A Small Beginning Comes Home

Beneath the willow, Puschel spread the checked blanket. Flauschi put the boat on its own stone away from the food. They both cleaned their paws. Prepared bread, washed apple pieces and drinking water came out of the basket. Puschel set out the wooden plate and two cups.

They sat side by side. Puschel held his cup in both paws and Flauschi took a piece of bread. It tasted no different from before their journey. Yet the picnic felt a little different: nobody was waiting for Flauschi to hand out the next task.

Puschel“How many wishes have we granted?”

Flauschi“We cannot count that for the people who wrote the notes.”

Puschel looked at the boat. He had imagined returning with a name and a grand success story. Now they had left an invitation and would place a found toy in safe care. That was less than his first plan, but it had really happened.

Puschel“I learnt that I do not have to be finished before every beginning.”

Flauschi“And I spoke about my own wish. We are taking that home too.”

Puschel nodded. Later they would talk together about who would take care of which tasks. Their invitation on the island would not turn every day into an organised event. Sometimes they would have time for company or a game; sometimes they would need rest themselves. Asking honestly and answering honestly belonged to their shared idea.

When they had finished eating, Puschel packed up. Together they checked that nothing was left behind, then returned along the open visitor path and broad bridge. At the woodland lodge, they handed the boat, with its original note still folded, to the path keeper. She took both safely into her care as lost property and kept the private wish separate from the public notice about the toy.

Puschel and Flauschi followed the dry path home. The island stayed behind them, their invitation beneath the willow. The sender’s name remained unknown. Their journey did not have to invent one in order to end.

At home, Puschel put down the basket and asked whether Flauschi wanted a rest. She smiled. No grand treasure had travelled with them. Just a small beginning with room between them.