As WUMI opened the windows of his treehouse that morning, a cool breeze brushed against his nose. A few yellow leaves were already gleaming among the green leaves of the large oak tree, and down in the Friendship Glade, HOPSI was gathering the first colorful leaves. He carefully laid them side by side until a gust of wind scattered his collection. WUMI couldn't help but smile, because HOPSI immediately hopped after them, as if the wind had suggested a new game.

The four friends had arranged to meet that afternoon. WUMI wanted to read them a story and had already chosen a book. Now all he needed was a cozy spot. It was warm in the treehouse, but outside the forest smelled so wonderfully of autumn that he preferred to sit among the trees.

With a blanket under his arm, he climbed down. MUCKI and EDDI were just crossing the glade and helping HOPSI gather the leaves that had blown away. When WUMI told them about his plan, EDDI pointed to the mysterious forest path. Beyond the next bend, he spotted a spot where the sun filtered through the canopy of leaves.

Together, they set off. The path wound its way between thick roots, past mossy stones and small mushrooms. HOPSI carried the blanket, while MUCKI made sure its corners didn't drag on the damp ground. WUMI had his book tucked away in his backpack, and EDDI walked ahead, stopping at every bend so the others could see him.

 

The spot was indeed beautiful. Sunbeams danced on the forest floor, and the branches swayed above. But as HOPSI spread out the blanket, a root poked right in the middle. A little further on, the ground was damp, and so many roots crowded under the large beech tree that there was hardly any room for four friends.

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WUMI looked at his book and sighed. He had imagined the afternoon would be so relaxing. MUCKI sat down on a flat stone and pondered, while EDDI looked behind the beech tree once more. Finally, HOPSI said that they had everything they needed in their friendship clearing: soft grass, plenty of space, and the treehouse right next door in case it got chilly.

So they returned. On the way, they collected some particularly beautiful leaves, and EDDI found a small twig that he planned to use as a bookmark later. In the clearing, they spread out the blanket, got cushions from the treehouse, and placed Wumi's snack tin in the middle.

When the four of them were finally sitting close together, WUMI opened his book. The leaves rustled above them, and somewhere a woodpecker tapped on a tree trunk. WUMI began to read, while HOPSI snuggled up against a cushion and MUCKI passed around the apple slices. The special spot they had been looking for was right outside their door. Now they had made themselves comfortable there together.