The Prophetic Oak

Fyodor and Darya lived in a village. They cared for each other, but lately they had been arguing about household chores. Fyodor came home tired from the fields…

Fyodor and Darya lived in a village. They cared for each other, but lately they had been arguing about household chores. Fyodor came home tired from the fields and stayed silent, while Darya was upset that no one seemed to notice all her work. In the forest stood an old oak with a large hollow. The neighbours said that the tree repeated truths people had long known but were afraid to say aloud.

Fyodor and Darya went to the oak together and sat by its large hollow. They spoke aloud about why they found it hard to agree. The leaves rustled: “Don’t play tricks or let resentment build up. Make your favourite porridge and pancakes, sit side by side and say plainly what help you need.” Darya asked her husband to notice her efforts more often. Fyodor promised to fetch water, chop firewood and listen to her carefully.

That evening, Darya put porridge made with milk, pancakes and sour cream on the table. Fyodor brought in logs, repaired a wobbly bench and suggested that they share supper. At the table, they calmly made a list of chores together for the first time: who would feed the hens, who would go to the mill, and which jobs would be easier to do together. Fyodor admitted that he had hardly noticed Darya’s work before, and he thanked her.

The next day, Darya invited friends over but forgot to tell her husband, and there was not enough food for everyone. Instead of quarrelling, the guests brought berries, flour and honey from home. One lit the stove, another mixed the batter, Fyodor poured a berry drink, and Darya cooked a fresh stack of pancakes. The unexpected visit became a cheerful shared supper, without hurt feelings or a fuss.

In the morning, the couple returned to the prophetic oak and tied a ribbon to a branch to show their thanks. In the hollow they left a small wooden board with kind words for the next traveller, rather than a gift. They placed a bench nearby so that people could talk peacefully. From then on, Fyodor and Darya discussed their plans in advance, shared the chores and joked that the oak foretold a better future for those who knew how to listen to each other.