An Old Oak-tree Secret. Chapter 7. The Treehouse Rules.

A few days had passed since Rostik saw the dream where he, Mila, and Rada promised the Gnome — the guardian of the old oak — to build their treehouse carefully and never harm the tree. The next day, Rostik’s dad helped them fix the platform, put up the walls, and set the roof. They only needed to finish the ladder and railings, bring blankets and pillows, and hang the little flags.

“Guys, the house is almost ready,” Dad said a day later.

“Only a few small things left, and you can move in.”

“Hooray! This will be our base!” Rostik jumped.

“Our secret place!” Mila added.

“No, not secret… just ours,” Rada corrected them.

They got to work: cut the flags, invented a rope to hoist a small bucket, and made a mailbox. Inside they laid soft pillows, and the place immediately felt warm and cozy.

When they climbed inside for the first time and sat in a circle, Rostik announced:

“And now the adventures begin!”

But Mila suddenly raised her hand.

“Wait… what if someone comes without asking?”

“Or starts jumping on the roof,” Rada added. “It’s not built for that.”

“Or takes our things and doesn’t put them back,” Rostik frowned.

They looked at each other, remembering the Gnome’s words and the recent story about rules.

“I think we need rules,” Mila said seriously.

“But not boring school rules,” Rostik said. “Our rules. Fun and clear. So we understand why they matter.”

“Then let’s hold a Great Meeting!” Rada declared and placed a tiny flag on the table: “Respect lives here.”

Mila took out a notebook, Rostik grabbed a pencil, and together they started writing.

 
Treehouse Rules
(for everyone who visits)

Knock to enter. One knock means “Can I?” Two knocks — “Hi!” Three knocks — “I brought ice cream!” (Okay… almost true.)

If you bring something in, you take it back out. Even socks and crumbs.

No shaking the house — it’s not a trampoline or a ship.

If one person misbehaves, everyone blushes. We remind each other why rules exist.

Anyone can say “I don’t like this.” Even if others are laughing.

Quiet time isn’t boring — sometimes you just need silence.

New guests only if all three agree.

No “leaders” and no “outsiders.” Everyone is equal. Even younger siblings — if they behave quietly.

Arguments are solved with the “Wise Owl” — the soft toy. Whoever holds it speaks; the others listen.

Want a new rule? Suggest it! The treehouse grows with us.

 
When the list was ready, Mila asked:

“And what if someone breaks a rule?”

“Then we don’t shout ‘stop’,” Rostik said. “We remind each other why the rule exists.”

“And if the rule doesn’t help, we can create a new one,” Rada added.

They carefully hung the list on the wall. Next to it they pinned a picture drawn by Mila: three hands, holding each other firmly but gently.

From that day on, the treehouse became more than a place to play. It became their “House of Real Friendship Rules.” A space where everyone felt safe and important.

When Rostik’s parents saw the rules, they smiled.

“Maybe we need rules like this too?” Dad whispered to Mom.

And that evening, Rada told Aunt Sveta and Uncle Lyonya:

“The most important rule is remembering that we’re guests with each other. Even when we’re at home.”

And everyone smiled, feeling a warm spark inside, as if the Gnome himself winked at them from the leaves of the old oak.

Now the kids knew for sure: their new treehouse would be not only a place for games, but also a place where everyone remembers that rules protect, and friends support each other.