A Picnic Without a Wish List

Flauschi was happy to take a rest. On the dry meadow beneath the willow, they spread out their checked blanket. The boat had its own stone away from the food. After cleaning their paws, they opened the basket. Prepared bread, washed apple pieces and drinking water came out.

Puschel put the food on the wooden plate and filled two cups. Then he sat beside Flauschi. She held her cup with both paws while Puschel held a piece of bread. From here, they could not read the wishes on the board. For a moment, they did not have to read anything at all.

Puschel“I could make a huge wish list. Bench company on Monday, stone attempts on Tuesday, ball passes on Wednesday.”

Flauschi looked at him over the rim of her cup. Puschel listened to himself for another moment. His big list had taken up plenty of space again. Surprisingly little remained for the unknown people and their answers.

Flauschi“Would you like to eat your bread first?”

Puschel“That is a wish with a clearly identified recipient.”

They both laughed. Puschel took a bite and left his list unwritten. Flauschi had a sip of water. They ate peacefully and listened to the breeze in the willow. Nobody had to turn their picnic into a meeting.

Later, Puschel said he preferred a smaller beginning: the next time they met someone, they could ask whether company, a game or help would be welcome. Flauschi nodded. They did not need to organise an event before anyone had even agreed to come.

Puschel“And if somebody has a completely different answer?”

Flauschi“Then we listen to it. Our three notes are not a list of every wish.”

When they were fed and rested, they packed their belongings. They took everything with them and left the island by the same open visitor path and bridge. At the woodland lodge, they left a message about the found boat without displaying the unfamiliar wish note publicly. They kept the toy safe while waiting for a reply.

They still had no name. But now they knew where to ask next. And they knew that a quiet question sometimes left more room for a wish than a grand plan.