Folksburywoods

Pavia was her parent’s only child, and because they loved her so much, they overprotected her and never allowed her to play with other children.

Life was lonely for Pavia, but she had a secret friend she would visit when she could sneak away from home.

Hucho lived in a small pool at the end of the Silver Stream. “Good morning, Hucho. How are you this fine day,” asked Pavia.

“Hello, Miss Pavia. It is wonderful to see you.” the fish replied.

The two friends chatted about the weather, what they wanted to do in the future, and, most importantly, how much they missed each other.

“Do you ever think your parents will let you come and stay the night here?” asked Hucho.

“No, Father would tell me I would catch a cold. I’ll be an old woman before that happens,” laughed Pavia.

“I am sorry to hear that. I have to leave in a few days, and I wanted you to see the stars with me before I go,” replied Hucho.

“Go, go where. Why do you need to go?” asked Pavia frantically.

“It’s my time. I will miss you and our friendship. Remember me, won’t you?” Hucho asked.

Pavia was almost in tears when she answered him. “I will remember you until I turn to dust,” she said. She bent down, kissed his head, and told him she would see him tomorrow.

A thundering downpour kept Pavia at home under her parents’ watchful eyes the next day. “I want to go for a walk in the rain. All the other children get to go out,” begged Pavia.

No matter how much she pleaded, she was not allowed to leave the shelter of her home. “I will see my friend tonight even if I have to grow wings and fly out the window,” whispered Pavia to herself.

After her parents tucked her in for the night, Pavia waited until the moon had crested the trees, and then she slipped out the window and slid down the water spout.

“Hucho, Hucho, are you here?” called Pavia.

“Hello, Miss Pavia, I am glad you came to see me off. Before I go, let’s enjoy the stars and the cool night air,” said Hucho.

The friends sat silently, watching the moon track across the sky for a long while. “My time has come. I must say goodbye. If you ever wish to talk, you can look up at the night sky, and I will be there,” said Hucho.

“You’re going to the moon?” asked Pavia.

“No, my friend. Do you see those fish-shaped stars? That is where I am going, and I will always listen to you when you call me,” replied Hucho.

“Goodbye, my friend. I’ll see you in my dreams,” said Pavia, choking back tears.

“Time to go,” Hucho said as he faded into the water, leaving only the moon’s reflection behind.

Pavia stared at the stars and whispered, “I miss you already, my friend.” Pavia stood and returned home to dream of Hucho of the Silver Stream.