Moomin sighed as he stared out the bedroom window. It was a beautiful day outside. Like always. But even so, an essential something that made it all the more beautiful was missing this morning. Moominmamma called Moomin down for breakfast but he was too distracted to even touch his food.
"Moomin, honey. Is everything alright? You've hardly touched your pancakes."
"I'm alright Mamma. I just...don't feel very hungry this morning."
"If you aren't going to eat those I'll-" Sniff interjected, but Little My scurried past him at the speed of light.
"I don't think so!" she cackled mercilessly and snatched Moomin's plate before anyone could object.
"Hey! No fair!" Sniff chased after her until he felt too tired to put up a fight.
Once those two were out of the way, Mamma approached Moomin.
"You sure everything's okay? You aren't feeling sick, are you?" she gently placed a hand upon his forehead.
"Sick huh...Say, Mamma. Is there a cure for lovesickness?"
Mamma's eyes softened and she placed her arm upon her son's shoulder. "Is that what this is about?"
Moomin only nodded slowly without lifting his gaze from the table.
"Girl trouble? Did you get into a fight with Snorkmaiden?"
"...not really."
"Love troubles, eh?" Moominpappa chimed in, not lifting his eyes from the morning paper.
"Your mother and I have been together through the thick and thin. Surely we can help you through any mishaps."
"No. That's alright. I need to get through this on my own."
Moomin slowly lifted himself out of his chair and made his way back to his room.
That was unusual. Moomin wasn't the type of person to keep to himself. It was a bit worrisome, but he was at a delicate age. His parents would let him have his space and if he wanted to talk, he could do it when he was ready.
Moomin wasn't quite sure how he could explain things to his parents. And he wasn't sure he wanted to. He was still figuring out how to deal with this himself and it was nerve-wracking. He sat up in his room daydreaming. The worst part was he didn't know how to stop. Once that oh-so-familiar face popped into his head he just couldn't get rid of it. It made him act goofy and disoriented.
"Ohhhh..." he groaned to himself as he pulled a pillow over his face. "Why must you torment me every time you're away?"
He was interrupted by the sound of his door creaking open slowly.
"Who's there?!" he shouted in an uncharacteristically loud tone. He would be so embarrassed if anyone heard him lamenting to himself.
Little My said nothing. All she did was stand in the doorway with a menacing smirk on her face.
"Daydreaming about your precious Snufkin again, I see."
"What-how did you-" Moomin panicked as he tried to form a coherent sentence.
"It's pretty obvious. You'd have to be blind not to see it. The way you cry out his name in your sleep every night. It's a wonder how anyone gets any sleep around here."
"So? What are you going to do about it?"
"Oh, nothing. That is, unless you want my help."
Moomin only stared at her in disbelief. "Very funny, Little My."
"He is my brother after all. If anyone knows a thing or two about that kid, it's me. Think on it, Moomin."
Moomin only rolled over with his back to her in response. He would not fall for another of that girl's tricks. Not at a time like this.
"Oh, Snufkin..." Moomin sighed to himself. It was only the start of spring but still Moomin's heart felt so fragile knowing his friend was away.
"Snufkin will be back any day now," Little My mused. "Why so pouty?"
"Why can't he be back now?" Moomin grumbled impatiently.
"Well lying around your room all day, worrying Mamma and Pappa isn't going to help you feel better. Quit moping and come play with your friends."
"How's he doing?" Snorkmaiden asked worriedly. "I haven't seen him since he woke up!"
Little My shook her head. "Don't ask me. That boy's lost in his own little world right now."
"Ohhh..." Snorkmaiden tumbled up the stairs and gently knocked on the door.
"Go away, My..."
"Moomin?"
"Oh...Snorkmaiden."
"Moomin." Snorkmaiden sat down on Moomin's bed. "What's wrong, Moomin? We're all very worried about you."
Moomin didn't have the energy to look her in the eye. "I don't want to talk about it."
"Please, Moomin. Come down to play. Just one game. Snufkin will be worried too if he shows up and you're not around."
Moomin's ears pricked up at the sound of that name. "Oh, alright..."
"Let's go!" Snorkmaiden grabbed his arm and he sulkily let her drag him along.
Everyone was waiting for the two outside. They played a game of tag and Moomin dreaded the moment he would become "it." He didn't want to be there. "You're it!" someone crawled up behind him and tagged him while he was distracted.
Oh no...no. No. This was his chance to escape. Without a second thought, Moomin turned tail and ran.
"Hey, you're it!" My called after him.
But he just ran. He ran and ran and ran. Across the dew-stained grass. Beyond the fields of budding flowers. Around the lake and the sandy beaches. Over that familiar bridge that marked their favorite meeting spot. Moomin ran and ran. Scouring every inch of Moominvalley. Every place that him and Snufkin had ever built sweet lasting memories. He ran and he didn't stop. Even as his feet ached and his chest felt heavy. He continued running, until he was forced to stop and catch his breath. He breathed in all the familiar scents and sounds that enveloped his entire being. He looked up at the violet sunset sky, wondering if Snufkin ever looked up at that same sky and thought of him, on his travels.
Moomin sat alone upon the wet grass and closed his eyes, letting the cool night breeze take over his senses. Even though they were apart, Moomin still felt his friend's presence. In the sights, in the sounds, in the warmth of the setting sun.
"Welcome home, Snufkin."
