Chapter 16

Chapter 16

It was Spring, and as usual, the village was in full bloom of the most magnificent and large daisies alone could ever wish to see.  Of course, Lyla knew why the daisies grew so big and so beautiful, but after her last harsh lesson, she had come to realise that sometimes it is best to not say anything.   She smiled to herself, and looked along the path leading out of the village.

Meanwhile, Volbert was walking along the path, sniffing the flowers that he had made and listening to the birds singing.  It was a very pleasant walk at this time of year, with no snow, and the stream babbling underneath the narrow bridge.

Thanks to his goggles, he could see the figure of a little girl stood at the edge of the village, and although his eyesight was not good enough to make out who it was, he knew it could only be Lyla-Mae.

As he walked, he checked his own attire.  His mustard-coloured waistcoat had been washed, his pocket-watch had been cleaned, his belt buckle shined.  He felt awkward at trying to look so presentable.

He got to ten big-mole-steps in front of Lyla-Mae, who was wearing a yellow-and-white dress and a yellow ribbon in her mousy hair, and smiled fondly.  “Um, hello Lyla, it is lovely to see you again.”

“And it is good to see you too.  Now hurry up!  You walk so slowly Volbert, everybody is waiting!” and with that, Lyla took his hand and pulled him behind her towards the village.

The village had been decorated with bunting and streamers, and there was a big banner saying “Welcome Volbert”.  However, with his enhanced vision, he could see that underneath the “Hello Volbert”, someone had added “+ friends”.  It could only be that mischievous Flake!

Sure enough, as he got to the centre of the village – where it had been such a horrible place last time – it was now a happy place, as Morris, Flake and Millie were all sat at a table with a lady who could only be Lyla-Mae’s mommy, as well as Teddy Radson and Esther the hippo.  They all looked so happy.

As soon as Volbert and Lyla had made it too the village square, a big cheer and a round of applause went up from all around, and the musicians began to play a very happy song.

Lyla turned to Volbert.  Volbert turned to Lyla.  “Earth spirit, would you like to dance?” she asked with a hint of mockery.  Two can play at that game!

“Bravest and most popular child in Daisyfield” – she blushed, so Volbert had won this little round – “I’m afraid I don’t know how to dance.”

“Then, fearsome monster” – Lyla quipped, and Volbert could feel his cheeks reddening; yup, she had won after all – “let me show you”.

And with that, all the villagers and children and cats and dogs and one squirrel and one badger and one fox and one dapper-looking suited teddy bear and one crinkly-eared purple hippo danced and sang and laughed long into the night.

And of course, let me not forget that the two merriest people there were the giant mole earth spirit, and the bravest and most popular girl in all of Daisyfield, who danced together until there feet were tired, and laughed together until there throats were sore.