Moomin woke up from his long hibernation, body feeling like lumber. The blankets wanted him to stay put, but he knew it was time to awaken.
With a stretch and a yawn, he sat up, rubbing his eyes. Oh what a wonderful sleep he had…! And it must be spring ! Yes the air felt so much more lighter and cleaner, it had to be!
He shoved the windows open, the extra snow falling to the ground below with a plop and splatter. The air was fresh and full of clean feelings, the once still brook now babbling up a conversation it had been denied all winter.
The trees that were once bare were now showing promising buds, to erupt into apples and oranges. The flowers poked out with interest at the sun already shining, joining the company of the already present grass. Yes… It was spring…! A perfect day at that!
The bodies of winter still laid around the land, already melting under the hot air.
“Yes! Oh finally!” Moomin cheered with ecstatic joy. And just on time too as he heard a tune carried in the breeze. The wind, the rustling of leaves that had beem trapped from the frost, and… A harmonica. Moomin knew it had to be Snufkin!
Sniffing the air once more, he smelled something else. Pancakes! Moominmama’s pancakes! With haste, he zoomed down the stairs, which caused a small lecture from Moominmama.
“Dear, dont run down the stairs,” she chimed into his rush. Moomin slowed his pace quickly. “Mymble will be coming soon to clean the place for us and I would love the stairs to be in one piece.”
“Yes mama!” he affirmed for his safety. As soon as he hopped off the final step, he rushed to the table, seeing stacks of steaming fluffy pancakes with strawberry jam from the basement opened. There was a bitter dish with a fresh stick already placed and cut into squares, cups of orange juice already poured. “Mama, what a wonderful breakfast! And a wonderful day for the first spring!”
“Thank you Moomin, I think so, too…!” she gleefully agreed. “I think I heard Snufkin coming. Why don’t you ask him and the others if they would wish to join us for breakfast?”
As if she needed to ask. Moomin was thrilled and ecstatic to catch up with his friends, girlfriend, and his best friend! He pounced out the door and got to the bridge over the slippery grass.
“Snufkin!” Moomin waved and called out. Snufkin halted his tent set up, tipping his hat to the troll.
“Morning, Moomin…!” he greeted.
“You’re back early! Were you bored of your adventure?” Moomin asked as he helped Snufkin set up the tent. Normally, Snufkin wouldn’t let him and let him know gently, but the spring air made him feel pretty happy, so he was happy to accept help.
“Not in the slightest,” he tittered. “I came back early since the weather allowed.”
“Oh I see!” Moomin nodded. “Did you see anything exciting on your adventures?”
“Very much,” he nodded. “Let’s fish and I’ll tell you all about it.”
“Oh don’t you want to have breakfast at the house?” Moomin remembered suddenly why he ran over. He was much too eager about Snufkin’s arrival, he forgot how hungry he was until Snufkin brought up the idea of fishing.
The mumrik thought on this, then decided a breakfast at Moomin house was exactly what he needed.
“Is it pancakes?” he wondered.
“Yes! Wonderful pancakes! I’m about to get the others to ask if they want any!”
“Then I shall see you and them there. Thank you for the offer, Moomin.”
And off Snufkin went to the porch, Moominpapa excited to finally share his stories with someone of equal taste.
Moomin looked around the flowers and happily found a little field of tulips. Happily, he plucked a few, remembering what Snorkmaiden once said.
“My Moomin, tulips symbolise happiness, good wishes, and an attachment to someone! Meaning if you give someone tulips, it means you wish them well and you are close to them!”
Moomin wanted to be the best boyfriend and knew offering these tulips to his princess would work well for that! He made a flower crown, then proudly got to her house, flower behind his back. Then, he knocked.
“Oh my princess!” Moomin announced. With a gasp on the other side of the door. After a small brushing on her bangs and putting on her anklet, she opened to a beaming Moomin.
“Oh Moomin! I was just dreaming about you! Were you of me?”
“All winter…! And I have brought you a gift!”
“Oh Moomin, you have!?”
Moomin bowed down, revealing the crown. Snorkmaiden couldn’t help but squeal with joy.
“My princess of the fair lands, your crown has arrived from halfway around the world! I have hand brought it to you!”
She giggled and bowed down.
“Oh my prince, you are so thoughtful! Thank you very much!”
He put it on her head, making sure to be careful of the ears before standing up to see her.
“So beautiful!” he admired her with a swoon.
“And it’s tulips!” she remarked. “That meand you wish me well and you love me!”
“Of course I do!” he held hands. “You’re my princess!”
She blushed and beamed, kissing his cheek. He led her to Moomin house, seeing Sniff and Little My teasing each other, My winning the last pancake. Snufkin was on his usual bench, hot coffee by him as he played his harmonica.
Snorkmaiden hugged his arm.
“What a perfect start to Spring!” she cooed. And… He agreed. The first day of spring was more than perfect.
