A Wish Between Us

A few quiet days had passed since their celebration in the Garden of the Four Seasons. That afternoon, Puschel and Flauschi took a picnic basket to the river. Among the bank-side grasses, already on dry ground, lay a little wooden boat. Its coral-red sail stirred in the breeze.

Puschel“A treasure ship! For a very small treasure.”

Puschel picked it up. A folded note rested inside the honey-coloured hull. Flauschi carefully smoothed it out. It read: “I wish I could finally be allowed to get something wrong.” There was no name underneath, or on the back.

Flauschi“Perhaps someone is frightened of having to get everything right.”

Puschel was about to say something especially comforting. Then he could not think of any words that seemed big enough. He set the little boat on a flat stone and settled into the dry grass beside Flauschi. The river rustled behind them. They were far enough from the water to read in peace.

Puschel“I get things wrong quite often. Sometimes even before breakfast. But I don't know what it feels like for someone else.”

Flauschi“We don't have to guess. Perhaps we can find the sender and ask what they need.”

Puschel offered her his open paw. Flauschi rested hers in it. For a moment, they did not look for clues or make a plan. They simply sat together.

Puschel“If I get something wrong today, will you stay with me anyway?”

Flauschi“Yes. And if I get something wrong?”

Puschel“I'll still be here. Even if I'm still searching for the best comforting words.”

Flauschi smiled and squeezed his paw. She folded the note again and tucked it back into the boat. They still did not know who had written it. But they wanted to treat that wish with care. And they had just found a way to begin.