Sitting beside the riverbank, Snufkin stared at the inside of his hat, pretending he was sleeping. Moomin had been inside all morning, which was strange. Even though he knew nothing was wrong, he felt nervous nonetheless. Suppose Moomin was sick? Well then, he reasoned, he could show up with flowers and tea. No doubt Moominmamma wouldn't let anyone in for fear of them getting sick as well, so he'd have to climb up the window. That would be difficult with a teapot, but he would manage. Moomin probably wouldn't ask him why he'd brought flowers, but if he did, he'd tell him it was to make up for him having to be cooped up inside, and Moomin would laugh. He had such a great laugh. Anyway, he would pour him some tea and tell him stories until he had fallen asleep, and only then would he get up to leave. But as soon as he stood, Moomin would grab his hand and ask him in his sleepy voice to stay, and so of course Snufkin would have no choice. And he'd just have to snuggle up next to him because Moomin would be cold, and so he'd start telling him stories all over again and petting his fur, and they'd get closer the drousier they got, and they'd both feel safe, so incredibly safe, and pretty soon-
He blinked, squinting against the harsh light as someone lifted his hat from his face.
"Are you dead?"
Little My. Of course Little My. Always Little My.
"No, I'm not dead." He took his hat back, somewhat irritated that she had interrupted his daydream. Now he'd have to start all over again. Although, maybe that wasn't so bad.
"You looked pretty dead."
"Do you need something?"
"Moomin's keeping secrets, just like I told you and Sniff. And so I came to find out what they are."
"What makes you think I know?" He resituated his hat atop his head.
"Because. He tells you everything. You two hardly have any secrets. Hardly, any way."
"This must be one of the exceptions." He closed his eyes again, but her words gnawed at him. After a prolonged silence, he took the bait. "What do you mean 'hardly?'"
"You're a real dummy, aren't you?" She smiled, relishing whatever information she was withholding. Snufkin didn't answer, not having anything clever to say. Sighing, Little My continued. "He might not notice, but I know what you're up to."
"I'm not up to anything, Little My." It was the truth, but still his heart thrum-thrum-thrummed inside him. The last thing he needed was for her to go and spoil everything.
"And that's the problem. It's time to admit it." Narrowing her eyes, she leaned in. "You have a crush…"
Snufkin felt his face flush, red hot hot hot. Chuckling uneasily, he pulled his hat down over his face again. "You're silly."
"On Sniff!"
"Sniff?" He sat up quickly. "Why would I- No!" Relieved, he let his shoulders draw up towards his face as he laughed. "Quite an imagination you have." Feeling rather glad, he laughed once more, amused. "Sniff. Imagine that."
His smile didn't waver until he looked at Little My's face, saw her triumphant grin. The sight made him uneasy all over again. "You know," she crossed her arms, speaking slowly "the best way to catch a lie is in what people don't say."
For another moment they stared at one another, neither one speaking.
"You won't tell." Snufkin lay back again, staring up at the sky.
"At the rate you're going, I won't have to." With a huff, Little My plucked a handful of grass, sprinkling it over him. "You're rather stupid, though."
"Yes, I know." He watched the impossibly slow clouds move. If they had another one of those pink clouds, they could float away, up to where they could chase sunsets… He could take Moomin's hand and it wouldn't be strange, maybe even lean his head against his shoulder…
"If you're going to be keeping a secret, the least you could do is make it an interesting one." Little My set a small rock on his stomach.
"Fair enough. I'll try harder next time."
"Let's just hope whatever he's up to is more interesting. If you find out before me, you'll tell me?"
"Probably not."
"Why not?"
"I wouldn't be a very good best friend if I did."
"You're a bad enough one as is, keeping secrets and all." Stepping back, she examined her work before plucking another clover to place upon the rock.
"Perhaps." He hoped that wasn't true. He would be worse for saying something, wouldn't he?
"Anyway, don't think I'll be letting you off so easy. I plan on collecting on this favor, do you hear me?"
"Oh, I assumed," Snufkin nodded seriously.
"Good. Once I think of something, I'll tell you." Bounding off up the creek, Little My hopped from rock to rock, heading towards the mountains. Quietly, Snufkin brushed the leaves and rocks off himself, covering his face with his hat once again. Where was he? Ah, yes. Bringing up a bowl of soup to sick Moomin's window.
