The Pumpkin with the Crooked Smile

Puschel stopped in the middle of the pumpkin garden. At his feet lay a small orange pumpkin with a curved stalk. A pale, crooked mark ran across its skin.

Puschel‘Flauschi,’ he whispered, Puschel‘it’s grinning at me.’

Flauschi stepped beside him and leaned forward a little. Flauschi‘That’s a pale mark on its skin. But it really does look like a crooked smile.’

Puschel grinned back, very carefully, so he wouldn’t startle the pumpkin. Then he tilted his head. The pumpkin stayed where it was, smiling just as crookedly as before.

Puschel‘Maybe it’s looking forward to Halloween,’ said Puschel.

A gentle breeze stirred the golden leaves. Flauschi looked at the pumpkin, then at Puschel’s hopeful face. Flauschi‘Then we could look forward to it together. A little party with funny ghosts, something nice to eat, and a cosy place to rest.’

Puschel‘And a very big boo?’ asked Puschel.

Flauschi‘Only if everyone wants one.’

Puschel thought for a moment. Then he nodded. Puschel‘A friendly boo. One that can smile, too.’

Together they carried the small pumpkin to the low garden table. Puschel supported it from underneath with both paws, while Flauschi helped at the side. They left its curved stalk alone. Nothing was carved or decorated yet.

Flauschi‘Thirty days until Halloween,’ said Flauschi. Flauschi‘We don’t have to finish everything today. Tomorrow we can think about what belongs at our party.’

Puschel looked at the pale mark. Puschel‘Well, we’ve already got our first smile.’

And since Flauschi was smiling now, too, there were really three.