A Picnic by Spark-Light

After the crossing, Puschel’s stomach growled so loudly that even Silver Stream seemed to pause. Flauschi spread out the blanket and opened their basket.

Puschel“I was only checking whether our provisions were still there,” said Puschel. Flauschi“With your stomach?” asked Flauschi, pouring elderflower lemonade.

They shared a leaf pastry. Puschel received the larger half—and still the first crumb landed on his nose. Flauschi brushed it away and laughed.

At that moment, a warm point of light rose from the scent of pastry. It circled their cups once and slipped into the star lantern as its second spark.

Puschel“Then we shall have to picnic more often,” said Puschel. Flauschi handed him the final pastry. Flauschi“For research purposes only.” Beneath the lantern light, the night suddenly tasted like home.