Flauschi’s Secret Courage Bracelet

The first lanterns were already glowing in the Wusel garden. Flauschi wanted to show the guests her handmade bracelet, but suddenly the little idea inside her tummy felt much larger than before.

Flauschi“Perhaps my bracelet is too simple. Perhaps nobody will look. Or everybody will look at once.”

Puschel sat beside her and gently held her free paw. Five large wooden beads sat on the bracelet: turquoise for calm, yellow for joy, coral red for heart, green for hope and turquoise once more for a peaceful ending.

Puschel“You do not have to become enormously brave all at once. One bead of courage is enough for the first step.”

Flauschi touched the first turquoise bead with one claw. She breathed in. At the yellow bead, she breathed out. Then she smiled just a tiny bit.

Flauschi“And what if my voice wobbles?”

Puschel“Then I shall wobble kindly with you. My tail is excellent at it.”

They walked outside together. Beneath the warm lights, Flauschi raised her bracelet. Her voice began quietly, but grew steadier with every sentence.

Flauschi“This bracelet reminds me that courage does not have to be loud. It may begin with one small step.”

Puschel applauded so enthusiastically that his tail nearly joined in. Flauschi looked at the five beads and knew that the loveliest sparkle was not the bracelet. It was the moment she had tried despite feeling unsure.