The rabbit happily hugs Varvara's legs and laughs now that its voice has returned...

The rabbit happily hugs Varvara's legs and laughs now that its voice has returned. Notik slowly approaches Varvara, looks up into her eyes and hesitantly says one quiet word: "Friend?" Varvara smiles warmly and gives a gentle nod. Notik's eyes brighten, its ears lift and its chest note glows warmly. A distant mother's voice calls: "Varvara!" Varvara looks upward in surprise. A soft golden shimm...