Andrej, a small boy with bright eyes and a mop of brown hair, sits at the table swinging his feet. He lifts a glass of creamy milk to his lips, savoring the cool taste—until suddenly, a loud hiccup escapes. "Oh no! Not again!" He clutches his stomach as another hiccup shakes him, and his mother’s gentle laughter echoes from the hallway.
He skips down the lane, but each step is interrupted by another hiccup. As he approaches the village square, he spots Mrs. Zora, a kindly local farmer with muddy boots, struggling to carry a basket of apples. "Andrej, could you give me a hand, please? These apples are about to tumble everywhere!" Andrej tries to steady the basket, but his hiccups jostle the apples, causing a few to roll onto the path.
Mr. Matevž waves Andrej over, her freckled face breaking into a grateful smile. "Just in time, Andrej! My hands are full—can you hold this end for me?" Andrej grabs the hose, but a mighty hiccup sends it squirting water in every direction, splashing both of them. They laugh, but Andrej grows more self-conscious and tired.
"Andrej, my line is a mess. Could you help me untangle it before the fish swim away?" Andrej’s nimble fingers work at the knots, but with every hiccup, the line slips, and the knots tighten. Frustrated, Andrej apologizes, cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
"Andrej, my clever helper—could you tie this bow for me?" Andrej replies, fingers trembling with exhaustion. His hiccups make the ribbon slip, and the bow unravels, leaving Andrej crestfallen. He trudges on, shoulders drooping, feeling as though he can’t help anyone today.
"You always help us, Andrej. Now it’s our turn to help you." Let's try to get rid of your hiccups! Mr. Matevž offers a sip of water, Mrs. Zora tells him funny stories, and Fisherman Luka even gives him a tiny scare from behind a tree. Laughter bubbles up, and finally, amid all the joy, Andrej’s hiccups disappear.
"Thank you!" Andrej says beaming with joy and relief. " You helped me get rid of this annoying hiccups! I am so relieved now." The townsfolk replied: " Thank you, Andrej. This town wouldn’t be the same without you."Andrej beams, his eyes sparkling with happiness. The townsfolk cheer, and the little hero’s heart is full as music drifts through the mountain air.
