The Rehearsal with the Wrong Boo

Flauschi“Two days until Halloween,” said Flauschi. The low table was ready in the living room. Two empty cups waited on the little cloth. Beside them, the fresh pumpkin glowed with its crooked smile.

Today was only a rehearsal. They had checked the lantern beforehand to make sure it was firm and undamaged. Its LED light was securely in place, with the battery compartment closed.

Puschel wore his short purple cape. Flauschi had put on her dark one. The fastenings rested on their chests, leaving their necks, paws and tails free. Today they both wanted to practise without face paint.

Teddy sat on his low chair. His little purple cape was held by the broad tab around his soft tummy. Puschel had seated him there; the stuffed bear didn’t move by himself.

Puschel“You arrive, and I greet you,” said Puschel.

Flauschi took one small step towards him. Puschel opened his paws wide.

Puschel“Boo! Is it round and orange?”

Flauschi stopped. Then she looked down at herself.

Flauschi“Orange, yes. But were you going to greet me or ask a riddle?”

Puschel glanced at the paper pumpkin behind his back. He had got it ready for the guessing game later.

Puschel“I pushed the game to the front,” he said.

Flauschi giggled. Puschel had to laugh too.

Flauschi“Then let’s simply greet each other first,” she suggested. Flauschi“Without having to guess anything.”

Puschel“Hello, Flauschi. I’m glad you’re here.”

Flauschi“Hello, Puschel. Now I’ve arrived.”

They took three picture cards they already had: the waving paw, the paper pumpkin and the soft cushion. Flauschi laid them on the table so both could see them the right way up: first a greeting, then the guessing game, then a break.

Puschel“And if someone needs a break sooner?” asked Puschel.

Flauschi“Then the break comes sooner. The cards are a help, not a rule.”

The open-paw card lay clearly visible beside them. The path to the cosy seat stayed clear. The wish box was ready too; any treasure trail would be short and safe to walk along.

The three paper pumpkins from the house, two ghosts and the short bat garland waited in the little decoration spot. The middle bat still hung upside down. After being checked, the old whole pumpkin stayed uncut in its sheltered spot.

Now it was Flauschi’s turn to guess. Puschel hid the paper pumpkin behind his back.

Puschel“Is it round and orange?”

Flauschi“This time it’s a paper pumpkin,” said Flauschi.

Puschel showed it to her. Puschel“Right. And now?”

Flauschi pointed to the cushion. Flauschi“A little break.”

They sat down happily. Afterwards, they switched the LED off and put the lantern somewhere cool and sheltered again. Teddy’s cape was taken off for cuddles.

Puschel“Our rehearsal started the wrong way once,” said Puschel. Puschel“But it ended in a friendly way.”