Puschel and the Secret Passenger

Puschel was sitting comfortably on the sofa. His little teddy leaned beside him, between the green cushion and his fluffy tail.

Puschel“I will get us something to drink. You look after the sofa until I get back.”

Puschel shuffled forward and stood up. Without him noticing, Teddy slipped between his back and his curled-up tail. One little fabric paw caught in the long fur on his back. Teddy now sat behind his shoulder like a tiny passenger.

After two steps, Puschel looked back at the sofa. The place beside the green cushion was empty.

Puschel“Teddy?”

He went back to the sofa and lifted the green cushion. Nobody was underneath it. Behind him, a little brown teddy ear peeked out of his blue fur. Flauschi came closer, curious.

Puschel“He was sitting right here. He is not usually such a fast walker.”

When she spotted Teddy behind Puschel’s shoulder, she had to giggle softly. Puschel put the cushion back and looked beside the armchair. Teddy looked along with him.

Puschel“He is not here either.”

Flauschi walked over to him with a smile.

Flauschi“You have already brought him along.”

Puschel“I would have noticed that.”

Flauschi“He is behind you. Turn around.”

Puschel turned around. His tail turned with him. And Teddy did too, of course. Puschel carefully examined the place where he had just been standing.

Puschel“That is where I just was. Teddy was not there.”

Flauschi“Try turning the other way.”

Puschel turned back and looked over his other shoulder. Still nothing. He stopped with his paws held slightly apart.

Puschel“He is always on exactly the wrong side.”

Flauschi laughed briefly. Then she gently took his paw.

Flauschi“Come with me. I will show you your little passenger.”

Together they went into the dressing room. Flauschi moved the stool a little to the left. Puschel stood in front of the small oval mirror above the dressing table.

Puschel“I can see myself.”

Flauschi“Turn just a little to the side.”

Puschel turned carefully. In the mirror, a brown ear appeared beside his head. Then two little button eyes. Puschel’s whole face lit up.

Puschel“Teddy! You were looking for me!”

Flauschi smiled.

Flauschi“And you took him along on the search the whole time.”

Puschel looked in the mirror once more. Teddy sat very still between his back and his tail.

Puschel“You could have said something.”

Then he grinned.

Puschel“Oh, right. You are Teddy.”

Flauschi carefully freed the little fabric paw from his fur and lifted Teddy out. Puschel immediately took him in both paws and hugged him happily against his chest. Together they took a step back from the dressing table.

Flauschi“Found him.”

Puschel“And he was never even gone.”

Puschel stroked Teddy’s little brown head.

Puschel“Next time, I will carry you in front. Then at least you can show me the way.”