Chapter Text
Snufkin had been back on his journies for two weeks since leaving Moominvalley. It was awkward to admit, but his thoughts had returned to Moomintroll many times in half a month.
Every wonderful, white thing he saw reminded him of the Troll. From a beautiful bloom of apple blossoms to the flight of a passing dove.
Snufkin had to be mindful of his face and surroundings, ready to adjust his hat if he started getting distracted by such thoughts around others.
It was a little bothersome, but how could he not think of his wonderful Moomintroll? He especially thought of him because he knew how lonely he must be. Moomintroll had lived alone with his parents his whole life, certainly, but now he knew Snufkin was out here.
He remembered just how excited Moomin had been when he showed up with his father, and that was only after a season of sleeping and not even one day awake!
But now that Snufkin was out in the world again he had to make the most of it. He’d return to his sweet Moomintroll one day, but for now, he’d have to wait.
He had journeyed out West as he planned to just before his return to the valley. It had taken him inland, towards the more urbanized areas. It was typical of Snufkin to avoid places like this, but they were occasionally useful, or otherwise unavoidable.
It was in this time, halfway into Spring, that Snufkin remembered he’d promised his dad that he’d go visit with his Mother Mymble. He’d been walking through a town and noticed a woman with many children (though not as many as his Mother Mymble) and been struck by the realization of his forgetfulness.
At the very least he hadn’t made the promise to her, though admittedly she might’ve forgotten even if he did. His father had a sharper memory, but an equally carefree attitude, so it was unlikely Snufkin had any real expectations placed upon him.
Still, it felt unkind to put the visit off any more than he had, even if he wasn’t looking very much forward to it. It wasn’t that he disliked his family, certainly not, but other than his eldest sister, Mymble Jr., the rest had a tendency to be loud and chaotic.
He supposed it made sense, cooping up 34 siblings in one house was bound to be a handful. Even still, his Mymble siblings were energetic and more often than not had little care for the space or peace of others.
He wondered if they would have calmed down since his last visit, but didn’t put much stock into the idea.
Finding a remote spot in the town, Snufkin sat down against the side of a building and pulled off his pack. He shuffled through until he found his writing supplies and composed a letter for his Mother Mymble.
Like all of Snufkin’s letters, it was short and to the point, there would be time for bigger sentiments in person. A simple ‘My dear Mother Mymble, I’ll be around soon for a visit, your son, Snufkin.’
As Snufkin folded the letter up he wondered if it wouldn’t also do to send one to Moomintroll. He rested his chin on his knees and pondered it a moment, not paying any mind to the looks he was getting.
He knew it probably wasn’t the best thing to be sitting on the ground like this. Most people thought Mumriks were all panhandlers anyhow, but the woods were too far to find a comfortable log and he simply couldn’t dignify the idea of using a bench.
After thinking on it a bit longer, Snufkin got out another piece of paper. He tapped the end of the pencil to his chin, unsure quite how to write to Moomin. Snufkin’s face flustered as he wondered if he should start it off with something like ‘dearest Moomintroll’, for that much was certainly true…
He gave a sigh and decided to go for it, the sweet Troll already knew his affections, what did he gain by being so embarrassed by them?
So Snufkin wrote a letter to Moomintroll, telling him of his plans to go visit his Mother Mymble and that he’d thought of him often. He restated that it would likely be a while before they could be together again, but that he would try to write when he could.
When both letters were done and folded he stood up and wiped off the ends of his coat before placing his pack back on his shoulders.
He left the small alley and walked around to try and locate the post office, mindful to keep his tail close when things got too crowded in the streets.
Eventually, he found the building and checked carefully for the existence of any signs. He thankfully found nothing but the typical ‘no loitering’. Lucky for the post office, he hadn’t planned to loiter anyways, he had purpose to be here.
He had eyes upon him as he inspected the building. He knew the thoughts, they were anticipating he was planning some sort of crime, or maybe just incredulous at Mumrik propensity to be so sensitive to signs and details. It didn’t do to argue or confront them for staring, just so long as nobody tried to bring the police into things. So again, he ignored it and went inside.
The post office was thankfully empty aside from the attendant, a Hemulen woman in a grayish-blue dress.
Snufkin picked up two envelopes from where they were displayed and pressed one against the wall to write the address. The Hemulen woman was now watching him carefully but said nothing.
When he was done he slipped the letters in the right envelopes and sealed them before walking up to the counter.
Like most things, the counter was built for Fillyjonks, Hemulens, taller Mymbles, and grown Moomins, but not for Mumriks. Snufkin didn’t have any trouble reaching over it to set his letters down, but he did need to stand on the tips of his boots to have most of his face be visible over it.
“I need two stamps as well please,” Snufkin said, fishing some money out of his pocket and setting it down.
The Hemulen woman relaxed as she took the money and moved to get him his stamps.
Snufkin’s tail flicked behind him as he waited and he drummed his fingers against the side of his leg.
“There you are.” The Hemulen said, handing him two stamps.
Snufkin took them and affixed them to his letters before handing them back and giving a tip of his hat.
“Thank you, ma’am.” and with that, he turned and left the post office.
Snufkin took in a deep breath as he got back outside and hopped from one foot to the other down the steps and back into the street.
He looked up at the sky, his hat shielding him from the sun as he did.
He’d start travelling back today and if he made good time, he would be at his Mother Mymble’s door in just under a week.