The Blanket Has Its Own Plan

After they had read the wish, Puschel decided that such a little boat deserved a safe place to travel. The picnic basket seemed perfect. Unfortunately, it already held bread, berries, two cups and a blanket.

Puschel“I'll just rearrange things. Then everything will fit. Even the tidiness.”

Flauschi put the food and cups on a clean cloth. The boat stayed on its flat stone. Puschel took the now-empty basket and tugged at the blanket, whose corner was still caught beneath its rim. At first, nothing moved. Then the corner suddenly slipped free.

Puschel took a surprisingly large step backwards and landed in the soft grass. The blanket slid over his legs and draped loosely around his tail. The empty basket tipped over, and two wooden spoons rolled out. Puschel looked down as though he had packed himself for the picnic.

Flauschi“Are you all right? Did anything hurt?”

Puschel“I'm fine. I'm already packed for the journey. Just in the wrong piece of luggage.”

Now they both laughed. Flauschi offered him a paw. With her help, Puschel pushed the loose cloth aside and stood up. The little boat had not even wobbled.

Puschel“So the wish works. I got something wrong, and you're still here.”

Flauschi“I was here before, too. You don't have to get something wrong to check.”

Together they repacked the basket. The spoons went back separately so they could be cleaned before eating. The unfamiliar boat did not go among the food: Flauschi would carry it carefully.

Puschel shook out the blanket. Their little ball appeared beneath the basket. He picked it up and looked at the broad meadow behind him. There was room for a short game. This time he asked Flauschi first whether she would like to play.