Peter’s mother died when he was only twelve years old. His father married another woman named Maria. Peter did not like Maria and always missed his mom. Maria was a nice lady. She began to love the boy very much. She tried to be a good mother and always tried to make Peter happy. Maria made Peter’s favourite dishes but he did not eat them. She bought him good clothes but he did not wear them. When she tried to talk to him, he always ran away. One day, Peter was sitting alone in his bedroom. Maria went to his room and said, “I always wanted to have a son and now I have you, Peter. I love you very much, my dear son!” But Peter said angrily, “I am not your son and you are not my mom. I hate you, so please leave me alone.” Maria had tears in her eyes and she went out.
In the morning, she went to an old wise man and asked for help. The old man said, “I will help you but first you must bring me the hair of a lion.” So, Maria went into a forest where she saw a sleeping lion. She went near. Suddenly, the lion woke up and Maria ran away quickly. Next day, she went with a piece of meat. She put it at a little distance and ran away. The lion ate it very quickly.
Every day, Maria brought meat for the lion and soon the lion understood that Maria was his friend. He was happy to see her. One day, Maria plucked the hair while the lion was eating the piece of meat. She ran to the old wise man and gave him the hair. “What should I do with it now?” she asked. “Now, you have got to know how to go near a lion, step by step. Do the same with Peter and he will love you,” replied the old wise man.
