A Place Beside You

The morning after their first glimpse of the island, Puschel and Flauschi went to the woodland lodge. The path keeper explained the route: beyond the upper river bend, a broad footbridge with railings led to the island. The dry visitor path was open today. She also told them about a wish board. Everyone could read the notes that people had freely chosen to display there; closed boxes and personal messages were to stay closed.

With that information, they followed the marked path. They walked calmly across the bridge and stayed behind the railings. Flauschi carried the little boat in her paws. It did not have to carry anyone across the water.

Puschel“We really are here. And my adventure paws are still dry!”

On the island, the path led to an old willow. Three wish notes hung beneath a small roof. One said: “I do not want to sit alone on the bench all the time.” There was no name. Beside it, a low wooden bench waited on the dry meadow.

Puschel“Then I will sit down straight away. Now someone is here!”

Flauschi“But we do not know when that person comes. Or whether they want company today.”

Puschel put down the basket. Flauschi placed the boat on a separate stone. Then they sat side by side on the bench. Their feet touched the grass. Puschel looked towards the empty end of the seat, as though an answer might appear there.

Puschel“How do you ask without overwhelming someone?”

Flauschi“Perhaps: May I sit beside you? And then you wait for the answer.”

Puschel offered his open paw. Flauschi put hers in it. They listened to the willow leaves rustling and left room for the silence too.

Puschel“May I stay here beside you?”

Flauschi“I would like that very much.”

They had not fulfilled the unknown wish yet. But Puschel noticed how different an invitation felt from a hurried plan. He did not have to rescue anyone. He could begin by asking.