The Blanket Needs No Boss

After their conversation, Puschel wanted to prepare a place for their later picnic in the woodland clearing. He took the checked blanket from the basket. First he needed to unfold it. The boat stood safely on its stone, away from the blanket.

Puschel“Preparing the picnic spot is my job today. You can watch the leaves.”

Flauschi stood beside the bench. Puschel pulled one corner. Another flopped softly over his head. His face stayed clear, but suddenly he looked as though he was wearing a little picnic cloud.

Puschel“I think the blanket wants to spread me out first.”

Flauschi laughed quietly. Her paws had already moved forwards a little. Usually she would have found the right corner, moved the basket and told him the next step. Today she let her arms relax again.

Flauschi“There is time. I am here.”

Puschel wanted to ask which side he should pull. Then he remembered her wish. He did not need to turn every difficulty into a question for Flauschi. He knelt down, took the corner off his head and laid the blanket flat on the grass.

Now he could see the folds better. He slowly opened one side, then the next. No grand rescue was needed. Just a little patience and a free paw.

Puschel“If I look at the blanket instead of at you, it actually tells me something itself.”

Flauschi“For example, that it has four corners?”

Puschel“That was my decisive research discovery.”

They both smiled. At last the blanket lay flat enough. Puschel placed the closed basket beside it. Flauschi did not have to inspect his work or reward it with praise. She sat on the bench for a moment and watched a leaf sail slowly down onto the meadow.

Puschel was pleased with the spot he had prepared. He had not learnt a perfect folding trick. But he had noticed that Flauschi’s free time did not have to end as soon as something went wrong for him. He could put a harmless blanket muddle right by himself.