Joining In Begins with a Question

The third note on the wish board was short: “I want to join in, even while I am still practising.” Puschel read it twice. The soft red ball the path keeper had mentioned lay in the play area. A broad, level meadow beside it offered space, well away from the water.

Puschel“I have a game for that straight away. With a big goal and an especially big victory!”

Flauschi“Perhaps start with a question.”

Puschel took the ball from the materials tray. Flauschi placed the boat on a stone outside the meadow and the basket beside it. Then they stood on the dry grass. There was no goal and no game plan yet.

Puschel“Would you like to play with me?”

Flauschi“Yes. But today I would like gentle passes, not a competition.”

Puschel“Then our first game plan is already finished.”

Flauschi nudged the ball gently with her foot. It rolled towards Puschel. He stopped it a little too late, and it continued behind his paw. He fetched it on the meadow and laughed at his own surprised expression. Flauschi waited instead of demanding the next pass.

They moved closer together. Now the ball rolled more slowly between them. If a pass went astray, they stopped briefly and began again. Sometimes one of them wanted only to watch. That could be part of their playtime too.

Puschel“If the person from the note came now, we could let them join in straight away.”

Flauschi“We could ask them. Perhaps they would rather watch first or come later.”

Puschel nodded. The empty patch of grass beside them was not a gap he had to fill immediately. It could simply remain space for somebody.

Puschel“And if they do not come at all?”

Flauschi“Then we have still practised how to invite them kindly.”

When they had played enough, they returned the ball. They did not declare any unknown wish complete. But Puschel had found a sentence more important than any goal celebration: Would you like to join in?