An Invitation Remains

Before their picnic, Puschel and Flauschi returned to the sheltered wish board. The three old notes hung from their clips. Puschel took a card of their own from the basket. At the woodland lodge they had asked the path keeper whether they could add an invitation. She had agreed.

Together they wrote: “Room for you. If you meet us in our woodland clearing, feel free to ask for company, a quiet game or another try. We will honestly tell you whether we have time just then. You are also welcome simply to watch.” Their names went underneath.

Puschel“At first I wanted to write: We grant your wishes.”

Flauschi“We could not promise that. Now it says what we can offer.”

Puschel clipped the card below the three notes. Flauschi held the boat in both paws. Their invitation did not take away anybody’s wish or write an answer over it. It was simply another possibility.

The willow carved into the toy still matched the island. It was not proof of a sender. Puschel had hoped to find a name today. Now he stayed quiet for a moment.

Puschel“I am a little sad that we cannot return the boat to someone in person.”

Flauschi“Yes. The path keeper can keep it safely in case someone comes forward.”

Puschel nodded. He did not have to turn his disappointment into happiness immediately. Even on a good journey, a question could remain unanswered. That did not make the whole journey pointless.

They left the unfamiliar wish note folded inside the boat. They did not photograph it, copy it or hang it beside their invitation. The closed boxes stayed closed. Nobody had to explain a private wish publicly simply because their toy had been found.

The card moved gently in the breeze. Puschel looked at the four clips. Three wishes and an invitation, rather than a finished solution. He picked up the basket and asked Flauschi whether she wanted their picnic now. She nodded. This time the trail could wait.