he invited her to the house. Hello, Vanechka, she said hello. You can't borrow salt.
I'm out of it, and I won't get to the store until tomorrow. Of course, Anna Petrovna, he replied, but for some reason he was nervous. I'll bring it now.
While he was going to the house, the woman heard strange sounds from the barn, not moaning, not meowing, but something in between. She came closer, but Ivan was already returning with salt. Vanya, what do you have in the barn? She asked directly.
Yes, nothing special, he huddled. So, I keep something. Anna Petrovna knew the neighbor for many years and understood that he was hiding something.
But she didn't insist, she would find out sooner or later anyway. And at this time, in the district center, journalist Katya Volkova was preparing for an expedition to the remote places of the region. She was collecting material about the rare species of Siberian fauna for her dissertation.
A young biologist hoped to find something interesting in understudied areas. Mom, I'm going on a business trip, she told her mother on the phone. For a couple of weeks, to the taiga.
Katya, be careful there, she was worried by her mother. Anything can happen in the forest. Don't worry, I won't go alone.
With a group of researchers. But the plans changed at the last moment. The rest of the expedition's participants got sick, and the grant had to be worked out in the established terms.
Katya decided to go alone, although she understood that it was risky. A day after the conversation with Anna Petrovna, Nikita's grandson came to Ivan. The tall, skinny programmer from Moscow looked inappropriate in a rural setting.
An expensive jacket, fashionable jeans, an iPhone in his hand, clearly a city resident. Grandpa, hi! He shouted, getting out of the taxi. I decided to visit you.
Ivan was happy, but at the same time worried. Nikita did not warn about the arrival, and Manulych was still living in the shed. We had to come up with something.
Nikita, grandson! He hugged a young man. What fate! Before the vacation, he decided to come to the dacha. To breathe the air, to rest from the city bustle.
They went to the house, where Nikita was interested in the situation. Here, little has changed since childhood. The same homemade shelves, old furniture, photos of my grandmother on the walls.
Grandpa, how are you, don't you miss me alone? Asked the grandson, sitting at the table. No, I'm used to it already. There is always enough to do.
And how are the neighbors? Anna Petrovna lives nearby, sometimes comes in. The rest are more in the city, they rarely come. While they were talking, a familiar sound was heard from the shed.
Manulych apparently woke up and pulled up. Nikita was alarmed. Grandpa, what are these sounds? Yes, Ivan, the hay is crumpled, the boards are creaking.
But Nikita was not one of those who would easily believe such an explanation. He got used to analyzing everything, and the programmer's mind made him dig deeper. Grandpa, can I look in the shed? Can I help with something? No, grandson, there is a mess there.
Better let's have lunch, I made borsch. But curiosity took over. While Ivan was conjuring in the kitchen, Nikita quietly went out into the yard and headed for the shed.
What he saw through the gap in the door shocked him. A huge beast was lying on the hay and calmly looking at him. Nikita staggered, stumbled and fell, knocking loudly about the iron bucket.
Nikita! Scared, Grandpa shouted, running out of the house. What happened? Grandpa, there ... There is some kind of beast. Stammering, he spoke to his grandson, pointing to the shed.
Ivan realized that the secret was revealed. Taking a deep breath, he helped his grandson get up. Let's go, I'll show you how to do it, he said.
Just don't scream and don't move. He is good, not dangerous. They entered the shed, where Manulych was calmly lying in his place.
Seeing a stranger, he strained, but did not show aggression. Lord, Grandpa, what is this? Nikita whispered. Picked up the wounded, treated.
So I stayed alive. The beast is smart, kind. Helps me even.
But this is ... This is impossible. Such animals do not exist. But you exist, the old man smiled.
Manulych, meet, this is my grandson. To Nikita's amazement, the beast slowly rose and carefully approached closer. His movements were graceful, despite the massive body composition.
Standing a meter from a young man, Manulych sat down and carefully studied him. He appreciates me, Nikita was surprised. Very smart.
He feels people. He sees that you are my kind, so he looks closely. Gradually, Nikita calmed down and even dared to reach out.
Manulych sniffed her and allowed himself to be stroked. Grandpa, this is incredible. You need to shoot a video, post it on the Internet.
No one has seen this. Not at all. Ivan said strictly.
Not a word to anyone. Otherwise, everyone will come here, the beast will be put in a cage or killed. But, Grandpa.
No buts. Promise me you won't tell anyone. Nikita saw how seriously Grandpa felt about this issue.
He understood the old man's fears, but everything inside was bubbling with delight. Such a discovery could make them famous all over the world. Okay, Grandpa, I promise.
But let's at least study it properly. Maybe it's a new species? Maybe it's a new one. But we will study it quietly, without noise.
On the same day, Katya Volkova came to the village. The young biologist stayed at the only working hotel in the house of Anna Petrovna, who was working with the dacha of rooms for rare guests. What are you doing here? The hostess, brewing tea, was interested.
I am a biologist, studying local fauna. I am looking for rare species of animals. And a scientist, it means.
Interesting. What is it? We have something special here. In such remote places, there are often species that have already disappeared in other areas.
Anna Petrovna thought about it. And then she remembered the strange behavior of her neighbor. Do you happen to know if animals can somehow affect human behavior? In what sense? Yes, my neighbor behaves strangely.
Either he picked up a dog, or someone else. But he hides for some reason. Katya became interested.
In her practice, there were cases when people hid rare animals, afraid that they would be taken away. Can I meet this neighbor? Of course, he lives nearby. Ivan Semenovich is a good man.
All his life he worked as a forester. The next morning, Katya went to meet Ivan. She introduced herself as a biologist studying local nature.
The old man was careful with her. A young city woman in expensive equipment raised suspicions. What exactly are you interested in? He asked carefully.
Rare species of mammals. They say that in your area you can still find animals that have disappeared in other places. Maybe it is possible.
The forest is large, there is enough of everything. Katya felt that the man was hiding something. His answers were too inclining for a person who has worked all his life in the forest.
Ivan Semenovich, have you noticed anything unusual lately? Maybe traces of strange animals? There are a lot of traces. Not all of them, I know. At that moment, Nikita came out into the yard.
Seeing a stranger, he came up to meet. Hello, I'm Ivan Semenovich's grandson. Nikita.
Katya, the girl introduced herself. I am a biologist studying local fauna. Interesting, Nikita said, and the old man felt that the grandson was ready to reveal the secret.
Nikitushka, he said strictly, let's go better into the house. And you, girl, sorry, we have business. But Katya was persistent.
She understood that there was something here and was not going to retreat. Ivan Semenovich, if you have found a rare animal, I can help. I have connections in the reserves, we can provide him with protection.
The old man hesitated. On the one hand, a scientific approach could be useful. On the other hand, he was afraid to lose Manulych.
Grandfather, Nikita quietly said, maybe it's worth trusting? She is a specialist. I do not know, grandson. Specialists are different.
Katya realized that she needed to gain trust gradually. She decided to stay in the village longer, study the area, show that her interests are serious. Over the next few days, she walked in the forest, photographed traces, studied vegetation.
Every evening she went to Anna Petrovna, talked about her findings. Gradually, the locals got used to her. In the meantime, strange events began in the village.
Hens began to disappear from the inhabitants. First from one neighbor, then from another. In just a week, almost 10 birds disappeared.
This is a fox, said the local hunter Sergey Gromov. Or Kunitsa. What kind of fox? Anna Petrovna objected.
There are no traces, and the birds disappear directly from the closed henhouses. Ivan listened to these conversations with growing anxiety. He knew that Manulych did not touch the domestic bird, fed it with meat from the store.
But the inhabitants could think differently. Grandfather, Nikita said, what if it's not a fox? What if it's really some unknown predator? I do not know, grandson. But our Manulych has nothing to do with it.
Where does such confidence come from? Yes, I already know him. He does not touch the bird, only eats the meat that I give. But the suspicions of the inhabitants were more and more focused on Ivan's strange behavior.
Anna Petrovna told the neighbors about her observations, and people began to make guesses. What if he really taught some animal? Said one. And this animal is carrying a hen, added another.
It is necessary to check what is happening in his shed, suggested the third. The situation became tense. And then Sergei Gromov said that he saw strange traces in the forest.
Not a bear and not a wolf, he said in the store. Something new. And the size is unusual.
Katya, who happened to be in the store, was alarmed. She approached the hunter. Can you show these traces? And who are you? Who are you? Biologist.
I study local fauna. And a scientist. Well, if you are interested.
The next day, Sergei took Katya to the place where he saw the traces. The prints were partially erased by rain, but something could be seen. Really unusual, Katya agreed, taking a picture of the find.
Looks like a cat, but the size is too big for a lynx. That's what I'm talking about. Something is wrong here.
And where exactly did you find them? Yes, over there, by the stream. Not far from the village. Katya remembered the place.
Traces led to the side of the village, more precisely to the house of Ivan Semenovich. The coincidence was too obvious. Returning to Anna Petrovna, she carefully asked the hostess about the neighbor.
And how long has Ivan Semenovich been behaving strangely? About two weeks. Since he went to the forest and found something there. What exactly did he find? Who knows him? But since then he has been dragging food to the barn, talking to someone.
The puzzle was forming. Katya realized that Ivan was really hiding someone. And this someone is most likely the owner of the strange traces.
The next day, she decided to act directly. She came to Ivan and said without a hint. Ivan Semenovich, I know that you are hiding someone.
And I know that this is an unusual animal. The old man went pale. I don't know what you're talking about.
Traces near the stream lead to your house. You carry food to the barn. And your behavior changed exactly when you first went to the forest after this find.
Nikita, having heard the conversation, left the house. Grandpa, maybe we should trust her? She is a specialist, she will help us figure it out. Ivan was silent for a long time, thinking.
Then he took a deep breath. Okay. But on one condition.
No word to anyone without my permission. I promise, Katya said seriously. They went to the barn.
What the biologist saw shook her to the depths of her soul. The animal was really unique. Something in between a big cat and a teddy bear.
It was not a baby, but with the intellect that was read in the eyes. Oh my God, she whispered. This is incredible.
Get to know each other, said Ivan, this is Manulych. He picked up the wounded, cured him. Now we live together.
Manulych carefully studied the new visitor. Katya slowly came closer, trying not to make sudden movements. Can I touch? Be careful.
He is kind, but still a wild beast. Katya stretched out her hand, and Manulych sniffed her. Then he allowed her to stroke his head.
Fantastic, she said with admiration. I have never seen anything like this. It can be a hybrid, but what species? Can you determine? We need to take the tests, study in more detail.
But it looks like an enlarged Manul with a mixture of something else. We will not take the tests, Ivan said decisively. And so we looked and that's enough.
But Ivan Semenovich, this is a scientific discovery. Such an animal needs to be studied. Study as much as you want.
But don't touch him. Katya understood the position of the old man. She herself has seen more than once how the study ended with the death of an animal.
Okay, let's study non-invasive methods. Observation, photography, behavior analysis. Over the next few days, Katya spent all her free time in the shed.
She watched Manulych, recorded his habits, photographed. The animal quickly got used to her and even began to show friendship. He is incredibly smart, she told Nikita.
He understands commands, distinguishes intonations, even tries to imitate some sounds. And where could he come from? Most likely, this is a natural hybrid. In nature, sometimes crossbreeding of close species occurs.
But for the result to be so viable and large, this is a rarity. And what to do with him now? Nothing yet. He lives with your grandfather and they get along well.
But it can't go on for long. Why? People will find out sooner or later. And when they find out, problems will begin.
Katya was right. Rumors about Ivan's strange animal spread throughout the village. Anna Petrovna, despite the promise to keep silent, could not resist and told one of the neighbors.
One, another. And so on. Ivan has tamed some monster, the residents whispered.
And this monster is dragging the chicken. And what if he attacks people? Sergei Gromov decided to take the matter into his own hands. He gathered several local men and offered to check what was happening with Ivan.
Let's go see what kind of beast is there. If it's dangerous, we'll kill. Or maybe it's not worth it? One of the men doubted.
It's worth it. We have little left here, we can't risk it. Ivan felt the imminent danger.
People in the village looked at him strangely, bypassed him. Anna Petrovna warned him about Sergei's plans. Vanechka, get out of here with this beast.
Gromov is serious. Where to go? And how about Manoloch? I don't know, but you can't stay here. Meanwhile, an event occurred in the district center that changed everything.
A local journalist heard rumors about an unusual animal and decided to check the information. He came to the village with a camera and a dictaphone. They say you have an unusual animal here, he said to Anna Petrovna.
What kind of beast is there? She waved, but it was too late to grab. And where can I see it? I don't know anything. But the journalist was persistent.
He walked around the whole village, asked the residents. Gradually the picture became clear. So, he wrote Ivan Koshkin in a notebook.
When the journalist came to Ivan, the old man realized that the end was near. Won't you show the beast? He asked the guest directly. What beast? Ivan tried to fight back.
Come on, everyone in the village knows. Better tell me yourself, otherwise people will lie to you. Ivan saw that it was useless to hide further.
But he categorically did not want to show Manoloch to the journalist. Go away, he said. You have nothing to do here.
So, the beast really exists. At that moment, Katya and Nikita came in time. They heard the conversation and realized that the situation was critical.
Listen, Katya turned to the journalist. I'm a biologist. If there is a rare animal here, it needs to be protected, and not made a sensation out of it.
And who are you? Who are you? Ekaterina Volkova, candidate for Biological Sciences. I work at the Institute of Systematics and Animal Ecology. The journalist became interested.
A scientist is serious, you can make good material from her. And what can you say about this animal? I can say that publicity will harm it. If this is a really rare species, it needs protection, not fame.
But people have the right to know. People have the right to true information, not to sensationalism. The dispute could go on for a long time, but it was interrupted by a cry from the village.
A group of carpenters headed by Sergei Gromov went to Ivan's house. Some of them had guns in their hands. Koshkin! Sergey shouted.
Take your beast out. Show me what you have there. Ivan came out on the porch.
Nikita stood next to him. Katya was between the old man and the crowd. Sergei Petrovich, calm down, she said.
I am a biologist, I study local fauna. There is no danger. And we will figure out for ourselves whether there is a danger or not, Gromov said.
Koshkin, I'm telling you for the last time, show me. I won't show you, Ivan firmly answered. Then we'll see for ourselves.
The men moved to the shed. Ivan tried to stop them, but he was pushed away. Sergei pulled the door of the shed and looked inside.
What he saw made him shudder. Oh my God! He muttered. The others also looked into the shed.
Manulich stood in the far corner, pressing against the wall. He did not show aggression, but it was clear that the beast was frightened. What kind of monster is this? One of the men whispered.
I don't know, but it's big, the other replied. Sergei picked up the gun, but Katya grabbed him by the hand. Don't you dare! This is a unique animal.
Unique or not, but dangerous. He is not dangerous. Look, he's afraid.
And it's true, Manulich looked more frightened than aggressive. He pressed against the wall, squinted quietly, looking for Ivan's eyes. Manulich, the old man called, come here, don't be afraid.
To the amazement of everyone present, the beast obeyed. He slowly approached Ivan and clung to his leg, like a child to a parent. You see? Katya said.
He is completely man-made. Maybe man-made, Sergei stubbornly said, but it is still not clear what. Who knows what's in his head.
At that moment, a crackling of the engine was heard. Another car drove up to the house, several people came out of it, with professional cameras. Damn, the journalist shouted, the competitors have arrived.
It turned out that rumors of an unusual beast had reached the regional center. A film crew from local television arrived. Where is this beast? The operator asked.
Here he is! Sergei pointed at Manulich. The cameras immediately turned to the animal. Manulich, seeing the lenses pointed at him, pressed even more against Ivan.
Don't shoot. The old man shouted. Don't scare him.
But the journalists did not listen. They filmed the beast, Ivan, a crowd of zivaks. Asked questions, commented on what was happening.
That's a sensation! Said the correspondent to the camera. In a remote Siberian village, a local resident taught an unknown animal science. Not unknown.
Katya tried to interfere. This is a hybrid of known species. And who are you? Biologist.
Fine. The correspondent was delighted. Tell our viewers about this amazing creature.
Katya realized that she was trapped. If she is silent, the journalists will lie that she got caught. If she tells the truth, she will violate the promise given to Ivan.
No comments, she said. But you are a scientist. That is why there are no comments.
Meanwhile, the situation got tense. More journalists arrived, then some officials from the district. By the evening, the small village was crowded with cars and people.
Ivan was sitting on a porch, next to Manulich, and did not know what to do. The beast clearly suffered from the number of strangers and the noise. Grandpa, Nikita approached him.
We need to decide something. It can't go on like this. I don't know, grandson.
I don't know what to do. Katya also approached him. Ivan Semenovich, I have a proposal.
There is a private reserve 200 kilometers from here. Manulich will be safe there, and you can visit him. I don't want to give him away.
But he's not feeling well here. Look how nervous he is. And, in fact, Manulich looked depressed.
He did not leave Ivan, shuddered from every loud sound, refused to eat. By night, most of the journalists left, but promised to return in the morning. Sergei Gromov and his supporters also left, but threats remained.
Tomorrow we will decide what to do with this beast, promised Sergei goodbye. Ivan did not sleep at night. He sat in the barn next to Manulich and thought about the future.
The beast also did not sleep, quietly snored, clung to a person. What should we do, buddy? The old man whispered. Where should we go? In the morning, the situation worsened even more.
New journalists, officials, even representatives of some zoo came. Everyone wanted to look at Manulich, take a picture, shoot a video. We can offer good conditions for keeping, said the director of the zoo.
Spacious aviary, qualified care. I will not give up, Ivan stubbornly repeated. But think for yourself, it is dangerous for him here.
The locals are aggressive. It was true. Sergei Gromov and his supporters demanded that the beast be removed from the village in any way.
Either take it away, or we will deal with it ourselves, Sergei said directly. By noon, the tension had reached its limit. A crowd of people surrounded Ivan's house, everyone spoke at the same time, demanded, argued.
Manulich hid in the shed and trembled with fear. And then the unforeseen happened. A fire broke out in the forest.
At first, no one noticed a thin stream of smoke rising over the far edge of the forest. There was an abnormal heat for June, the grass dried up to the state of work, and a light breeze only blew barely noticeable flame. At first, it burned only a few square meters, but the fire greedily grabbed every dry grass, every fallen branch.
Manulich was the first to feel the danger. He raised his head sharply, sniffed and worried. The beast approached Ivan and pulled him by the sleeve, quietly snoring.
The old man did not understand what was happening at first, but when he saw how tense his friend was behaving, he became alarmed. What, friend? He asked, stroking his thick hair. Something is wrong.
Manulich led him to the edge of the yard and pointed his face towards the forest. Now Ivan saw a thin stream of smoke. His heart was pounding, he knew how quickly fire could spread in such dry weather.
Katya! Nikita! He shouted. Come here quickly! Young people ran out of the house, saw the direction of the old man's gaze, and immediately realized what was going on. The smoke had already become thicker, and a characteristic smell of burning wood appeared in the air.
We need to warn everyone, said Katya, taking out her phone. And call the firefighters. One and a half hours of driving to the nearest fire station, Ivan answered gloomily.
It may be too late until they get there. Nikita had already called the emergency response service, but the connection in the village was bad. The signal appeared and then disappeared.
Grandpa, what direction is the wind blowing? He asked, putting his phone down. Ivan wet his finger with saliva and raised his hand. His face turned pale.
Right at us, he said quietly. Right in the village. In a few minutes, the situation changed dramatically.
The fire, accompanied by the intensifying wind, was rapidly approaching the residential buildings. The smoke became black and thick, and sparks and burning leaves flew in the air. Katya ran to Anna Petrovna, Nikita to other neighbors.
It was necessary to gather people and prepare for evacuation. There were only seven families left in the village, but among them were elderly people and small children. Anna Petrovna.
Katya shouted, knocking on the door. Fire. We need to leave.
An elderly woman jumped out on the porch in her home robe, saw the approaching flame and waved her hands. Oh my God. What to do? Collect the most necessary.
Documents, medicine. Faster. Meanwhile, Sergei Gromov, who an hour ago demanded to remove Manulich from the village, now ran around the houses, helping neighbors.
Faced with a common trouble, all personal conflicts were put on the back burner. Only the three of us have a car, he shouted to Ivan through the yard. We won't take everyone.
Is it far on foot to a safe place? Katya asked. Three kilometers to the old quarry. Three kilometers to the old quarry.
There the earth is bare, the fire will not spread. Three kilometers with children and old people. Nikita spoke thoughtfully.
Manulich stood next to Ivan all this time, carefully watching what was happening. The beast clearly understood the seriousness of the situation, he did not play, did not get distracted, but concentratedly studied the area. Suddenly he approached the edge of the village and stood there, as if showing the direction.
Then he returned to Ivan and pulled him by the sleeve again. What is he doing? Katya asked. It seems to be showing the road, the old man was surprised.
Manulich, do you know how to get to the quarry? The beast snorted and ran again to the edge of the village. This time he stopped near a barely noticeable path that went into the forest, away from the fire. He really knows the way, Nikita said with admiration.
Look, he chose the direction against the wind. People were quickly gathering. Someone was dragging bags with things, someone was carrying children on their hands.
Anna Petrovna was crying, looking at her house, which could be eaten by the tongues of the flame. Nothing, Ivan consoled her, the house can be restored. The main thing is that people are whole.
Sergei Gromov drove up to his old UAZ, in the body of which the most powerless residents were placed. The rest had to walk. Koshkin, he turned to Ivan, your beast really knows the way.
It looks like it. Then let him lead. I have less experience in these places.
The column moved on. Manulich was walking ahead, confidently choosing the direction. After him, Ivan with a stick, then the rest of the residents.
Katya and Nikita, who helped the lagging behind, closed the procession. The fire roared behind his back, approaching at a frightening speed. The wind was getting stronger, spreading sparks and smoke.
It became more and more difficult to breathe. Still far? Asked the young mother, carrying her three-year-old son in her arms. There are two kilometers left, Ivan replied, but he was not sure.
Manulich suddenly stopped and sniffed. Then he sharply turned off the paths and led people straight through the forest. It was risky to walk off-road with children and old people, but the beast clearly felt something inaccessible to human perception.
Grandfather, and he definitely knows where he is going. Nikita worried. Trust him, grandson.
The beasts of fire are more afraid of us, they know how to escape it. After half an hour of painful transition, they went out to a small stream. There was not much water, but enough to wet clothes and handkerchiefs.
People got drunk and washed up with relief. We'll rest here, Ivan decided. And we'll get the kids.
But Manulich was walking back and forth, clearly in a hurry. He ran up to Ivan, pulled his sleeve, ran back to the edge of the glade again. He says you can't be late, the old man translated.
And the beast was right. Less than ten minutes had passed, as thick smoke appeared over the trees. The fire was changing direction, following the wind.
Quickly! Sergey Gromov shouted. The fire is turning. People got up and the column moved on again.
Now everyone understood that Manulich was saving their lives. The beast, who was ready to be killed in the morning, now led them to salvation. The path to the quarry turned out to be more difficult than expected.
We had to bypass the rubble, cross the ravines, break through thick thickets. But Manulich invariably found the best route. It's amazing, said Katya Nikita, while they were helping an elderly neighbor to get over a fallen tree.
He thinks not as an animal, but as a human being. Evaluates the situation, calculates options. Maybe there are more humans in it than we think? Nikita suggested.
Or are there more animals in us than we are ready to admit? Finally, a quarry appeared ahead, a large recess in the ground, where sand was once mined. There was little vegetation here, the fire could not be thrown over. People, with relief, went down and took a rest.
Manulich walked around the entire perimeter of the quarry, made sure that the place was safe, and only then lay next to Ivan. The beast was hard to breathe, the transition was not easy for him either. Thank you, friend, quietly said the old man, stroking his unusual friend.
You saved us all. People moved around the quarry, someone made a small fire to cook food, someone arranged improvised beds for children. Anna Petrovna was still gasping, thinking about the house, but not so bitter.
And what if the houses burn down? She asked. The houses can be rebuilt, answered Sergei Gromov. But you can't resurrect people.
By the evening, help had arrived. Fire trucks, emergency response services, representatives of the local administration arrived. The fire was localized, although part of the forest still burned out.
How could you evacuate so quickly? Asked the head of the rescue service. The beast led us out, Ivan replied, pointing to Manulich. What beast? Yes, here he is, lying next to me.
The rescuer looked at Manulich and was amazed. He had never seen such an animal. What kind of breed is this? Not a breed, but a miracle of nature, Katya intervened.
A unique animal that saved the whole village. When it became clear that the danger was over, people began to return home. Fortunately, the fire did not reach the residential buildings.
Manulich chose the right time to evacuate. But something changed forever. Sergei Gromov, who in the morning demanded to remove the beast, now approached Ivan and reached out.
Forgive me, Ivan. I was wrong. Your friend is a hero.
Come on, Sergei. In such a situation, everyone would be scared. Not everyone.
And he saved us. Saved everyone. Other residents also approached Ivan and Manulich, thanked, apologized for their mistrust.
Children, who used to be afraid to even approach the beast, now carefully stroked him. Grandpa Ivan, said the little girl, and your cat is always so smart. Always, the old man smiled.
He is special. Journalists, of course, did not miss such a story. The next day, in regional news, there was a story about how an unusual animal saved an entire village from a fire.
But Katya made sure that the exact location was not disclosed. He needs peace, she explained to the correspondents. Too much attention can harm.
Nikita also revised his plans. Instead of leaving for Moscow in a couple of days, he decided to stay for the whole summer. Grandpa, I'll help you repair the house.
And I'll talk to Manulich more closely. You won't see this anywhere else. Stay, grandson.
I have more fun with you. Katya also extended her business trip. She watched Manulich, recorded his habits, studied the unique animal.
But she did it carefully, without imposing herself. Surprisingly, she told Ivan, how he understands human emotions. When you are sad, he comes up to you and says, he comes up and lies down next to you.
When you are happy, he plays and grumbles. He feels the soul, the old man simply replied. Not everyone can do that.
Gradually, life in the village entered a new course. Manulich became not just Ivan's pet, but a kind of talisman of the entire settlement. Children drew him, adults told about him to friends and relatives in the cities.
But most importantly, people became kinder to each other. Common trouble and common salvation united them. Anna Petrovna now brought Manulich something delicious every day.
Sergei Gromov helped Ivan with the household. You know, Ivan, he said one evening, when they were sitting on the bench and watched Manulich play with local children. Maybe it's good that this beast got to us.
He betrayed us all. Maybe it's good, the old man agreed. Life became more interesting.
A month later, scientists came to the village from the regional center. Katya organized their visit, but warned not to do any tests and forced procedures. We'll just watch, the group leader promised.
And we'll take a few photos for the scientific archive. Manulich was careful with the scientists, but did not show aggression. He seemed to understand that these people would not harm him.
A phenomenal animal, admired by the professor of zoology. Probably a natural hybrid of several species. This happens rarely in nature, but it happens.
And where did the size come from? Nikita asked. Perhaps the influence of environmental factors. Or the peculiarities of genetics.
Nature is full of mysteries. The scientists stayed in the village for three days, watched Manulich, took pictures, recorded the sounds he made. But most importantly, they officially confirmed that the animal is not a danger to people.
On the contrary, the professor said goodbye. This is one of the most socially adapted wild animals I have met. He understands human behavior better than many pets.
After the departure of the scientists, life became calm again. Manulich got used to his status of local celebrity, but he still remained a devoted friend of Ivan. Katya finished her work and was preparing for the departure.
An article for a scientific magazine was written, the material for the dissertation was collected. Ivan Semenovich, she said goodbye, you can't even imagine what gift fate has given you. I can imagine, the old man smiled.
A friend gave a faithful one. Take care of him. There are no more people like him in the world.
I will take care. Nikita was also going to leave, the vacation was over, it was necessary to return to work. But he promised to come more often.
Grandpa, just don't get sick. And take care of Manulich. I will take care.
And you don't forget us in the city. How can you forget this? In the fall, it became quiet in the village. Tourists left, journalists switched to other topics.
Only permanent residents and their unusual neighbor remained. Ivan Semenovich, every evening, sat on a bench by the house, and Manulich was sitting next to him. They looked at the stars, listened to the sounds of the taiga, thought about their own.
We live well, my friend, said the old man. Quietly, calmly. Manulich grumbled in response.
He also liked this measured life after all the shocks. It snowed in winter, and Manulich saw for the first time a real Siberian winter. He lay in the snowdrifts with pleasure, caught snowflakes, played with Ivan in the snow.
The spectacle was so humiliating that even the severe Sergei Gromov could not contain his smile. Like a child, he said to his wife. A big, plump child.
In the spring, tourists came to the village again. But now they were not journalists and curious, but real nature lovers. People came to see a unique animal, but they observed the distance, did not get enough.
Katya also came, defended the dissertation and received an offer to work in the reserve. Ivan Semenovich, she said, I want to offer you cooperation. What kind of cooperation? Our reserve is ready to take Manulich under official protection.
Not to take, but to protect here, on the spot. We will issue documents, provide veterinary observation, legal support. The old man thought.
The offer was tempting, official protection guaranteed that no one would touch Manulich. And what are the conditions? No special conditions. Live as you lived.
You will just know that the law is on your side. Then I agree. The documentation took several months, but by the summer everything was ready.
Manulich officially became the first animal in Russia, taken under the protection of the state right on the site of residence. Now you are a real celebrity, Ivan laughed, showing the beast official papers. Manulich sniffed the documents and lost interest in them.
He was more interested in the butterfly, fluttering near the wing. By the old age of Ivan, their friendship only strengthened. Manulich felt that the owner was aging and became more attentive, more caring.
He did not go far from the old man, helped in everything he could. He understands that I am no longer the one, said Ivan Nikiti, who now came every weekend. Take care of me.
Grandpa, what will happen to Manulich when? Don't think about it, grandson. Life will show. But Manulich, it seemed, understood these conversations too.
He approached Ivan, lay down next to him and muttered quietly, as if saying, I'm with you. Always. Five years have passed since the day when Ivan found the wounded beast in the forest.
The village has hardly changed, but the people in it have become different. Kinder, more attentive to each other. Manulich got old too, but retained playfulness and mind.
He still helped in the household, met guests, rejoiced with children. Ivan Semenovich sat on the same bench as always. Manulich was sleeping next to him.
The evening sun illuminated their faces, and in this light they looked peaceful and happy. A good life turned out, my friend, said the old man quietly. Manulich opened one eye, looked at the owner, and closed it again.
He also thought that life was successful. And somewhere in the cities, people told an amazing story about their grandfather and his unusual friend. The story of how in a remote Siberian village the friendship between man and beast changed everyone around.
And let the world be full of mysteries and miracles, which we cannot always explain. The main thing is to be able to accept and appreciate them. As Ivan Semenovich accepted his Manulich.
As the villagers accepted this unusual creature. The taiga holds many secrets. And the most important of them is that kindness and understanding are stronger than fear and prejudice.
That true friendship does not know the boundaries between species. That miracles happen to those who are ready to notice and accept them. The story of Ivan and Manulich became a legend.
But for them it was just life. Ordinary, measured life of two friends, whose fate brought them to the right moment, in the right place. And when in the evenings they sat on the bench at the old house, looking at the stars over the endless taiga, each of them knew they found what they have been looking for all their lives.
A true friend and a real home.