strange creature. It was rather tall with long arms and legs, covered with thick wool. My first thought was that it was a polar bear, but…looking at him more carefully I understood that it was someone else. As I was rather frightened I hid inside. I wanted to wake my friends, but they were sleeping calmly and peacefully. I took a gun and went out again. When I found myself outdoors, the strange creature was running and it was running not like a bear. I cried loudly to attract his attention. And to my surprise this creature looked at me. I took an aim and was ready to shoot but suddenly this thing shouted too! I was able to hear the human words. “Don’t shoot! It’s me your friend!” , the strange voice said. I put down the gun and asked: ”Who are you?” “It’s Mike! I’m preparing for the New Year party! So I’ve put on the bearskin and stilts. I’m going to play tricks at the New Year’s party. ”, said the creature. “Jesus Christ! Mike! I could have shot you! Why haven’t you forewarned me? What are you thinking about?” , I cried nervously. “I thought you were asleep… And by the way I wanted to surprise everybody, that’s why I kept silence. You see, I don’t want somebody to let the cat out of the bag.”, he said. “Well done! You succeeded! I’ll tell you one more thing, I’m not just surprised, I’m… I’m shocked and stunned!” , I said. “Sorry…” , he answered. After a few seconds of strung silence I couldn’t help laughing at such an embarrassing situation we were both involved into. Thanks to God it turned out okay this time. Well, you will ask me if I have revealed the secret. The answer will be: “No!” I kept this very secret till the end of the party and pretended to be very amazed. The party and especially Mike’s tricks were of great success!