Chapter 4
The Snork Maiden was sitting by herself, glancing out over the sound as she sniffled, in remembrance of her birth mother. She wasn't disillusioned, she was just pensive, pondering, as she felt more tears come to her eyes. In consequence, Snork Maiden turned a light, stormy silver, that etched into her cream white fur. Snork Maidens change color based on their mood. She sniffled, as there was a light padding of paws that came near her. It was the kind, thoughtful Muskrat. "Lonely out here, isn't it?". The Muskrat said, gently with thoughtful insight. "Kind of". Snork Maiden said, as she sniffled. "It hasn't picked up, recently, but it is kind of desolate".
"And to think our decade had so much optimism, and gaiety". The Muskrat said, gently with a kind chuckle in between. "The fleeting opportunity was one to be succinct with its pejorative measure".
"The 1960's have been good to me, at the beginning". Snork Maiden said, sniffling. "I've had a lovely time with my adoptive parents". "They kiss me, hug me, sing me songs at night, and give me love". "I could not be more thankful". "I've had quite a sheltered life, along with my inquisitive brother".
"Hmm". the Muskrat nodded. "Yet sometimes, it seems as if things aren't as easy for us". "Life is made to hand us challenges, and burdens, seeing if we have the dissenting strength to handle it".
"Perhaps it is dissenting…..but I feel lost, somehow". Snork Maiden said, in a melancholy manner. "I'm empty, and aching, I'm saddened, and I don't know why".
"Perhaps it may have something to do with your experiences in the very beginning". The Muskrat's voice was gentle, passive, and kind. Deep, and raspy as he did smoke his fine amount of cigarettes with propensity. Because he was near the sound, he lit himself a small cigarette, now that I mention it. ;).
"Did you experience something traumatic, maybe burdensome?". The Muskrat asked, in a gentle, kind, raspy whisper. One could tell his vocal cords were very brittle with tobacco, and hardened tar. "Never be afraid to tell me". The Muskrat said, gently. Snork Maiden took a deep breath. "well….I did lose my birth parents at age 3". Snork Maiden said, as she sniffled. "They passed away due to a fire". "And….while my brother and I were adopted, and pampered straight away, it was hard at the beginning".
The Muskrat's glance became gentle. "So you've been very pensive about your memories now more than ever?". The Muskrat asked, kindly. "Yes". Snork Maiden replied. "Mm, it is very hard for someone to come over something traumatic". "Losing a birth parent is the most traumatic thing at that age". Muskrat said, gently in a whisper. "You must've experienced a lot of discomfort at the very beginning". The Muskrat brought his cigarette to his lips.
"Well, I can assuage you, your birth parents, your mama and papa, are looking downwards, knowing that you are someone with an immense amount of strength, wisdom, inquisitive knowledge, and kindness". "They are so proud of you for forgiving what happened, and being ok with it". "Birth mama and papa love you with all of the love they can muster". "You, and your brother, are survivors who have given back". "Remember that with your knowledge, with your strength, you can do anything". Muskrat said, gently. Muskrat smiled a gentle smile. "I know, and I'm happy that I've had the experiences I've had". "It has made me into a stronger person who is able to learn more, experience more, and have strong morals". "I love giving back to others". Snork Maiden replied.
"I love seeing you become stronger, too". Muskrat said, gently. "Strength is the epitome of love, and kindness". "You have both of those, you can do anything". Muskrat smiled yet again.
"I hope I can, and my goal is to move away from my parents house, and into the lighthouse with my best friend, and boyfriend, Moomin". Snork Maiden said, as she smiled, turning a happy pink color. The Muskrat nodded, as he smiled a gentle smile. The Muskrat was laid-back, happy and loving. "Well, that is a lovely goal". The Muskrat said, gently. "I'm happy for you, and I know one day, you'll make an excellent wife, or companion".
"What do you wish to be when you become older?". The Muskrat asked, gently. His wisdom was prevalent in his voice, as all philosophers tend to be. "I wish to be a scientist…an astronomer who looks to the stars to find the answers to our physical world, and our Earth….perhaps what's beyond, and everything else such as". "I wish to explore, be an adventurer that lives in the lighthouse, sails ships, and is completely self-reliant". "I want to be independent, married, and full of propense dignity". "There's a lot of living to do, and I plan to do it, end by end". Snork Maiden explained. The Muskrat nodded, gently. "That sounds like a wonderful plan". "I think it's a great decision". "Independence is the greatest gift that can be given". "We oftentimes find strengths we never knew we possessed". "It is through strength that we can be sure of who we become, and what kind of goals, and measures we possess".
"You are growing up quickly, I believe you can do anything". Muskrat said, gently, smiling a kind, philosophical smile. Snork Maiden smiled back, with some degree of optimism, and enthusiasm. Muskrat knew he was mentoring someone who was willing to participate in the exchange of wisdom. He knew, anything was possible.
He and Snork Maiden knew, even as they helped one another. Through my looking glass, I could see the optimism the two shared, as Muskrat was recovering from his pessimism. A smile curved across my face, as I mixed my potions, and polished my astrolabe. I was confident that I had done a worthy thing, privy to the cause.
Moominvalley was desolate in cloudiness, and rain, as Moomintroll sat through his lessons, glancing up at the blackboard. His teacher still taught, as his friends passed notes to one another. Moomintroll still paid attention, even as Sniff, who sat beside him, whispered to him in between pauses of the teacher's lecture. Moomintroll still jotted down notes, raised his hand to be called on, and took time out to come to the board, and diagram a sentence, or do an algebra problem in front of the class. He was quiet, however, and pensive as he did his work.
When the time in the afternoon came for lunch, Moomintroll opened his satchel, seeing there was no lunch in there. "Well, it is time to get something from the cafeteria". Moomintroll said, sighing. Glancing around him, he noticed the lunchroom was lonely, and desolate. The tables seemed empty, as some creatures, bright and beautiful, big and small, sat, eating from their pails in their own special way. Moomintroll came to the line, curiously glancing at a tray of braunschweiger and mustard. Taking an extra side of mustard sauce, he placed it on his tray, only to get a nasty rebuke from an ugly, emaciated, cranky, lonely-looking gremlin working the lunch line. "Did you take it without paying for it?!". The gremlin snapped, yanking the other sauces back with his hairy paw. "well…well…I…I…I…yes". Moomintroll said, with a shaky, teary voice, opting to be truthful. Sometimes, being scolded in a harsh, evil tone hurt Moomintroll, emotionally. "Don't do it again!". The gremlin snapped, harshly as it banged the silver shelf containing the sauce, in a nasty way. Moomintroll couldn't see the gremlin, but he saw the nasty hand come out, and snatch food away. Moomintroll came to the line, paying a lonely whomper who worked the register. The whomper smelled of cigarettes, and feces, as if he slept on a pile of animal feces, (perhaps he ate feces, he was that poor). Moomintroll paid for his lunch, as he sat down, eating his braunschweiger, and his mustard. Glancing around, he saw a familiar person sit next to him. Old, wise, and loving. She was someone who oftentimes hung around the school. "Did I hear someone yell at you?". Too-Ticky asked, as she sat down, with her mutton. Moomintroll hung his head. "Yes, it was the lunch gremlin….he yelled because I was only getting some condiments". Moomintroll said, solemnly. "Mmm". Too-Ticky nodded, as she pursed her lips. "But you weren't looking, and you accidentally took two of them". Too-Ticky mentioned, kindly as a wise, knowing smile curved across her face. "Attention to detail, is tantamount in those situations". "We can't always act on impulse". "Impulse is the enemy of control". Too-Ticky said, gently.
"I guess….maybe I wasn't paying attention….but I meant to do no harm to anyone". Moomintroll protested. "Well, sometimes, we don't mean anything by it, but we should always be careful". "Different people can take things at different levels". Too-Ticky said, gently, with kindness. "But I know you meant well". Too-Ticky glanced around, taking a large, omnivorous bite of her mutton. She was a bit of a tomboy in mannerisms. "How are things going with your lessons?". "Are you retaining the necessary information?". Too-Ticky asked, kindly. "They're going smoothly, one might say". "I earned another 100% on my math exam". "Algebra comes easy to me….as does Biology, History, and calligraphy". Moomintroll said. "Mm, I used to be easy in those subjects as well". Too-Ticky mentioned, kindly as she ate some more mutton.
"Mathematics was easy because I retained more of the numerical formulas, and the processes correlating to the formulas". Too-Ticky mentioned. "I loved formulas, and got every one of them correct". "Formulas were easy to come by, that and geometry".
"I like formulas because it's fun to do the steps". Moomintroll mentioned. "I like doing things with the abacus board, and calculating different place values….it is a lot of fun".
"Place values can be fun, yet sometimes if you're not precise, you can easily turn the whole thing asunder". Too-Ticky said, gently. The two of them ate lunch, glancing around. "You definitely can". Moomintroll said. "Hmm". Too-Ticky finished her mutton, and mustard, taking a sip of her Tab Cola, which came from the United States. "Well, I liked school, but I was too much of an outsider". Too-Ticky said, gently with some solemn attribute to her voice. "I always felt as if I didn't fit in, and while I was sharp, I often struggled to make friends, and be social, so I kept to myself, and retained good marks". "That's how I became a part of the board at this institution".
"I would've guessed that". Moomintroll mentioned. "At least, I'm happier where I am now". "There's nothing to worry of, and I'm someone who does more than they're asked, that, and I contribute to the knowledge of the school". Too-Ticky said, gently. "Why wouldn't you contribute to that of Parliament, or the Space Initiative if you have the skill?". Moomintroll asked. "Mm, well, I can stay out of the Public Eye, do as I wish, and help in the best way possible". Too-Ticky said, gently. "Sometimes, being special can result in too much attention, and no one needs that".
"I understand". Moomintroll said. "But one day, you'll venture off, and handle your own business". "I'll be beside you, knowing just how excellent you truly were". Too-Ticky said, gently. "That much is true". Moomintroll said. Moomintroll glanced around as he ate the rest of his braunschweiger, finishing the mustard he had.
"Well, life can be a nice experience, if one makes it". Moomintroll said, as he drank his cola. "Mmm". Too-Ticky nodded, as she looked around. "I believe it".
When the bell rang, Moomintroll snuck his soda into his satchel, walking to the classroom. Too-Ticky nodded, as she went to the board-room. It still was a desolate day, filled with the gloom of the boisterous amount of clouds. A crack of lightning shot across the sky, silently, as there was complete quiet. No thunder, no rain, nothing. Something ominous was coming. Perhaps not physically, or paranormally ominous, yet in the moral sense, there was hatred.
Moomintroll crept to the house in Moominvalley, as he brought his school bag inside. He started to his homework, and his catechism, his calligraphy, as he traced each letter, and number carefully with repose. Mrs. Fillyjonk eventually came in, with a sour look on her face. "I have asked you to polish the silver, haven't I?!". Fillyjonk snapped, with an aggressive stance. "Y…y…yes". Moomintroll replied. "Perhaps a mule would pay better attention, or an ant!". Fillyjonk snapped. Moomintroll nodded as he sniffled, becoming teary-eyed. "Yes". he replied, as he sniffled. He took the abuse, as much pressure as he could take from a vicious woman, while he opted not to get emotional, though he could feel his insides, ripping and tearing from the verbal abuse. Moomintroll nodded, as he waited for Mrs. Fillyjonk to turn her back, so he could creep out from the house. He sniffled, walking the long haul to his parents' graves.
I usually don't take much corporate pressure anymore. Yet as I drank my tea, silver from the color illuminated by the clouds reflecting their dim spectacle on the liquid, the tea itself, I got a phone call on my rotary telephone. Back in the late 1960's, there was such thing as a rotary telephone. A person would turn the number wheel, forwards and backwards to dial a number. Similar to a combination lock, the rotary wheel had a mechanism of repeating directions, in order to get to the next number. My telephone had an earpiece, bound together by a cord, and the rotary part underneath. Modern technology at its best. As I answered, I heard the official, yet gruff, shrill sounding voice of the Axis Allies Chairperson, of the Axis Countries, who wished to speak about Vietnam. She was a woman, the Chairperson. Here to expose us for miscalculation of battle strategies, which she deemed as fraudulent strategy.
"Yes, I understand the concern of sending a few of our men to Vietnam was a big blow to our esteem, but I assuage you, there are alignment strategies, and recovery strategies in place to assiduate the cost". I explained, as my lips, my mouth corner began to twitch with worry, and emotion. "Yes, yes, I understand what we did was a severe miscalculation….yes, the weaponry wasn't that powerful, but there is a recovery process….I have yet to speak to our Prime Minister about that". I tried to protest, as I felt a churning in my stomach. I was beginning to feel nervous, I was beginning to feel a massive migraine come on, in accordance with the nervous twitch. The more this German yelled in her own demonic way, the more pressure a kind, passive, Finnish man such as myself was beginning to feel. "yes….yes….I understand". I said, calmly as the German Baroness, (that's the position this German Axis Chairperson held on a normal day), bludgeoned me with her words, cut my lips with her insults and threats of penal action. "Yes….right away". "I am aware". I replied, trying not to let my emotions get the best of me, even though I kept on with a wise, deep, manly voice that was diplomatic and suave with the best of its intentions. A suave, alluring, cunning Finnish was what Axis needed, but they wouldn't budge.
"Yes….but you're stating that we failed to represent the war in a constructive manner….when we had nothing to do with the rescinding of weapon transportation, and platoon organizing". "This wasn't our intent…..". "No…no ma'am, I'm not aware". My dialogue continued. I was beginning to feel tears, as I kept speaking to her. As of now, I was a machine with no emotion, no other purpose than to please others, than to be subservient to a dangerous woman. "I'm not aware that Sweden sent their allies". "No….no ma'am". "No, ma'am, you have a good point". "Yes, I will get that done, straight away". "I will do it….I will do it". "Of course….I know the penalties". "I'm aware". I stated. There was much emotion to my voice, as I agreed. Moomintroll came inside, feeling troubled by his own measure. While he seemed normal, he could tell I was plagued by my need to help others, and bend to their whim, chronically. My face was sullen, in that moment….drall, and in need of calm. I was crying, I was suffering as I looked on at Moomintroll, with a plain, robotic expression. Through my eyes I said…"help me", "the walls are caving in". I was suffering. Moomintroll looked on, seeing that my will had been torn asunder. "yes…..I accept the consequences if I do not". I replied, as my lips still twitched. "I understand". I said, as I sniffled. A man, a calm, intelligent man, who had kindness, and philosophical forethought, was suffering at the hands of a woman. A positive, philosophical, optimistic, kind, Finnish was suffering at the hands of a selfish, abrasive, evil German. Us Finnish don't know what our limits are.
"I will do it, as commanded". "Thank you for your time, Baroness Muukhagen". "Goodbye now". I hung up the phone, taking a few notes. Moomintroll sat in the adjoining chair. "Is everything ok?". Moomintroll asked, innocently. "Yes, son". I said, gently. I sighed a bit, feeling the weight of the day. "Everything is alright….perhaps". I sighed, wiping my eyes from moisture. "I was just speaking with the Baroness, who happens to be the Axis Powers' Chairperson". "She sounded very….succinct in a brutal way, on the telephone". "In fact, I was being screamed at". I said, gently, as I wiped my nose. "It's ok….I just got called a cruel name by Madame Fillyjonk". "She…she….she….". Moomintroll sniffled, as he began to cry. "What happened, son?". I asked, kindly, with softness. I was soft, gentle, and kind. "Madame Fillyjonk called me an ant, and was yelling". "She was being hurtful….I'm doing everything I possibly can". Moomintroll said, sniffling. He was crying. Usually, creatures with Autism tend to be more emotional than others. Moomintroll was born with a genetic difference that enacted him to handle trauma in a difficult manner. He was born with Autism. It is a homozygous recessive allele that snuck in, and gave him the difference no one really noticed. We call it a difference because he is very gifted, my boy.
"I understand". I said, gently with kindness. "I know sometimes, it is hard". "Sometimes, the worst things are the ones we can't control to our benefit". "Strength is difficult to assiduate at times". "But I promise you, things will be alright if you are patient". "Patience is a virtue we are all gifted with, and with it, you have the strength to tolerate anything you wish to". "I promise you, things will be ok". "Don't allow someone's cynicism to frustrate you, or make you void of hope". "Remember that you are everything strong, and handsome". "You are capable of anything you wish to be". "You can do it, because you have a purpose, you were brought to Moominvalley by your Mama and Papa, to influence and inspire the world". "Your purpose is to make our world a better place, as a kind, honest, and strong man". "You are my strong man, my amazing poika". "Poika" means "son", in Finnish.
"I know". Moomintroll said, as he sniffled. "Don't be saddened, my boy". "Remember, I'm always beside you". I said, gently. I smiled, nuzzling Moomintroll as I kissed his nose. "I know, grandpa". Moomintroll said, as he and I laughed. "Give me a hug, son". I said, gently. Moomintroll agreed, as we hugged for a few moments. It was content, to say the least. We both benefited from it.
"Perhaps, this will help us". "I know the anniversary is tomorrow". I said, gently in soft tones. My tone was still friendly and kind. "It is….and I'm not ready to face it". Moomintroll said. "Well, this will help us through it, while we navigate it, together". I said in a gentle, kind, wise voice that belonged to an intelligent Finnish man. Perhaps he was eccentric, as Finnish come, yet he was smart, and kind. (he needs to think of pampering himself more).
"Ok". Moomintroll agreed. Through my magic mirror, that hung on the wall, a mirror with a yellow trim around it, there came a scene. The scene was as follows….
Moominmama and Moominpapa sat in their chairs, as Moominpapa brought in wood for the fire, decorating the hearth. Moominmama held her baby in her arms, a baby Moomin with his small, tiny, round eyes, open and ready to receive nurturing, kissing him on the belly. Moomintroll laughed and played, lifting his hands, as Moominmama kissed him, still. She rocked slowly, and gently in her rocking chair, as she sang a sweet lullaby to Moomintroll, stroking his head. Moomintroll looked up at her with curious eyes, as he received milk from his bottle. Nurturing, singing, bonding as Moominmama and her boy laughed, and played, while they sang. Moomintroll sang as well, laughing and playing. A normal boy, curious, optimistic, kind, strong, and wise, as he played with his birth mother. Moomintroll drank from his milk bottle, as his round eyes blinked a bit, while he sucked on the mouthpiece. A baby Moomin with the Mama Moomin. He was receiving milk, and stimulation, love from his mother, the nurturing every baby needed to grow and develop. His hands came up, as he pushed the milk bottle away. "Yes, dear?". Moominmama asked, kindly. She chuckled a bit, still rocking in her chair. "You wish to tickle?". "Very well". Moominmama and baby laughed, as they played, tickling. She kissed Moomintroll's cheek, stroking his small face. They both bonded well. From a distance, Sniff was older, and looking for someone to play with. He was nuzzled by his mother and father. The Muddler.
A few years later, Moomintroll was up and about as he ran to his Papa's arms. Moominpappa greeted him, kissing him on the cheek, wrapping him in a hug. "That was quite exuberating, wasn't it?". Moominpapa said, gently. He tickled Moomintroll, gently, as they played. Toddler Moomintroll drank from his sippy cup, as he ran around, yearning to go outside, and explore without supervision, or a playpen. Perhaps pretending he was a Cavalryman, Moomintroll hopped on his rocking horse, making horse noises, while he played. Moominpapa only looked in gentleness, and happiness. It was a wonderful childhood.
"That's….that's my mama and papa". My Moomintroll said, sniffling. "They're…..they're there"
"Yes, they certainly are". I said, gently. "Why not go say hello to them". "See if you can hug them again". I smiled a gentle smile. "Oh…well….ok". Moomintroll said, as the vision changed around him, and I. You see, a memory remains unaltered, and no one can interact with anyone within the memory. But when a visitation comes, anyone can see one another".
Moomintroll saw his parents, as the stars surrounded them, aligning to create a bridge, and a trellis made of small stars. Moomintroll smiled, as he greeted his parents, wearing a smile. "Hello, dear". Moominmama said. "Hello, mama". Moomintroll said. He greeted his parents, hugging them, warmly, as tears came to his eyes. "Son, it is good to see you". Moominpappa said, gently. Moomintroll hugged, only seeing what the glass allowed him to see, before the mirror pushed him back. It was a good time, seeing what he wished to see.
"Mirrors can be quite fascinating in their own manner". I said, gently as I set the mirror aside when Moomintroll stepped out. I had swept up the pieces to a glass vase that had been broken when Moomintroll came out. "Mirrors give us an index into memories we wish to revisit, lives we wish to influence, or worlds we wish to visit in our own essence". I said, gently. "That is true". Moomintroll said. "But I'm just glad I was able to see my parents….my parents….my….my…". I could tell my boy was choking on his words. He was becoming tearful to the amount where he could no longer hold back his emotions. Moomintroll began to cry. He cried, as he began crying loudly, privy to someone with Autism. "Don't worry, son". I said, gently. "It's ok". "It's ok, I understand". I said, kindly, with softness to my voice. I rubbed Moomintroll's back, gently. As I rubbed his back, I kissed his forehead, gently. He was someone that was a bit content. At least for a little while. He just cried, cried for the longest time. Laying face-down, he cried on the floor, sniffling.
"It's alright". "I'm beside you, son". I said, gently. "Not to worry, things will be quite alright, I promise you". I smiled a gentle smile, rubbing my Moomintroll's back with kindness. "I love you, my boy". I said, gently. "I love you too". Moomintroll said, as he looked up from his sniffle. I was happy to see my boy was content. Even so, I kept rubbing his back, soothing him in a soft voice. "Everything will be quite alright, I promise you". I whispered, gently. "Let's have some milk, we'll have some dinner, then we'll go off to bed". I assured my Moomintroll, gently. Moomintroll agreed, as he stood up, sniffling. "The emotions are severe when we see parents we recognize". I said, gently. "They are". Moomintroll said. "I just miss my parents so much….and….I don't know what else to do, or where to go". I could tell there was sadness in my boy's voice. "I understand". I said, gently. "I know right now patience is hard to come by, but with the clarity we need, we can do anything we wish to". "Never be solemn, or pensive". "You can do anything". "Be strong, and be courageous to your advantage". "Never let anyone get in your way".
Of course, this comes from someone of the Greatest Generation. I was someone who was outspoken, yet strong in my effects. "You are someone who is gifted, never let anyone tell you otherwise". I assured, gently. "Ok". Moomintroll said, sniffling. I smiled a kind smile, kissing my Moomintroll on the cheek. Moomintroll nodded, as he wiped the tears from his eyes. He seemed sullen as of now, as if something was haunting him, and the negativity was following close behind. I was loving towards him. "I know it's hard, but we'll get through it, my boy". "Be open, be able, and be willing to let God in". I said, gently. "I will". Moomintroll said. "Let me have a few more kisses, my boy". "Some kisses from me, to you". I said, gently. Moomintroll smiled a bit, as I kissed both of his cheeks, one on the left, one on the right, pinching both of his cheeks in affection. I kissed both of his cheeks, being sure to massage them as well. Massaging his cheeks was the most calming, and the most soothing for him, while he took the pressure on his cheeks to alleviate his stress. In massage, the pressure against the cheeks is calming for anyone.
"There you go, my boy". "There you go…all better now, eh". I said, gently. I kissed both of his cheeks, massaging them, gently. "All better". Moomintroll said. Moomintroll sniffled, as I wiped his cheeks void of tears, while I massaged him, kindly. "Now, let's be calm, my Poika". I said, gently. Moomintroll nodded, as I kissed both of his cheeks. I wiped both of his cheeks with my baby wipe. Yes, they did have those baby wipes in those days. "Let's have some beef soup for supper, along with milk and chocolate sauce". I said, gently. "Ok". Moomintroll said. He and I laughed as we went into the kitchen, putting together nettles, egg noodles, and broth from the beef of a cow. We both bonded, as we put together the soup.
When it did come time for us to eat, I tied an apron around my Moomintroll, spoon feeding him the soup. "There you are, my boy". "In comes the airplane". I said, gently while Moomintroll and I laughed. I kept spoon feeding him each bite, wiping his chin, adding pepper and salt when he wanted it. He seemed comfortable eating, he wasn't too depressed not to eat. Yet he didn't exactly want seconds.
"Well, it is time to have some milk now, my boy". "Wouldn't you agree so?". I asked, kindly. I smiled a gentle smile, wiping his chin when the pot of soup was finished. "I would agree, wholeheartedly". Moomintroll said. "I am kind of tired as well, come to think of it".
"Sometimes, I get tired from eating too much, as well". I said, gently, while I washed the soup pot. "I usually eat twice my portion size, and have to sit down after a while". "But it's not that bad, truly".
"Me too". Moomintroll said. "What are your favorite foods, though?".
"Mm, my favorites would include honey and peanut butter, I like sardines, and saltines, I like nettles". "It is all favorable, but I usually don't eat that much". "I should begin to eat a bit more". I said, gently.
"Me too". Moomintroll said. "And I do eat, but Madame Fillyjonk tries to limit it".
"Well, perchance we should take into consideration that she has a lot of children and a husband to feed". I said, gently. "I know sometimes we get hungry, but there are others who want seconds, as well". "We can't eat any more than we're allotted when there's a lot of people in the family".
"My family was like that, as well". I said, gently. "I'm the middle child of 10 children". "There were nights where I got scraps to eat off of the floor".
"Sometimes, we have to be generous". "You're a sibling now, which means sharing with the other children". I said, kindly. "I don't want to share". Moomintroll said.
"Well, sometimes when we begin as only children, we are that way". I said, gently. "Only children do receive a bit more when there's no one to share with".
"It'll be alright, though". "You're someone that adapts, quickly". "You'll be able to handle it, I'm sure". I said, gently. I mixed the chocolate sauce into Moomintroll's milk. "Sometimes, children have to adapt, but we can do it, in essence". I smiled a gentle smile.
"Hmm". I pondered, handing the milk to Moomintroll. He drank the milk, taking in one at a time. I smiled a kind smile, watching as the young Moomin, (Teenaged Moomin about to become an adult), drank his chocolate milk. I kindly smiled, petting his head, near his eyes, as he drank the milk. "Yes, there you are, my boy". I said, gently. "There you are now, drink up". I kindly petted his head, as he drank the milk. "You have a hard day ahead of you in the morning". "You need all of the strength you can get". I said, kindly. "There you are now, keep drinking, keep trying, strength will come to you". I kept petting Moomintroll's head as he drank some more of his milk. Moomintroll was a trier. He was someone who needed reassurance….now more than ever. Moomintroll drank, as some milk dribbled down the inside of the glass. His innocent, tired eyes looked up at me, as if he was depending on me for something. He was very vulnerable, and completely dependent, fragile at this point. "Would you like some more milk, son?". I asked, gently. "Can I get you anything else?". My voice was in a kind whisper. "No, I'm alright". Moomintroll said. "I can get it, myself". Moomintroll went to the fridge, attempting to take out the milk, and chocolate sauce, from the fridge, as a bit of the milk splashed to the side. "It'll be ok, son". "Allow me to help". I said, kindly with gentle softness. I helped Moomintroll with the milk, setting it down. "There you are, my boy". "Nice and cold". I said, gently. I gently helped him pour the milk when it became too much for him to do himself. "There now, let's head upstairs for bed". I said, gently. "There, there my boy". "It's alright now". Moomintroll was struggling with his balance, as he began hobbling. I smiled a gentle smile, helping him walk upstairs. He sniffled, clearly emotionally distraught over spilling the milk.
"It's alright, son". I whispered, gently. "You're ok now". "I'm beside you, forever and always". I kissed Moomintroll's forehead, as I helped him into bed. I turned on the old, kerosene lamp, lighting the way for my Moomintroll to lay down, finally. "There you are, my boy". "Bedtime for us". I said, gently. "Goodnight now, and I love you always". "I love you to the moon and back". I smiled a gentle smile, kissing both of Moomintroll's cheeks, gently. To calm him, I rubbed some cherry blossom vapor oil on his stomach. I just rubbed some, gently. Then setting his milk down beside him on the wooden nightstand. "I love you always, my boy". "Love you to the moon and back". "Suloinen Melodiani". I whispered, gently. "Love you too". Moomintroll said, tiredly. I kissed his cheeks, patting them, as I tucked Moomintroll in, under the covers. Outside, the wind howled, as the Groke passed by. The Groke seemed troubled, as she went to the side of the cottage, scratching at the wood with her paws. It was as if she was in emotional distress, or she was troubled, and having an anxiety attack. I felt bad for her, and after I put Moomintroll down, I went outside to the side of the house.
"Madame Groke". I said, gently with kindness, and innocence behind my voice. Groke looked over, when I lifted the light from my oil lantern. The same lantern conductors use when they're deserted in the dark. She howled, as there was a wet spot way up there, by the corner of her eyes. "What happened, dear?". "Why are we upset this evening?". I asked, kindly.
The Groke put her hands down, sniffling. She began crying as she sniffled. She was angered beforehand, and now she was just saddened. Perhaps that was the violent scratching that went on. "It'll be alright, darling". "Come down, now". "It'll be ok, I love you". I said, gently. I gently coaxed the Groke to come down, as she cried, softly. "Don't be worried, now". "I'm here to help you, let's go to bed, let's settle down". "It's alright". I reassured, gently, rubbing the Groke's back. The Groke sniffled, as I kept rubbing her back, making sure she was alright. "You're just having a bad day, that's all". I said, gently. "Sometimes, bad days come, but I assure you, you'll be quite alright". "Come inside now". "Don't stay outside, it's going to storm".
I gently let the Groke into the barn where she stayed, settling in, near a warm heater. I made sure the heater was on where it could resist the Groke's cold. The Groke warmed up, drinking some milk I gave her from the barn fridge. I smiled a gentle smile, letting the Groke eat and drink. When she was settled, it was time to lay down, and go to bed. The Groke just slept, soundly, only making noise when she was troubled by a nightmare, or frightened of the thunder. I gently rubbed her back, providing some weight for her, while she slept. The Groke calmed down, sleeping soundly. I knew she was ok. Now, more than ever, she was comforted. I was happy everyone was sleeping soundly. Finally. Bedtime had come, and it was time to lay down. Until tomorrow, a desolate day….goodnight.