Once upon a time, in a vast and cold land called Russia, there lived many officials, bureaucrats, and oligarchs. They were all very important and powerful people, who made big decisions for the country every day. But among them, there were three close friends: Ivan the mayor, Alexei the bureaucrat, and Sergei the oligarch.

Ivan, the mayor, had the responsibility of looking after a bustling city. He was a jovial person, always ready to help his people. However, he loved his big, red apples so much that he wouldn't share them with anyone.

Alexei, the bureaucrat, was a wise and knowledgeable man. He managed a lot of paperwork every day, but he loved it. He had a large collection of colorful pens, but he was so protective that he never let anyone else use them.

Sergei, the oligarch, was responsible for many businesses all over Russia. He was a friendly person who loved his collection of shiny Russian coins. But, he too was so fond of them that he never gave any away.

They were good friends, but their unwillingness to share created an invisible wall between them. Their friendship felt incomplete because they were holding on to their favorite things too tightly.

One frosty winter day, a mysterious old lady came to the city. She had a magical aura around her and knew a lot about generosity and sharing. Seeing the situation, she decided to teach the three friends a lesson.

The old lady went to Ivan first. She asked him for an apple as she was hungry. But Ivan refused to give her even a single apple. The old lady looked at him and said, "Sharing not only brings happiness but also strengthens friendships."

Next, she visited Alexei's office and asked if she could borrow a pen. Alexei too refused to lend her one from his collection. Again, the old lady said, "By being generous, we not only help others but help ourselves too."

Lastly, she met Sergei and asked him for a small coin. Sergei, like his friends, also refused. The old lady sighed and said, "Giving a little can make a big difference in someone else's life."

The three friends didn't pay heed to the old lady and continued with their day. But soon, they all felt a strange emptiness. The old lady's words lingered in their minds. They started thinking about their actions.

Ivan thought about the delight he felt while eating his apples. He wondered if sharing this joy with his friends would make it even better. Alexei thought about his pens and how they could be used to spread knowledge. Sergei thought of how his coins could be used by others in need.

They all felt guilty for their earlier behaviour. They realized they were being greedy and decided to change. The next day, they all decided to share their beloved possessions with their friends and the town's folk.

Ivan decided to share his apples. Everyone loved them and they told him how delicious they were. Ivan felt happiness swelling in his heart as he saw others enjoy what he enjoyed.

Alexei lent some of his pens to his friends and colleagues. They complimented him on his collection and he felt a sense of satisfaction. He realised that his pens were not just for him, but for everyone to use and enjoy.

Sergei gave some of his coins to the less fortunate. Seeing the smiles on their faces, he felt a warmth spread in his heart. It felt good to help others and make a difference in their lives.

The three friends felt a positive change. Sharing and being generous made them feel good about themselves. They realized the old woman was right. Sharing not only brought happiness but also brought them closer.

From then on, Ivan always shared his apples, Alexei was generous with his pens, and Sergei freely gave away his coins. This not only brought joy to the people around them but also to themselves.

The old lady, pleased with the transformation, disappeared as mysteriously as she had arrived. But the lessons she taught remained within the hearts of Ivan, Alexei, and Sergei.

The city flourished under their generosity and sharing. The bond between Ivan, Alexei and Sergei strengthened, and their friendship became a legend throughout the land. They had learned that the joy of having something doubles when you share it.

Their story spread far and wide, teaching everyone the importance of sharing and being generous. It showed everyone that greed only leads to unhappiness, while generosity brings joy and strengthens relationships.

So children, remember to always share and be generous. The joy that comes from giving is much more than the joy of receiving. Like Ivan, Alexei, and Sergei, let us spread happiness by sharing and being generous in our daily lives.