The Reading Bookmark

Colourful sheets of paper lay on the low table. Yesterday’s green blanket rested over the black leather armchair. Puschel held a storybook open in his paws. Flauschi slid a narrow strip of green paper in front of her.

Flauschi“I am making a bookmark for our Christmas stories in December.” With her red pencil, she began a small circle on the paper. Puschel looked up from the book. Puschel“A mark that can read?”

Flauschi giggled. Flauschi“It just remembers where we stopped.” She pointed at the paper strip. It was flat and long enough for a little end to peek out of the book later. Puschel studied the many pages. He carefully turned one.

Puschel“Then I will not have to search from the beginning again tomorrow.” Flauschi nodded. She slowly finished the circle and put the pencil down. Her bookmark needed no more decoration today. Outside, yellow leaves shone beyond the round windows. Inside, everything was quiet.

Puschel held the book facing himself. On one page, he found a place he wanted to return to later. Flauschi gently slipped the strip between the pages. Puschel carefully closed the book. A little piece of green showed at the top.

Puschel“Now the story is sleeping with a green tip.” Flauschi smiled. Flauschi“And when we want to read again, we will find it straight away.” They placed the book on the table where both could reach it.

Until December, the bookmark could join other stories too. The Christmas chest stayed in its place, the paper star at the window and the little bell on its soft cloth. Today they had prepared just one small helper: their story could take a break without losing the place they had reached together.