Addition to the previous chapter.

There are connections that seem insignificant at first glance.

But sometimes shadows lurk beneath the surface,

And only when they begin to emerge,

You realize,

It is too late?

The wheelsmurfer rolled smoothly along the path leading to the village. Clumsy sat, leaning against the back of the seat, silently watching as familiar landscapes passed by. Trees with golden leaves, thick bushes, blooming meadows, poppy fields — all of it seemed familiar, yet somehow new, like waking up after a long sleep. A gentle breeze playfully tugged at his hat, and though he still felt weak, a strange calm had settled within him. Ahead, the familiar rooftops of the Smurfs' houses were already visible, and those who were busy with their own tasks began to turn, noticing them.

— Look, we're almost there, — Handy noted, leaning toward Clumsy and nodding in the direction of the main square where Smurfs had gathered.

— Here we go... — Vexy chuckled, noticing how many Smurfs had gathered in the square. As they entered the village center, faces of the Smurfs first showed surprise, then a wave of joy. Tailor, who was standing near the closest house, was the first to notice their approach. He smiled broadly and waved his hand as if he couldn't believe his eyes.

— Clumsy's back! — he shouted loudly. A crowd of Smurfs quickly gathered around the wheelsmurfer. His words were echoed by the others, and Smurfs began approaching, applauding, smiling, and joking loudly. Some were even jumping with joy like children finally reunited with a beloved friend.

— Well, here we go... — Vexy whispered, sighing as nearly all the villagers gathered around them. Gradually, the Smurfs surrounded Clumsy more closely, their joyful faces filling his entire field of vision. Despite this, Clumsy remained quiet, a little frightened by everything that was happening. He sat in the wheelsmurfer, clutching the armrests, just watching the Smurfs without daring to speak. Meanwhile, Tailor, who was standing a bit off to the side, seemed much more attentive than the others. He carefully examined Clumsy from head to toe, and something in his gaze betrayed growing concern. His gaze suddenly lingered on Clumsy's eyes, and at that moment, he froze, furrowing his brows. Clumsy flinched slightly, noticing the intense attention, and awkwardly lowered his eyes.

— Hmm... — Tailor leaned a little closer, with a thoughtful expression — something about you has changed... Your eyes.

— Eyes? What's wrong with them? — Handy frowned, letting go of the wheelsmurfer's «lever» and quickly walking around to the side. He stopped next to Tailor, trying to understand what he was talking about. Tailor slowly shook his head, not taking his eyes off Clumsy.

— Come closer... and look for yourself, — Tailor replied. He squinted, and something like worry flashed in his gaze.

Handy stood next to Tailor and leaned closer to Clumsy, carefully studying his face.

— Seems like... nothing's changed. — Handy said, looking at Tailor — You sure?

— Guys, take a look at me — Tailor suddenly called out to the surrounding Smurfs. They immediately turned toward him, curiosity sparking on their faces.

— Handy, look at their eyes. Blue, see? — Tailor continued, pointing at their friends, who were proudly squinting in the sunlight.

— So... and? — Handy was puzzled, slightly frowning at the question.

— Now look at his eyes. — Tailor insisted, pointing at Clumsy. But then he noticed that Clumsy was no longer looking at them, but at the ground.

— Clumsy... look at me. — Handy gently requested, noticing that Clumsy had lowered his head. — Don't be afraid, we're all friends here.

Clumsy slowly raised his head and met Handy's eyes. In that moment, the air around them filled with anticipation. Handy froze when he saw that Clumsy's eyes weren't bright blue like the others, but a soft shade of pink.

— They really are... pink, — Handy quietly said, staring in amazement at his friend. Clumsy felt all the attention shift to him, and a mixture of embarrassment and uncertainty stirred inside. Vexy, hearing this, also came closer, frowning. The other Smurfs began whispering quietly among themselves, some looking at Clumsy with concern. The tension in the air was palpable.

— What do you mean pink? — Vexy asked, circling the wheelsmurfer and standing next to Tailor and Handy. — Holy smurf... they really are.

— Alright, everyone will have plenty of time to talk to Clumsy, but now we have to go. Right, Vexy? — Handy looked at Vexy.

— Uh, yeah, we have to go. — Vexy said, stepping closer to Handy. — Where are we going? — she whispered.

— Doesn't matter, just look at Clumsy... see how he doesn't like all this attention? — Handy whispered back, pointing at Clumsy, who had lowered his head again.

— You're right... poor guy. — Vexy noted, still whispering. — Okay, everyone. — she addressed all the nearby Smurfs, including Tailor. — There's nothing more to see here, move along.

— Will he come back?

— Can he play with us?

— Can we...

— Nothing! Move along, there's nothing more to see here. — Vexy sternly cut them off. The Smurfs, along with Tailor, all sighed in disappointment, glancing at each other as they reluctantly dispersed.

— Well... let's go, — Tailor said disappointedly as Vexy shooed them away.

— He'll be back, right? — one of them asked, looking back.

— Where else would he go, he'll be back, — Tailor muttered, waving his hand. — Let's go, nothing to do here.

They trudged away, still sneaking glances at Clumsy. Handy wasted no time, returning to the wheelsmurfer and taking control. Vexy, unhurried, crouched in front of Clumsy, looking at him with a slight smile.

— You know, they didn't mean to bother you, — she started softly, trying to be as gentle as possible. — They just missed you, that's all. We were all worried about you. But... if anything, I'll handle it, don't worry. Chin up, Clumsy!

— They... left, didn't they? — Clumsy whispered carefully, choosing each word as if afraid to make a mistake and get punished.

— They're gone, they're gone. It's just us now. — Handy gently replied, standing behind the wheelsmurfer and looking at Clumsy.

— So, Clumsy... what do you want to see? We didn't come all this way for nothing. — Vexy asked, circling the wheelsmurfer and standing next to Handy by the controls. The wind lightly ruffled Clumsy's hat, where faint red marks were barely visible, already starting to fade. Vexy, noticing this, frowned for a second but quickly smiled and, as if absentmindedly, ruffled his hat with her hand.

— Alright, let's stay here. — Vexy suggested, but Clumsy interrupted her.

— Handy... you mentioned a new fountain in the village... I want to see it. — Clumsy asked cautiously, his voice slightly hoarse.

— Of course, Clumsy! We'll take you there in no time. — Handy agreed enthusiastically.

— Alright, guys… I gotta go now. Grouchy must have aged by now, waiting for me. — Vexy said, letting go of the wheelsmurfer and getting ready to leave.

— Leaving already? You said you'd Smurf with us until the end of the day. — Handy said, watching Vexy walk away.

— Will you… come back later? — Clumsy asked, watching her from behind.

Vexy had already walked a little bit away, but hearing him, she turned around, gave Clumsy a fleeting glance, and winked at him.

— I'll definitely come back. I still have to show you those dresses. — she smiled before disappearing from sight.

Handy gripped the handles of the wheelsmurfer tightly and slowly started moving. Clumsy sat on it, slightly hunched, his gaze distant. The evening was setting in, and the sky gradually turned a warm golden color. The shadows of the trees grew longer, and the entire forest bathed in the soft light of the setting sun. The wheelsmurfer glided smoothly along the path. There was barely any wind, and the air was filled with a calm that gently enveloped the whole village. Some smurfs were finishing their tasks, eagerly anticipating dinner, and everything around seemed peaceful and serene.

Clumsy silently watched the scenery. Despite feeling tired, there was something soothing about the moment. Handy occasionally glanced at Clumsy, checking on him, but remained quiet, knowing Clumsy needed to enjoy the view in peace.

— It's smurfy, isn't it? — Handy finally broke the silence in a soft tone, after a moment of reflection. Clumsy nodded slightly but didn't say anything. He just kept looking at the descending sun and the village, where the golden light gently began to touch the rooftops of the houses.

The wheelsmurfer steadily moved forward, bringing them closer to the center where a new fountain had been installed. As they approached, the soft sound of trickling water became more noticeable, adding a magical feel to the scene. The fountain reflected the sunset's rays, creating small sparkles in the air. The water softly flowed into a round basin, glowing in the golden light.

— Well, here it is. — Handy said, slowing down a bit so Clumsy could take in the view of the fountain. Handy stopped the Smurfer near the edge of the square, right in front of the fountain. He sighed, let go of the handles, and walked over to Clumsy, kneeling beside him. For a moment, he too gazed at the fountain.

— You know, I've been thinking a lot lately… — Handy began, not taking his eyes off the gently flowing water. — In the village, it always felt like we had everything. We've got houses, bridges, mills—everything we need. But there was still… something missing, I guess. — He squinted slightly, watching the sunset reflect in the streams of water.

— I built it… — Handy continued after a breath, — …I'm not even sure why. But with it here, it feels like the village is complete now. Lately, I've noticed some Smurfs sitting by the fountain, alone… some even tried to make wishes.

At this moment, Clumsy slowly turned to Handy, and a sad expression crossed his face. Handy noticed and grew concerned.

— Clumsy… why you're so sad? — Handy asked, worried, as he moved closer and knelt in front of Clumsy again.

— It's just… — Clumsy croaked, his voice strained. — remember… I asked you all about the village festivals?

— Yeah, after that, Vexy went off to read your poems... — Handy recalled, smiling.

— Well… I was never invited... — Clumsy confessed, his voice filled with sadness.

Handy was taken aback, not expecting such openness. He looked at his friend with sympathy, and his smile faded, replaced by understanding.

— How could that be? — Handy asked in surprise. — Why didn't anyone invite you?

— I don't know… maybe they were scared I'd mess things up… — Clumsy replied sadly, lowering his head. — And when I did show up… they kicked me out.

— Wow… — Handy whispered, lowering his head as well. — We sure made a lot of mistakes...

— What… mistakes? — Clumsy croaked again.

— Our mistakes. I promise, from now on, you'll be the guest of honor at every festival we have. — Handy pledged, sincerely trying to reach out to his friend.

— How does… one celebrate? I used to see… how much fun you all had… and I wanted to join too… — Clumsy asked.

— Don't worry about that, Clumsy. Every Smurf celebrate in their own way. The main thing is that we come together, and the rest? That's just improvisation.

— Together… but not wit- — Clumsy tried to say, but Handy interrupted him.

— From now on, with you. Always with you. — Handy said firmly. — So, do you want to see anything else?

— Wanna…sleep — Clumsy yawned, struggling to keep his eyes open.

— Sleep? Well then… let me take you home. — Handy offered, heading back to the wheelsmurfer controls. He was a bit surprised that Clumsy felt tired already, despite just waking up from a week-long sleep.

— Yeah… that sounds nice… — Clumsy yawned again.

Handy confidently returned to the Smurfer's controls. Once he set it in motion, they headed toward Clumsy's house. As they passed familiar places, Handy noticed how the evening sunlight danced on the surface of the Smurf River. He couldn't help but admire the beauty, but his focus was mostly on Clumsy, who was becoming sleepier by the minute, his head tilting to the side.

After about ten minutes, they arrived at Clumsy's house, and Handy slowed down.

— Well… here we are. — Handy said, stepping away from the controls. But there was no reply. Handy only heard soft, peaceful breathing. He smiled when he saw that Clumsy had fallen asleep sitting up. A tender smile crossed Handy's face, and he walked over to Clumsy, gently unfastening the safety straps. Once Clumsy was free, Handy carefully lifted him in his arms, trying not to wake him, and carried him to the door. With one hand, he opened the door while cradling Clumsy with the other. Inside, the familiar coziness of Clumsy's home greeted him, unchanged from the past week. Handy quickly glanced around, noting that everything was in its place. Not wanting to linger on these memories, he focused on the bed and walked over to it.

Gently laying Clumsy on the soft blanket, Handy covered him with the wool blanket, still stained with drops of blood. The sight made Handy uneasy.

— This isn't normal… I'll have to ask Papa Smurf about it. — he whispered to himself.

Handy stayed with Clumsy a little longer, occasionally humming lines from the poems he remembered.

Into the fire of the sun
Sing brighter…

Cold won't make it through the door…
You see, Brainy's balloon flies, my friend…
But we didn't believe it could soar…
You doubted, silly one…

Thinking there was someone
Evil in the dark of this room…
But there's no one.
No one at all.

You didn't believe, you didn't believe me…
You didn't believe, you didn't believe me…

Sleep… and don't cry anymore…
Hear how quiet the house is…
Sleep, Smurfs grow in their sleep,
Sleep, you'll be as big as Papa one day…
Sleep… Everything will be alright…
Sleep… Everything will be fine…

But when the sound of Greedy bell rang through the village, signaling dinner, Handy decided it was time to leave his friend and head out. As he reached the doorway, He took one last look at Clumsy. Smiling, he said:

— Sleep well, my friend. I'll be back in the morning.

Previous chapter was supposed to consist of thirty pages(~20-25k words), but something didn't allow me to publish the full chapter, so it's now divided into three parts. Since this happened, the drafts of the next parts will be slightly improved. Another update will be released tomorrow or the day after.

Reviews motivate me to release chapters more frequently!