What Makes Snufkin

Everyone in MoominValley knows that Snufkin likes old, tattered things. He'll take a pair of ripped trousers over an ironed silk pair of pants, which annoyed Fillyjonk a lot. She would always reprimand and scold him, but this mattered none to him. However, everyone wondered the same question... why did he have a tattered hat and old scarf on him at all times? Well, today would be one of those days to find out. 

A spring party was set in motion, Moominmama setting out some lemonade and blueberry cheesecake, eager to see everyone's reactions. Moomin came out quickly, adding some decorative stones he found earlier. 

"How are these, mama?" he asked. She looked over at the beautiful rocks, then smiled.

"Oh they're lovely, Moomin...!" she clasped her hands together. "How about we get some spring flowers, too?"

"Ooh, good idea!"

Moomin ran off, Moominpapa going to his wife and kissing her cheek.

"Another great feast, Moominmama...!" he praised her. "Why, this may be the best one yet!"

"It only seems that way because of the weather, dear," she giggled. 

"Oh, it's more than that, mama," he nuzzled her nose. She nuzzled back as Moomin came back with a bundle of forget-me-nots, tulips, pig squeaks, Virginia bluebells, and irises. 

"How about these?"

"Oh, those are lovely, Moomin!!"

After the table was set and food was made, Sniff was the very first to approach, smelling the food. 

"Is this for us, Moominmama!?" he gasped. 

"Yes, Sniff...! Go and take a seat...!"

He did so without a second thought, Little My being the next to scamper into the scene with Snorkmaiden.

"Oh, how beautiful!" Snorkmaiden beamed at the setting. Moominpapa quickly got some books and stacked them on a chair for Little My, who crawled on them, Snorkmaiden taking her seat next to Moomin.

"Like the flowers?" he asked her. 

"They're lovely, Moomin!" she nodded. 

"I can pick some up for you...! I can make the biggest bouquet ever for you! My one and only princess!"

"What a fair knight you are, Moomin!"

"Blegh!" My pretended to vomit. "I think we want to eat food, not whatever you two are serving..."

"Oh, we should get Snufkin!" Moomin gasped in. 

"Splendid idea, Moomin...!"

Moomin ran off to Snufkin, who was about to fish. He got up to his friend, but slowed down and put his hands in front of Snufkin's eyes, making the mumrik halt.

"Guess whoooo?"

Snufkin chuckled and tapped his chin.

"Hmm... Snork?"

"Nope!"

"The hemulen?"

"No, Snufkin, haha!"

"Little My!"

"Not even close!"

Snufkin laughed and turned around to meet his friend.

"I know it's you, Moomin, haha...! How are you?"

"Great! I came over to see if you want to join us for food...! We're having a Spring feast!"

Snufkin thought for a moment, then nodded with a smile.

"Sounds delicious...!" 

They both walked to Moominhouse, Snufkin taking a seat by Little My, who looked up at him.

"You were going to go fishing, weren't you?" she wondered.

"Mm, seems there's no need to, now."

"We're happy to have you here, Snufkin...!" Moominmama changed the subject. "Oh, it seems your hat is a bit torn. I can bring it inside after to sew it up."

"Perhaps later, thank you, Moominmama," he nodded to her, taking a cup of lemonade, drinking it.

"Say, where did you get that hat?" Snorkmaiden suddenly wondered. Everyone exchanged looks to each other, wondering the same thing, then back at Snufkin. He could feel all eyes on him, so there was no backing out.

"Well, I was born in it," he smiled. "When I was born, I was put into the hat as a bed and ever since, I've kept it."

"How cute...!" Snorkmaiden giggled. 

"Must be awfully dirty," My raised an eyebrow. 

"Perhaps," he shrugged. "I think I can still remember when I started to walk, I was obsessed with this hat. I wouldn't walk anywhere without it, even if it was too big. When I was abandoned, I still kept the hat with me. I suppose it was something to remind me of home."

"So like a turtle?" Sniff wondered. Snufkin nodded, Sniff looking down, then up with a shine in his eye. "I bet that hat's worth a fortune!" But when one glare from Snufkin, he glued his mouth shut.

"What about your scarf? Is it just as old?" Moominpapa wondered. 

"My scarf?" Snufkin looked down at it, then back up. "I believe while on my travels, I ran into the Mymble, my mother. We had a small reunion of tea and it was awfully foggy that day."

"Oh, let me guess!" My jumped up. "She made you the scarf!" Snufkin smiled with a nod.

"She did," he chuckled at her eagerness. 

"How old is it?" Sniff asked.

"Hmm, years, over seven, I think."

"Snufkin," Moominmama spoke up. "These clothing items are very old... why would you want to keep them? They may fall apart some day..."

Snufkin gave a calm expression as he spoke,

"Sure, they may fall apart, but I'll just sew them back up again. These two clothing items remind me of home. Wherever I am, I can smell the pastries and tea leaves when Moominmama sews my hat and when Moominpapa looked over my scarf, the smell of tobacco never left. I suppose... I feel close to MoominValley, no matter how far I travel when I have these on."

With those words, everyone's heart warmed up right quick. Moominmama beamed, almost tearing up, but quickly hid it. To have Snufkin close to these items not only for the past, but because they reminded him of his new home, it was truly something to feel proud of. To have Snufkin see this place to stay.

"I'm so happy to hear that, dear..." she smiled. "Well... with that answered... let's feast...!"

They all cheered and clinked glasses, beginning to eat. Snufkin was happy to have let them know about his scarf and hat, but sometimes... he wished he still had contact with his father. Oh well, he thought to himself. 'I have a new family now.'