A green mushroom named Emerald grew in the shade of an old, mighty beech tree. He was unlike other mushrooms: his hat shone with a delicate emerald light, and his leg shone with mother-of-pearl. The emerald felt lonely among its gray, brown, and brownish brethren. They were whispering about rain and worms, and he wanted something more.

One day, waking up after a summer rain, the Emerald felt a strange tingling sensation. He looked around and saw small fireflies dancing around his hat, attracted by the unusual light. The fireflies told Emerald about a fairy-tale meadow where flowers of all colors of the rainbow grew, and where magical dances were held every night.

Emerald, summoning all his courage, set off on his way. He overcame the thick grass, jumped over a stream, and finally reached a clearing. Its emerald glow attracted the attention of fireflies, butterflies and fairies. They surrounded him, and he felt like a part of something beautiful and unusual.

The emerald realized that its unusual color was not a flaw, but a gift. He became the decoration of a fairy-tale meadow, his light pleased everyone, and he never felt lonely again. Its green light has become a symbol of hope and magic.