A place beneath the leaf garland
Puschel had planned a leaf garland. It was supposed to reach from the birch to the hazel. So far, it reached from the birch to Puschel’s nose.
Puschel“The hazel is definitely too far away.”
Flauschi placed another leaf beside the string. Then she noticed a green Wusel at the edge of the clearing, holding a little bag.
Flauschi“Hello. I’m Flauschi, and this is Puschel.”
Tavi“My name is Tavi.”
Tavi spoke softly. Some words sounded different from the words Puschel knew. Puschel waited until Tavi had finished.
Tavi“I come from Windwusel Land. We couldn’t stay there. My family lives beside the old willow now.”
Flauschi moved over a little.
Flauschi“Would you like to join us?”
Tavi came closer and looked at the leaves. Puschel immediately lifted a whole pile.
Puschel“You can hold the leaves! Or the string! Or I can explain everything!”
Tavi blinked. Flauschi gently nudged Puschel.
Flauschi“Maybe we should ask first.”
Puschel lowered the pile. One leaf stayed on his head.
Puschel“Right. What would you like to do?”
Tavi pointed at a maple leaf.
Tavi“At home, we fold the leaf stems. Then they can hold on to the string. Shall I show you?”
Puschel and Flauschi sat beside him. Tavi carefully folded a stem around the string. The leaf stayed in place. Puschel’s first leaf slipped off.
Puschel“Mine seems to have other plans.”
Tavi grinned and showed him the little fold again. This time Puschel’s leaf stayed in place too.
When the garland was ready, Puschel and Flauschi held its ends. Tavi raised the big maple leaf in the middle.
Tavi“We could use two low sticks. Then small Wusels can reach the leaves too. And the wide path will stay clear.”
They put the sticks in the ground at the edge of the clearing. Nobody needed to jump to reach the garland. Tavi took a red leaf from his bag and hung it beside Flauschi’s yellow one.
Flauschi“That looks lovely.”
Tavi looked at the colours, then took out another leaf.
Tavi“May I bring some more tomorrow?”
Puschel“Yes. I need more practice anyway. Lots more practice.”
Flauschi took the leaf off Puschel’s head and added it to the garland. The three of them stood beneath it. Above them, the birch rustled. Beside them lay the wide path to the old willow.