Re: Estonia & Finland Childhood Memory (1/3)
anonymous
January 2 2010, 22:51:50 UTC
ESTONIA
Shall I take a piece of you? And you a piece of me? And then we’ll call it memory.
Through the house curtains sashay and then papers soar, As a Zephyr dances in window and out door.
Dusting shelves, tossing out old to make room for the new- Searching through chaos, a desire for order that I pursue. Time to clean the nooks, And then sort the books, And archive it to my mind When later needed to find.
For it’s time to move this day-
Now forced to decide, What belongings shall stay. Discarded items set aside, And pack the treasured ones away.
With my rag, the dust does fly, From a little shelf up high. Oh! I cry, As I spy While moving old childhood books away, For there a forgotten item behind them lay.
So small now in a hand grown large, A broken little toy sailing barge.
I remember now that summer day. When I asked him to come and play, The quiet boy with his tiny reindeer. Behind him I rode to a meadow near, Looking for water for our little boat Down which it could jauntily bob and float.
Inseparable for one summer that came and went Laughing and playing together the days were spent.
But all good things must soon come to an end This did too with the kiss of autumn’s wind.
Till next summer we promised, and then goodbye, But the world changed, time warped it to a lie.
I waited happy through the dark months of ice and snow Dreaming of summer and all the places we’d go.
The days crawled slowly by, until finally the day I had been waiting for came Running as fast as I could, I arrived and called for him in the meadow, But there was no answer to my call.
Surprised that he was not there, I ran to our brook I searched for him everywhere I could think of to look. I told myself that there must be a reason For why he might come late in the season
Kids laughed as they went by, their mockery flushing my cheeks crimson in shame But still, I always kept watch for my shy blonde friend with the tiny deer in tow, Not wanting to believe he might never come at all.
I waited and waited-maybe the deer had gone lame? I waited day after day, but it was always the same.
Sitting by the brook all alone Perhaps if I had known . . .
But fate never did care ‘Bout what little boys swear
And with fall’s chill I knew my hopes would come to nil
In my anger, I dashed our little boat against the trees Then burying my head, I cried out sorrow to my knees
Time now has given me a reason why So I pass that memory with a sigh.
But the dam has broke.
And more spill through.
The memories of war flood through, guns that thunder And death and lean times and lands torn asunder When halcyon days were long gone Shunted away as time marched on.
I close my eyes to will them away And decide that toy shall ne’er stay
Maybe another could use my boat? No, for it could not float Never again with a sail that’s rent A hole in the bow, and mast that’s bent.
So I move to discard the sad and broken thing
Because I know that time past can never return But still . . . now and then the heart does yearn And maybe it might be nice, When the days are covered in ice, To think of a past that I dreamt could be, If only in the vestige of my memory.
So now, I think that, maybe . . .
Just maybe, I’ll keep that broken toy A reminder of me and you And our boyhood too, The sum of one summer’s childish joy.
And sometimes, when I think of the present you I can’t help but wonder, anew
Re: Estonia & Finland Childhood Memory (2/?)
anonymous
January 2 2010, 23:02:35 UTC
FINLAND
"Mama, Mama! I didn’t do it, honest! I didn’t do it!”
“Papa.” Finland corrected.
Sealand stopped short of the doorway his mouth still hanging open, confusion warring with distress in his expression.
Finland sighed and waved him in, “Never mind. Tell me, what didn’t you do?”
Sealand bit his lip as he scrunched his nose. “Um.” Shoulders hunched, he bowed his head in shame as he shuffled toward Finland while his hands moved quickly to hide something behind his back.
“Uh, well you know how you said I could play with some of the old toys in the attic? Well there was this big wooden box and it had these cool old things in it. And, uh . . .”
“Yes, and . . .?”
“Well in it was another box that had all these little metal soldiers and each one was painted different too! They were so awesome, but one o’ them was gone. I looked all over in the chest, ‘cuz I thought it fell out, but I couldn’t find it there.”
“Oh.” Finland replied, then paused a moment as he glanced up toward the ceiling in thought. Suddenly he beamed warmly at Sealand. “Was that all that was wrong?” He reached out to ruffle the young boy’s hair.
“That was my old set of tin soldiers and it has been short one ever since I was younger than you.” Sealand shook Finland’s hand from his head as he stepped back a pace. He looked down morosely watching his toe try to dig a hole in the rug.
“Peter, what . . .?”
Finland stepped forward his hand still outstretched, but the young boy simply shook his head and pulled his right hand from behind his back holding a small cloth bundle patterned in blue, yellow, and red in his palm.
“I’m sorry Mama.”
“Papa, it’s papa,” he corrected reflexively. “What is this?” Finland reached out and plucked the small cloth bundle from Sealand’s hand.
“I found it. In another box. It was wrapped in that along with this weird leather harness thing. Like what you put on the reindeer, but too small for Blitzen or Donner.”
Finland only heard half of what Sealand was saying as he carefully opened the cloth wrapping. His mind raced back in time at the sight of the once bright geometric pattern in the remnant of what had once been a small woven saddle blanket. As he gently folded back the last corner the wrapping fell away presenting the missing toy soldier.
“I couldn’t believe it was the last one! But it was different from the others. There was some leaves stuck to the hat. But they broke all up when I touched ‘em. And there was this bit o’ string round the arm and when I . . .”
Finland looked and sure enough there was the bit of torn handkerchief that Estonia had used to bind the poor soldier’s broken arm to his body so many many years ago.
“ . . . And the arm fell off! I didn’t do it on purpose! Honest, I didn’t break it! I was being real careful. Mama, Mama, please Mama don’t be mad, please! I’m sorry!”
Sealand tugged on the side of Finland’s sweater his eyes peering over the short man’s forearm as he watched for any sign of emotion on his ‘mama’s’ face. Finland lost in thought absent-mindedly reached out with the arm nearest the boy and pulled him in close. The young boy then reached around to grab his middle tight wrapping his hands in the folds of Finland’s sweater as he buried his face in it, muffling the start of hiccuping sniffles.
“Shush now, Peter.” Finland gently scolded as he was shook out of his distracted state by the young boy’s distress. Finland stroked the back of Sealand’s head, in a motherly manner. “I’m not mad.”
But Peter just still held on tight and wouldn’t look up. “Yes, you are,” he shook his head as he mumbled into the folds of the fabric.
Re: Estonia & Finland Childhood Memory (3/?)
anonymous
January 2 2010, 23:10:04 UTC
Finland stopped stroking Peter’s head and instead reached out to pluck the boy’s chin from its nest in the folds of the sweater at his belly. Forcing his head up Finland looked into the boy’s bleary eyes. “Peter, I’m not mad. It just surprised me to see this. It’s something precious to me from when I was a boy your age. And you didn’t break it.”
Finland glanced over at the little toy soldier in his right hand. His eyes grew a little distant as he spoke next. “It got broken a long long time ago.” His eyes focused again on little Sealand as he smiled warmly at him. “Don’t worry, the bit of yarn that held his arm just fell apart after all this time. So you didn’t break it, okay?”
Peter nodded, a small smile already touching the corners of his mouth and eyes.
“Good.” As he wiped his eyes, Finland leaned down to kiss the top of his head.
“Ugh.” Sealand grimaced as swiped at place where Finland’s lips had touched. “Mama,” he whined in disgust.
“Papa, not mama, pa . . .” Finland stopped in mid-response as Sealand grinned back at him devilishly. Already back to his old self and enjoying their old game.
Finland sighed. Then with a smile he said, “Alright out with you scamp. Go play with the others and I’ll see what I can do with this one.”
Reaching out to give Sealand a light swat out the door, his hand connected with just air. Sealand was back to happily sniggering as he dashed out the door.
Finland shook his head a smile half smile still on his lips as he watched the door shut. “What am I to do with that one?” He said to no one in particular. He pursed his lips in thought as he looked down at the small soldier in his hand. “And what do I do with you now?” But the soldier didn’t answer him either.
“There that ought to do it.” Finland smiled in satisfaction as he finished tying the bright colored sash of cloth around the body and broken arm of the little soldier. “At least until the glue dries.” “Hmm, something’s still not right. Ah, that’s right a proper captain needs a hat.” Finland walked outside and looked around, finally spying the desired items, he plucked them from the ground and returned to the little soldier at the table. One stickpin, a leaf, and a small downy goose feather and the little man now wore a small conical cap.
Finland smiled dreamily as he stared at the little man turning him in his hands. He remembered when he was just a youth the little boy he met so long ago on his travels. He remembered watching him as slowly rode up as the tawny haired boy stood all alone by the roadside watching as the other children ran off to meadow or hillside in large groups to play; the girls in one, the boys in another, but he in none.
He stopped and dismounted still watching as the young boy turned a small wooden sailboat in hands, trying to pretend he wasn’t staring after the other children.
Finally Finland approached him. “Um, excuse me I need water for my reindeer, do you know of a river or trough nearby?”
The young boy stared up at him owlishly through large thick lenses, scrunching his face in a puzzled expression not understanding. He then spoke something back to Finland, the words sounding almost like something he recognized but not quite.
Finland sighed. Oh, so that was why he looked so puzzled. He mimed his request then to the other boy. The other boy cocked his head slightly watching Finland’s gestures intently looking even more like an owl if possible. Suddenly the other boy gestured for Finland to follow him. Finland nodded hopped onto his little reindeer then reaching down he gestured for the other youth to join him. The youth glance warily at the reindeer, but a warm smile from Finland seemed to reassure him. He handed Finland his boat and then hopped up on the little reindeer’s back carefully perched himself on the edge of the saddle blanket that poked out behind the saddle.
Re: Estonia & Finland Childhood Memory (4/?)
anonymous
January 2 2010, 23:13:13 UTC
They soon reached the little meadow where he had guided them and after his little deer had drank her fill he turned to leave only to find the other boy tugging on his arm and gesturing at the river with boat making it bob up and down. His eyes practically pleaded with Finland to stay. Finland glanced back towards the road and then at his little deer that had already settled down to rest on it’s knees in the soft grass.
“So you want to stay and rest then?” he whispered to his companion as switched the bridle to a rope lead that he tied to a tree so the deer could graze later. The little reindeer simply rubbed her nose against Finland’s chest then gave him a gentle shove as if to say, ‘Go on.’
He smiled as he patted her head and then walked over to where the other boy kneeled by the river and watched as he played. After awhile he gestured for the other youth to wait a moment as he ran over to where the little reindeer stood and grazed. He reached into one of the small saddlebags and searched. Finally finding what he was looking for he ran back over with his prize gripped tightly in his hand. But in his excitement he missed where a tree root jutted up from the ground. He tripped and fell and the little tin man flew from his hand and smashed into a rock.
The other boy rushed over speaking in concerned tones. Finland knew his chin hurt but didn’t cry even when he reached up to his chin and his fingers came back crimson. It was when he then looked over and saw his broken toy that he cried. The other youth had already pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and was gesturing for Finland to hold it to his chin. As Finland stanched the blood flowing from his chin the other youth went over and picked up the broken toy from where it had landed.
He stared at it a moment and then gesturing for the cloth back he tore the cloth in half handing one part back to Finland who quickly put it back on his chin. Finland watched the other youth curiously forgetting the pain in his chin momentarily as the boy sat down and deftly tied the arm back on to the toy figure with a few tight and clever knots in the cloth. Then glancing around he grabbed a leaf and pine needle and pinned a little cap to toy man before handing him back to Finland with a proud smile on his face. A funny smile that was short a tooth in front like many children his age. Finland returned the young boy’s gap toothed smile with one of his own.
The spectacled boy tugged on his arm and pulled him over to the river. He took the cloth from him and rinsed it out in the river and cleaned the wound. Carefully inspecting his handiwork the other boy patted Finland’s shoulder then gestured towards the small boat. Finland stood there unsure of what the other boy wanted him to do. When he didn’t move the other boy reached down and placed it in Finland’s hand and then gestured toward the riverbank. Finland nodded and kneeled down by the river, but before placing the little boat on the water he set the little tin man in it as he had intended to do originally. “Every boat needs a captain, right?”
The other boy nodded approvingly and they played there until the afternoon grew short. They met everyday after that until the summer ended and Finland had to return home, but they made a pact to meet again the next year.
Finland sighed at the memory and whispered to the little tin man, “I’m sorry Eduard, I wanted to come,” as he set him in the cabinet along with the little blanket and harness that had been in the box. “I know you understand why I couldn’t and we’re still friends, but sometimes there’s this distance to you, as if you’re afraid to let anyone too close. Afraid I’ll disappoint and leave you again, I’m sure.”
He gently rubbed the frame of a small lithograph of an austere young man in glasses and medium tone of hair. His reverie was broken as he heard the front door open.
Re: Estonia & Finland Childhood Memory (5/5)
anonymous
January 2 2010, 23:17:49 UTC
Finland quickly locked up the case as heard Sweden’s booming voice.
“Hi Berwald! How was the trip? Finland asked poking his head around the corner, a welcoming smile on his face. But it fell as he looked around and saw only Berwald. “Where are the Baltic brothers? I thought they were coming back with you? Is something wrong?”
Sweden walked down the hall towards the study, nodding hello in return. “Hm, no, good f’r both. They jus’ couldn’t leave right then.” The tall man paused and looked around mumbling “Coming next month, I think,” he turned a puzzled look at Finland, “Where’s th’ boy?”
“Oh.” Finland muttered dejectedly thinking to himself ‘Truth is Eduard didn’t want to come. He didn’t want to see me.’ before replying to Sweden’s query.
“Huh, Peter? Last I knew he was playing up in the attic.”
Sweden nodded then stopped and cocked an ear towards the attic. “Too quiet,” he mumbled something finishing with “ . . . trouble.”
Finland listened then too. “Hmmm, come to think of it, he has been awfully quiet up there for quite a while.”
He ran his hand through his hair with a sigh. “I suppose I better go check on him.”
Sweden lightly tapped Finland on the shoulder as he shook his head no. “I’ll go.”
“Thank you Berwald.” Finland patted Sweden’s hand as he gave him a warm smile.
Sweden simply nodded and then set the bag he had been carrying slung over his shoulder down on the floor. He turned to go then snapped his fingers quickly and bent back down toward to the bag again. He mumbled to himself as searched around in the bag. “Hmn, Ed said not forget.” He checked another pocket, “Mm, now where . . . ahuhn.”
Grunting in satisfaction he turned and held out his hands. Cupped in them was a little sailboat. The sail was torn and only threads remained, the sat askew from a small fracture towards the base and there was a small hole in the bow, but despite its condition Finland would have recognized that little boat anywhere. He gaped at it speechless, “Where? . . .” He tried to finish but couldn’t and closing his mouth he stared up at Sweden.
Sweden simply shrugged his shoulders. “Estonia said f’r you. Don’t know why. Said th’ two shouln’t be ‘part anymore. Sez you’d un’rstand.”
“Th thank, thank you Berwald.” Finland’s voice was shaky with emotion as he stared at the broken little boat.
Sweden simply nodded, his task done and turned to head towards the little staircase that lead to the attic.
Finland wiped a tear from the corner of his eye, then pulled out his key to the display from his pocket. Gently setting the little boat next to the tin man they looked somehow a little more complete despite their broken states. Looking at the small portrait he whispered softly to himself with a little smile brushing the corners of his mouth, “I get it Eduard. Thank you so much. I understand now too. ”
*Translation of Berwald’s truncated dialogue
“Hello, I’m home.” “No good for both. They just couldn’t leave right then.” “Estonia said for you. Don’t know why. Said the two should not be apart anymore. He said you would understand.”
Re: Estonia & Finland Childhood Memory (5/5)
anonymous
January 4 2010, 11:18:28 UTC
Author!anon, I love you so much right now.
I love reading this, and I'm going to read it again. I really like Estonia's part. The words flow well and I like how it had a slightly nostalgic feel to it.
Re: Estonia & Finland Childhood Memory (5/5)
anonymous
January 24 2010, 04:05:35 UTC
Oh, thank you so much. Don't feel bad at all for replying late! I really appreciate that you commented! I do go back and occasionally check for comments (if the section isn't maxed out) because I like to reply back to anyone who took the time to read and comment on something I wrote. =D
Shall I take a piece of you?
And you a piece of me?
And then we’ll call it memory.
Through the house curtains sashay and then papers soar,
As a Zephyr dances in window and out door.
Dusting shelves, tossing out old to make room for the new-
Searching through chaos, a desire for order that I pursue.
Time to clean the nooks,
And then sort the books,
And archive it to my mind
When later needed to find.
For it’s time to move this day-
Now forced to decide,
What belongings shall stay.
Discarded items set aside,
And pack the treasured ones away.
With my rag, the dust does fly,
From a little shelf up high.
Oh! I cry,
As I spy
While moving old childhood books away,
For there a forgotten item behind them lay.
So small now in a hand grown large,
A broken little toy sailing barge.
I remember now that summer day.
When I asked him to come and play,
The quiet boy with his tiny reindeer.
Behind him I rode to a meadow near,
Looking for water for our little boat
Down which it could jauntily bob and float.
Inseparable for one summer that came and went
Laughing and playing together the days were spent.
But all good things must soon come to an end
This did too with the kiss of autumn’s wind.
Till next summer we promised, and then goodbye,
But the world changed, time warped it to a lie.
I waited happy through the dark months of ice and snow
Dreaming of summer and all the places we’d go.
The days crawled slowly by, until finally the day I had been waiting for came
Running as fast as I could, I arrived and called for him in the meadow,
But there was no answer to my call.
Surprised that he was not there, I ran to our brook
I searched for him everywhere I could think of to look.
I told myself that there must be a reason
For why he might come late in the season
Kids laughed as they went by, their mockery flushing my cheeks crimson in shame
But still, I always kept watch for my shy blonde friend with the tiny deer in tow,
Not wanting to believe he might never come at all.
I waited and waited-maybe the deer had gone lame?
I waited day after day, but it was always the same.
Sitting by the brook all alone
Perhaps if I had known . . .
But fate never did care
‘Bout what little boys swear
And with fall’s chill
I knew my hopes would come to nil
In my anger, I dashed our little boat against the trees
Then burying my head, I cried out sorrow to my knees
Time now has given me a reason why
So I pass that memory with a sigh.
But the dam has broke.
And more spill through.
The memories of war flood through, guns that thunder
And death and lean times and lands torn asunder
When halcyon days were long gone
Shunted away as time marched on.
I close my eyes to will them away
And decide that toy shall ne’er stay
Maybe another could use my boat?
No, for it could not float
Never again with a sail that’s rent
A hole in the bow, and mast that’s bent.
So I move to discard the sad and broken thing
Because I know that time past can never return
But still . . . now and then the heart does yearn
And maybe it might be nice,
When the days are covered in ice,
To think of a past that I dreamt could be,
If only in the vestige of my memory.
So now, I think that, maybe . . .
Just maybe, I’ll keep that broken toy
A reminder of me and you
And our boyhood too,
The sum of one summer’s childish joy.
And sometimes, when I think of the present you
I can’t help but wonder, anew
“Tell me my friend. Do you not miss it too?”
Reply
"Mama, Mama! I didn’t do it, honest! I didn’t do it!”
“Papa.” Finland corrected.
Sealand stopped short of the doorway his mouth still hanging open, confusion warring with distress in his expression.
Finland sighed and waved him in, “Never mind. Tell me, what didn’t you do?”
Sealand bit his lip as he scrunched his nose. “Um.” Shoulders hunched, he bowed his head in shame as he shuffled toward Finland while his hands moved quickly to hide something behind his back.
“Uh, well you know how you said I could play with some of the old toys in the attic? Well there was this big wooden box and it had these cool old things in it. And, uh . . .”
“Yes, and . . .?”
“Well in it was another box that had all these little metal soldiers and each one was painted different too! They were so awesome, but one o’ them was gone. I looked all over in the chest, ‘cuz I thought it fell out, but I couldn’t find it there.”
“Oh.” Finland replied, then paused a moment as he glanced up toward the ceiling in thought. Suddenly he beamed warmly at Sealand. “Was that all that was wrong?” He reached out to ruffle the young boy’s hair.
“That was my old set of tin soldiers and it has been short one ever since I was younger than you.”
Sealand shook Finland’s hand from his head as he stepped back a pace. He looked down morosely watching his toe try to dig a hole in the rug.
“Peter, what . . .?”
Finland stepped forward his hand still outstretched, but the young boy simply shook his head and pulled his right hand from behind his back holding a small cloth bundle patterned in blue, yellow, and red in his palm.
“I’m sorry Mama.”
“Papa, it’s papa,” he corrected reflexively. “What is this?” Finland reached out and plucked the small cloth bundle from Sealand’s hand.
“I found it. In another box. It was wrapped in that along with this weird leather harness thing. Like what you put on the reindeer, but too small for Blitzen or Donner.”
Finland only heard half of what Sealand was saying as he carefully opened the cloth wrapping. His mind raced back in time at the sight of the once bright geometric pattern in the remnant of what had once been a small woven saddle blanket. As he gently folded back the last corner the wrapping fell away presenting the missing toy soldier.
“I couldn’t believe it was the last one! But it was different from the others. There was some leaves stuck to the hat. But they broke all up when I touched ‘em. And there was this bit o’ string round the arm and when I . . .”
Finland looked and sure enough there was the bit of torn handkerchief that Estonia had used to bind the poor soldier’s broken arm to his body so many many years ago.
“ . . . And the arm fell off! I didn’t do it on purpose! Honest, I didn’t break it! I was being real careful. Mama, Mama, please Mama don’t be mad, please! I’m sorry!”
Sealand tugged on the side of Finland’s sweater his eyes peering over the short man’s forearm as he watched for any sign of emotion on his ‘mama’s’ face. Finland lost in thought absent-mindedly reached out with the arm nearest the boy and pulled him in close. The young boy then reached around to grab his middle tight wrapping his hands in the folds of Finland’s sweater as he buried his face in it, muffling the start of hiccuping sniffles.
“Shush now, Peter.” Finland gently scolded as he was shook out of his distracted state by the young boy’s distress. Finland stroked the back of Sealand’s head, in a motherly manner. “I’m not mad.”
But Peter just still held on tight and wouldn’t look up. “Yes, you are,” he shook his head as he mumbled into the folds of the fabric.
Reply
“Peter, I’m not mad. It just surprised me to see this. It’s something precious to me from when I was a boy your age. And you didn’t break it.”
Finland glanced over at the little toy soldier in his right hand. His eyes grew a little distant as he spoke next. “It got broken a long long time ago.” His eyes focused again on little Sealand as he smiled warmly at him. “Don’t worry, the bit of yarn that held his arm just fell apart after all this time. So you didn’t break it, okay?”
Peter nodded, a small smile already touching the corners of his mouth and eyes.
“Good.” As he wiped his eyes, Finland leaned down to kiss the top of his head.
“Ugh.” Sealand grimaced as swiped at place where Finland’s lips had touched. “Mama,” he whined in disgust.
“Papa, not mama, pa . . .” Finland stopped in mid-response as Sealand grinned back at him devilishly. Already back to his old self and enjoying their old game.
Finland sighed. Then with a smile he said, “Alright out with you scamp. Go play with the others and I’ll see what I can do with this one.”
Reaching out to give Sealand a light swat out the door, his hand connected with just air. Sealand was back to happily sniggering as he dashed out the door.
Finland shook his head a smile half smile still on his lips as he watched the door shut. “What am I to do with that one?” He said to no one in particular. He pursed his lips in thought as he looked down at the small soldier in his hand. “And what do I do with you now?” But the soldier didn’t answer him either.
“There that ought to do it.” Finland smiled in satisfaction as he finished tying the bright colored sash of cloth around the body and broken arm of the little soldier. “At least until the glue dries.”
“Hmm, something’s still not right. Ah, that’s right a proper captain needs a hat.” Finland walked outside and looked around, finally spying the desired items, he plucked them from the ground and returned to the little soldier at the table. One stickpin, a leaf, and a small downy goose feather and the little man now wore a small conical cap.
Finland smiled dreamily as he stared at the little man turning him in his hands. He remembered when he was just a youth the little boy he met so long ago on his travels. He remembered watching him as slowly rode up as the tawny haired boy stood all alone by the roadside watching as the other children ran off to meadow or hillside in large groups to play; the girls in one, the boys in another, but he in none.
He stopped and dismounted still watching as the young boy turned a small wooden sailboat in hands, trying to pretend he wasn’t staring after the other children.
Finally Finland approached him. “Um, excuse me I need water for my reindeer, do you know of a river or trough nearby?”
The young boy stared up at him owlishly through large thick lenses, scrunching his face in a puzzled expression not understanding. He then spoke something back to Finland, the words sounding almost like something he recognized but not quite.
Finland sighed. Oh, so that was why he looked so puzzled. He mimed his request then to the other boy. The other boy cocked his head slightly watching Finland’s gestures intently looking even more like an owl if possible. Suddenly the other boy gestured for Finland to follow him. Finland nodded hopped onto his little reindeer then reaching down he gestured for the other youth to join him. The youth glance warily at the reindeer, but a warm smile from Finland seemed to reassure him. He handed Finland his boat and then hopped up on the little reindeer’s back carefully perched himself on the edge of the saddle blanket that poked out behind the saddle.
Reply
“So you want to stay and rest then?” he whispered to his companion as switched the bridle to a rope lead that he tied to a tree so the deer could graze later. The little reindeer simply rubbed her nose against Finland’s chest then gave him a gentle shove as if to say, ‘Go on.’
He smiled as he patted her head and then walked over to where the other boy kneeled by the river and watched as he played. After awhile he gestured for the other youth to wait a moment as he ran over to where the little reindeer stood and grazed. He reached into one of the small saddlebags and searched. Finally finding what he was looking for he ran back over with his prize gripped tightly in his hand. But in his excitement he missed where a tree root jutted up from the ground. He tripped and fell and the little tin man flew from his hand and smashed into a rock.
The other boy rushed over speaking in concerned tones. Finland knew his chin hurt but didn’t cry even when he reached up to his chin and his fingers came back crimson. It was when he then looked over and saw his broken toy that he cried. The other youth had already pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and was gesturing for Finland to hold it to his chin. As Finland stanched the blood flowing from his chin the other youth went over and picked up the broken toy from where it had landed.
He stared at it a moment and then gesturing for the cloth back he tore the cloth in half handing one part back to Finland who quickly put it back on his chin. Finland watched the other youth curiously forgetting the pain in his chin momentarily as the boy sat down and deftly tied the arm back on to the toy figure with a few tight and clever knots in the cloth. Then glancing around he grabbed a leaf and pine needle and pinned a little cap to toy man before handing him back to Finland with a proud smile on his face. A funny smile that was short a tooth in front like many children his age. Finland returned the young boy’s gap toothed smile with one of his own.
The spectacled boy tugged on his arm and pulled him over to the river. He took the cloth from him and rinsed it out in the river and cleaned the wound. Carefully inspecting his handiwork the other boy patted Finland’s shoulder then gestured towards the small boat. Finland stood there unsure of what the other boy wanted him to do. When he didn’t move the other boy reached down and placed it in Finland’s hand and then gestured toward the riverbank. Finland nodded and kneeled down by the river, but before placing the little boat on the water he set the little tin man in it as he had intended to do originally. “Every boat needs a captain, right?”
The other boy nodded approvingly and they played there until the afternoon grew short. They met everyday after that until the summer ended and Finland had to return home, but they made a pact to meet again the next year.
Finland sighed at the memory and whispered to the little tin man, “I’m sorry Eduard, I wanted to come,” as he set him in the cabinet along with the little blanket and harness that had been in the box. “I know you understand why I couldn’t and we’re still friends, but sometimes there’s this distance to you, as if you’re afraid to let anyone too close. Afraid I’ll disappoint and leave you again, I’m sure.”
He gently rubbed the frame of a small lithograph of an austere young man in glasses and medium tone of hair. His reverie was broken as he heard the front door open.
“ ‘Allo’m home!”
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“Hi Berwald! How was the trip? Finland asked poking his head around the corner, a welcoming smile on his face. But it fell as he looked around and saw only Berwald. “Where are the Baltic brothers? I thought they were coming back with you? Is something wrong?”
Sweden walked down the hall towards the study, nodding hello in return. “Hm, no, good f’r both. They jus’ couldn’t leave right then.” The tall man paused and looked around mumbling “Coming next month, I think,” he turned a puzzled look at Finland, “Where’s th’ boy?”
“Oh.” Finland muttered dejectedly thinking to himself ‘Truth is Eduard didn’t want to come. He didn’t want to see me.’ before replying to Sweden’s query.
“Huh, Peter? Last I knew he was playing up in the attic.”
Sweden nodded then stopped and cocked an ear towards the attic. “Too quiet,” he mumbled something finishing with “ . . . trouble.”
Finland listened then too. “Hmmm, come to think of it, he has been awfully quiet up there for quite a while.”
He ran his hand through his hair with a sigh. “I suppose I better go check on him.”
Sweden lightly tapped Finland on the shoulder as he shook his head no. “I’ll go.”
“Thank you Berwald.” Finland patted Sweden’s hand as he gave him a warm smile.
Sweden simply nodded and then set the bag he had been carrying slung over his shoulder down on the floor. He turned to go then snapped his fingers quickly and bent back down toward to the bag again. He mumbled to himself as searched around in the bag.
“Hmn, Ed said not forget.” He checked another pocket, “Mm, now where . . . ahuhn.”
Grunting in satisfaction he turned and held out his hands. Cupped in them was a little sailboat. The sail was torn and only threads remained, the sat askew from a small fracture towards the base and there was a small hole in the bow, but despite its condition Finland would have recognized that little boat anywhere. He gaped at it speechless, “Where? . . .” He tried to finish but couldn’t and closing his mouth he stared up at Sweden.
Sweden simply shrugged his shoulders. “Estonia said f’r you. Don’t know why. Said th’ two shouln’t be ‘part anymore. Sez you’d un’rstand.”
“Th thank, thank you Berwald.” Finland’s voice was shaky with emotion as he stared at the broken little boat.
Sweden simply nodded, his task done and turned to head towards the little staircase that lead to the attic.
Finland wiped a tear from the corner of his eye, then pulled out his key to the display from his pocket. Gently setting the little boat next to the tin man they looked somehow a little more complete despite their broken states. Looking at the small portrait he whispered softly to himself with a little smile brushing the corners of his mouth, “I get it Eduard. Thank you so much. I understand now too. ”
*Translation of Berwald’s truncated dialogue
“Hello, I’m home.”
“No good for both. They just couldn’t leave right then.”
“Estonia said for you. Don’t know why. Said the two should not be apart anymore. He said you would understand.”
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And amusingly, not 2 hours ago I was talking to someone about these two.
Thank you for filling this! ^ ^
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I love reading this, and I'm going to read it again. I really like Estonia's part. The words flow well and I like how it had a slightly nostalgic feel to it.
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This is a wonderful fill.
Not OP, but I've wanted to comment ages ago and I feel slightly guilty to comment this late
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