The Island Beyond the Bend

After their short stop, Puschel and Flauschi walked to the next open meadow. The path was higher than the water and stayed broad and dry. Grass and shrubs lay between them and the riverbank. They did not need to leave the path to see the river.

Beyond a bend, the water divided around a small patch of land. In its centre stood a tree with long, drooping branches. Flauschi stopped. Puschel followed her gaze and raised his free paw.

Puschel“A willow. On an island. Just like the drawing!”

Flauschi“It looks very similar. We do not know yet whether it is the same island.”

Puschel wanted to draw an arrow in the air leading straight across. But air was not a path. From the meadow track, they could see neither a bridge nor a marked entrance. The water between them did not make the island a place for a quick experiment.

Puschel“Our little boat is probably too small for two very curious squirrels as well.”

Flauschi“It is a toy. It carries a note, not travellers.”

They held it upright and looked at its little hull. The unsigned wish was still the same: to be allowed to make a mistake. It did not need an answer in the form of an unsafe crossing.

Puschel lowered his pointing paw. Now he looked at their own path again. It continued beside a hedge, on the dry inland side. There they could calmly consider where to ask about a safe entrance. They did not have to try a new route into the unknown today.

Puschel“Then we will remember this meadow. And look for a proper entrance next time.”

Flauschi“Let us ask someone who knows the way before making more plans.”

A gust swept over the rise. Flauschi drew the boat closer to her belly; the note remained firmly folded. Behind the hedge it was calmer. They went there for their picnic. For the first time, the island was more than a drawing. Their questions were still unanswered.