Family Reunion

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     "A box of matches? How odd to come all the way out 'ere for something like that. You sure you don't need anythin' else?" Snufkin, the vagabond buying the matches shook his head.

     "No sir. I was planning on purchasing some produce nearby, but that will be all." The mumrik smiled kindly, reaching into the pocket of his coat for money. "Here you go."

     The creature took the money without much thought, pushing the match box over the counter. (He resembled The Inspector that he knew back in Moominvalley, except not in any way well kept) "Heh. You look an awful like a fella we've been gettin' 'round here recently. We don't get mumriks 'round these parts often, so seein' somebody like him around is a sight to see." He glanced at Snufkin up and down. "You sure you're just here to shop? You're not plannin' on causin' any trouble, are ya'?" The creature leaned over the counter, leering at Snufkin. The vagabond almost looked taken aback.

     "Not at all, sir!" Snufkin replied, taking his matchbox and stuffing it in his pocket. The creature reared his head back in laughter.

     "Ahahaha! I'm just pullin' yer leg! But really, I'd take caution if I were you, that mumrik I mentioned has been 'round stirrin' up all sorts of trouble. Some folks won't look before they leap, and if they mistake you for that fella...boy, I'd say your prayers. So just watch yerself, alright?"

     "I come to these parts every winter, I'll be alright. Thank you for your concern." Snufkin smiled. "Have a nice day!"

     Snufkin pivoted around and began strolling through the marketplace. Though he had been here before, he always seems to lose his way. Winter was almost over, meaning that he would return to Moominvalley for the warm weather, just like he does every year. The thought of getting to see his friends soon was enough to make his cheeks glow. He could hardly wait to see Moomintroll, and tell him the stories of what he saw on his travels. "So much has happened this time, I probably won't be able to get through all of my adventures in a day!" Snufkin smiled.

     The marketplace he was in wasn't very busy, thank goodness, but he was still a little on edge. What that shopkeeper had told him was odd, but he seemed genuine in his words. "I'll just grab some fruit and get out of here. I don't want any trouble."

"Oi! Mumrik!"

     Snufkin bit his tongue. The timing couldn't have been any worse. He simply pretended not to hear the voice calling to him.

"You really think you can come 'round here after last time?!"

Snufkin walked faster, getting a little nervous now. "What on earth did that mumrik do?"

"OI!!!"

     Snufkin heard footsteps fast approaching behind him. He whipped his head around quickly, and didn't have much time to get a good look at the figure before he had to start running.

     He nearly fell backwards when a large hand grabbed him by the arm and yanked him back. Snufkin was unable to break away, when two other figures approached.

     "You've got a lot of nerve to show your face 'round here after the catastrophe last week!" The creature with a tight grip on Snufkin's arm spat.

     "Release me! I'm afraid you have the wrong person. Let me go and I will forget this ever took place." Snufkin said calmly, trying to assert himself in the situation. He bit at the inside of his cheek, trying not to think about how much the creature's grip in him actually hurt.

     "You think you can make a liar outta us?! What do you think we are, stupid?" It was at that moment that Snufkin wished there was a crowd around. Somebody to stop these...creatures (Snufkin had no idea what they were, but they looked an awful like the troll that Moomin once turned into after stepping into the magic hat they found. Except much bigger and threatening). But not a soul was present in that area, most fled the scene once the violence broke out.

     "Please release me, I'm not who you think I a-" The vagabond was flung into the wall, crashing over a couple of pots and crates behind him. The three figures approached the mumrik, ready to finish him off. But before they could, they were interrupted.

"You know? I think you are stupid. I mean, you really couldn't tell the difference between me and this innocent boy?"

     A tall, slender figure leapt from the building above them, landing on his two feet without any sigh of injury from the leap. Snufkin finally sat himself up, the first thing he saw was a hat on this mans head.
That hat.
That battered, red hat... it was oddly familiar to him

"...How embarrassing. How about you gentlemen actually use your eyes and we shall engage in the most exciting of chases. Yip yip!"

     Snufkin was pulled onto his feet when the man grabbed at his wrist and began sprinting. His legs could hardly keep up with how fast the mysterious man was going. The shouting of those trolls faded into murmurs in the distance. The man pushed through the crowds, apologizing occasionally. They exited the marketplace and ran into the woods.

     "S-sir, thank you for your help, but please! I think we can stop now!" Snufkin shouted. The man slowed the pace, and eventually came to a stop. Snufkin sighed in relief. He took off his hat momentarily to wipe the sweat from his brow. "Thank you so much for-"

     Snufkin was cut off by the man turning to him and embracing him in a tight hug. Snufkin blushed, unsure of what to think. "Sir...?"

     The man sniffled, and then spoke. His voice wobbled (was he crying?) "It's been so long...who would have thought we'd run into each other in a situation like this?"

     The man pulled away, holding Snufkin by the shoulders. Now the vagabond could finally get a good look at who this person could be. The first thing he noticed were icy cat-like eyes scanning him up and down, tears swelled up in them. His entire nose, including the bridge of it all the way up to his eyebrows, was darker than the rest of his skin. Dark brown, almost black shaggy hair stuck out from under the man's red hat, with a couple of grey hairs here and there. Everything he was wearing was tattered and aged.

"...do you remember me, Snuf?"

     Snufkin looked up and down at the man again. It took a moment, but recognition finally dawned on him.

"...dad?"