A Dollop Can Be Crooked

Beneath the old willow, Puschel and Flauschi spread their blanket on dry grass. The unfamiliar boat had its own flat stone beside the picnic spot. Its note stayed inside the hull. Before touching the food, they cleaned their paws with the water they had brought; they cleaned the two dropped spoons, too.

Out of the basket came two cups, prepared bread, a little jar of berry spread and a bowl of washed berries from home. Their search did not need an especially adventurous meal. Something familiar tasted good just now.

Puschel“I'll make you an especially lovely wish-bread.”

He spread some berries onto a piece of bread. The dollop was meant to be round. Instead, it grew one long corner, one short corner and a little hill in the middle. Puschel turned the bread and studied his work.

Puschel“It looks a little like a crooked cushion.”

Flauschi“Then it's a very cosy piece of bread.”

Flauschi held out her wooden plate. Puschel smiled. He put the bread on it instead of adjusting the dollop for a third time. He made a second piece for himself. They both took their time eating. The river sparkled beyond the willow branches.

Flauschi“I keep thinking about that note. Who wishes they could be allowed to get something wrong?”

Puschel“I would have promised straight away to make the wish come true. But perhaps I don't yet know what I'd need to do.”

Flauschi“We can begin by listening. And we can ask whether help is wanted.”

Puschel looked at the little boat. For once, he did not want to rush off immediately. He took a sip and settled back comfortably. Flauschi helped herself to a berry. Their pause did not become shorter or less important simply because a mystery was waiting.

When they packed up later, the basket was lighter. They took all their belongings and every scrap of wrapping with them. The boat would stay with them until they could find its owner.

Puschel“Next time, we'll follow the arrow. But today, I wish for a cosy walk home with you first.”

Flauschi“That's my wish, too.”

Together they walked back along the safe path. They had not seen the island yet. But a little discovery had become a search—with a coral-red sail, an unanswered question and plenty of time for each other.