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Snufkin’s hand trembled as he picked up his teacup and brought it to his mouth. He could do this. It was just afternoon tea with Moominmama and Moominpapa after all. He had done this multiple times in his life, and especially after he and Moomintroll began dating. It wasn’t like his parents disapproved of Snufkin. They practically took him in as their own when he was younger when he had stumbled across MoominValley the first time in his travels.
There were many nights where he smoked a pipe with Moominpapa, discussing the world and their places in it. Many afternoons where he and Moominmama had tea on the porch, watching the butterflies and talking of days gone by and those to come. So why now was Snufkin so terrified of talking to them both?
Unfortunately, his nerves were too plainly shown.
“You’ve got a shake in your paw,” Moominmama said, “whatever is the matter, Snufkin?”
Moominpapa nodded in agreement. “Mm, yes, it does seem a bit peculiar. I don’t normally attend afternoon teas between you and Mama, and considering you asked specifically for us. I would have thought you would be off with Moomin and the others. They’re down at the beach today, I believe.”
Snufkin lowered his teacup and took in a breath to steady himself.
“Yes, normally I would attend their adventures, but I needed them to be away while I talked to you both about a very serious matter.” Snufkin said.
“Serious? Oh I hope it’s nothing too dire.” Moominmama took a seat at the table, putting a worried hand to her muzzle.
“I promise you it isn’t, Moominmama.” Snufkin said. “In fact, I hope for it to be a very joyful thing, but this is where I need both of you.”
Both of them were looking at him. Snufkin chewed his bottom lip nervously as his tail curled around his leg. What if they said no? What if they kicked him out of the house refusing to let him come back? Snufkin reached up and took his hat off, placing it on the table. He couldn’t hide from this. It was one of the biggest questions he would ever ask in his life and if he could not ask this question, he could not ask the bigger follow up.
“I am very in love with your son, Moomintroll.” Snufkin started.
“Why, yes. So is he. Quite a good pair, the both of you.” Moominpapa said, taking a drink of his own tea. “A good balance of opposites if you will.”
Snufkin nodded. “Yes, of course. I could talk for days, years even, about how much Moomintroll means to me. I’d talk until my lungs give out, but I need to get to the reason I’m here. I’ve thought it over quite a lot, both while I am here and while I am travelling south during the winter. As much as I go on my own, I realized I am very lonely during the winter months and continue to dream of MoominValley. No matter what I may think, I will always be brought right back here and into Moomin’s loving arms.”
Snufkin shifted in his seat and made sure to look at them directly. Well, here it goes. Enough rambling, Snufkin. Time to put all his cards on the table.
“I would like both of your blessings to marry Moomintroll.”
The dining room fell silent as the two of them looked back at him. Snufkin felt his chest tighten. Why weren’t they saying anything? It was too quiet. This was bad. This was very bad. They were going to reject him. Snufkin swallowed as he felt a shake begin in his body he could not control. This was the end of seeing his dear Moomin. This would be the end of-
“Absolutely.”
Snufkin blinked, shocked out of his fear. “Excuse me?”
“Absolutely.” Moominpapa repeated. He rose from his chair and walked over to Snufkin’s side of the table. “When you first arrived, I had my doubts after knowing the trouble your father got into during his youth, but I too had my share of trouble much like my own son has. While I feared Joxter’s terrible parenting towards you would influence you in a similar manner, you’ve proved me wrong time and time again, Snufkin. I couldn’t be any happier to call you my son-in-law, isn’t that right, Mama?”
Moominpapa looked over at Moominmama who had fetched a handkerchief from her purse and was dabbing at her eyes. She sniffled some.
“I’m so sorry, please forgive me. This is so emotional. Papa is right. There is no one better for my son than you. It’s all he ever talks about, wondering if some day Snufkin will ever stay the winter, wondering if you’d ever marry. Oh, my heart cannot take this.” She began to cry. Snufkin got up from his chair and hurried over to her.
“Oh, Moominmama, please don’t cry. I promise I’ll give your son the best life. I swear it on my own life.” Snufkin hugged the soft moomin close as she continued to cry. He could feel his own eyes beginning to water.
“I promise,” he said again.
“Oh, Snufkin, I know.” Moominmama moved back and wiped at her eyes again. “I’m sorry for getting emotional. I’ve watched you both over these years and I just hoped that you boys would be happy together. All I want is both of your happiness, no matter what that entails. I give you my blessing, Snufkin.”
She took his hands with her own and smiled. Tears still dampened her fur, but Snufkin could see only a mother’s love shining in her eyes. He smiled in return.
“Thank you, both of you.” He moved back and collected his hat putting it back on. “I better get started then. There’s much to do to make it the best day of Moomin’s life. I’d say it’d be his biggest day.”
With that, Snufkin said his farewells and left Moomin house. He had much work to do if he was going to plan the perfect outing to lead up to the greatest moment of their lives. As Snufkin left and Moominpapa watched him go from the porch, he could swear he saw Snufkin spin around in a small dance happily as he went.