Snufkin over the next few days has seemed a lot weaker or noisier in ways one does not hope for.

Many a time The Joxter would wake up in the night to hear Snufkin sneezing or coughing but if he ever tries to help, Snufkin would just pull the blanket over his head, not wanting to be an issue.

One morning Snufkin looked down at his hands to see them fading again. He quickly shoved them in his pockets while feeling dread. Joxter was so happy about his hands being visible and he was messing that up.

He really is just being a problem isn't he?

….

Snufkin and Joxter slowly made their way down a trail in the woods when Snufkin started stumbling and swaying.

"…Hey, are you alright?"

Snufkin paused for a moment before nodding… and falling over.

Joxter quickly caught Snufkin before he could hit the ground. "I don't think you actually are alright."

Snufkin leaned against Joxter and slowly shook his head.

Joxter winced; what does this no mean? He gently scooped Snufkin up. "Come on, we're getting you help."

Snufkin shook his head again.

"Hey, I told your mother I would take you to Moominmamma if you got sick and that is exactly what I am doing."

Snufkin wanted to refuse but he didn't want to press anything.

Joxter shifted Snufkin into a more comfortable position before continuing down the trail. As they went along Joxter would look around them, seeing how the area was green and slowly flowering, just as an early spring should be.

"Moominmamma and papa should be out of their hibernation by now; Moomintroll too."

Snufkin has noticed how Joxter talks about the Moomins a lot. As far as he could gather from all of the little stories or comments he's heard, Moominpapa and Joxter used to be good friends who would travel around together until Joxter met Mymble. He and his adventuring friends would live in the valley together until Mymble moved on with her kids which reminded Joxter how much of a wandering spirit he was himself. He invited Moominpapa to come along but he had recently himself come across a wonderful Snorkmaiden who became his wife. Those two eventually had Moomintroll around when Joxter left the valley.

Joxter has seemed excited to see his old friends again, though he had been hoping under better circumstances.

….

After an hours walk where Snufkin had been dozing in and out of consciousness, the two arrived in what Joxter said to be Moominvalley.

The valley was very green and big. There were trees scattered about and a river that cut through the valley. Coming out from the forest there was a path leading over a bridge and up a hill to a house that looked vaguely like a blue lighthouse though there was no light at the top.

Snufkin tried to get down but Joxter held onto the boy who then crossed his arms.

"I'll let you down when I think you would be alright."

Snufkin huffed and looked down at his smock.

Joxter walked up to the door and knocked nice and loud which lead to the sounds of Moomins inside calling out that they will get it.

After a few short moments a Moomin in a red and white striped apron tied around her waist opened the door. "Hello Joxter. It certainly has been a while hasn't it."

Joxter nodded with a smile. "It really has Moominmamma."

"Would you come in? I'll have tea ready in just a moment." Moominmamma stepped out of the way to let the two in.

Joxter stepped in. "I would love tea but Snufkin here…"

Moominmamma looked at the invisible child in Joxter's arms. If Snufkin could blush now would be the time he would… if he wasn't already red from fever.

"Oh the poor child. I'll see what my grannie's book has on this."

"With all due respect Mama, do you think you have something on colds? Snuffy being invisible is an issue but, he seems to be sick."

Snufkin once again tried to climb out of Joxter's arms and so Joxter sat him on the couch. Snufkin decided then to try to stand up but stopped after a coughing fit over took him.

Moominmamma frowned. "I'll get right on it, and some tea. That should at least help with his throat."

Snufkin nodded while the Joxter smiled appreciatively. "Thank you so much."

"Of course." Moominmamma went into the kitchen just as another Moomin in a top hat descended down the stairs.

"My, is that my old friend I hear?"

Joxter grinned as he looked at the Moomin. "Moominpapa it's so good to see you!" The two shared a quick embrace before stepping back. "You seem to be doing well old friend."

Moominpapa gave a quick nod. "Yes, my memoir is going quite smoothly. I'd call Moomintroll to come see you but he is out with his friend Sniff and Little My."

Snufkin moved himself to the corner of the couch and listened. He kept hearing more and more names and he certainly remembered Little My. How many people were here?

Joxter glanced back at his son for a moment. "It's fine. I'm not going to stop him from playing with his friends or anything. They should have their own adventures."

Moominpapa curtly nodded. "Exactly! Adventures are what make life rich! It's what creates the stories that are so fun to tell!"

"Yes because all the stories do have all of those details." Joxter smiled with an eye-roll.

Moominpapa laughed before noticing the floating hat on the couch and so walked around it. "And who might you be?"

Snufkin looked up at Joxter who answered. "This is my son Snufkin. He joined me on my adventures this time around didn't you Snufkin?"

Snufkin nodded.

"Ah so you two must have many tales to tell then."

Snufkin considered for a moment before nodding again.

"We came by the Groke again." Joxter seemed to speak solemnly, as if saying her name would send a chill down anyone's spine. It certainly did for Moominpapa.

"The Groke? I didn't realize she was around these parts now."

"Just about three days walk, though she may be farther now."

This was about when Moominmamma returned with some tea that she handed to Snufkin and Joxter who thanked her in their respective ways.

As Snufkin sipped his tea, Joxter frowned at the sight of Snufkin's hands. He could have sworn Snufkin was getting better but…

"Joxter?"

The man looked up Moominmamma.

"Granny's book has infallible cures for Snufkin if you would want to help with them?"

"I- Of course mamma. I'll be right back Snuffy." Joxter swiftly followed Moominmamma into the kitchen.

Snufkin nodded but that nickname was seriously getting irritating.

Not too long after, the front door swung open revealing a shorter Moomin.

"Papa? Did-" The young Moomin looked over at the invisible child on the couch who gave a short wave.