One Hop Too Many

Silver Stream looked narrow enough to jump—at least according to Puschel. He set down the basket, measured the distance with grand steps and nodded expertly.

Puschel“One tiny hop,” he announced. Flauschi pointed at the damp moss. Flauschi“One careful tiny hop.”

Puschel leapt with great momentum, slipped with equal momentum and landed backwards in a soft moss cushion. Flauschi caught the star lantern before it could even wobble.

Two blue ears appeared above the moss. Puschel“That landing was entirely planned,” Puschel explained. Flauschi pressed her lips together. Flauschi“Then it was a remarkably green plan.”

She helped him up, and they crossed on flat stones. As Puschel inspected every step this time, the lantern’s second spark bounced as though it were quietly giggling.