Page 68 - Book 8 Matty Hedgehog and the Paper Chase

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Matty Hedgehog and the Paper Chase
Charlie did his best to help his mum but wasn’t used to catering for a crowd. Nevertheless, he was good at peeling potatoes and roasting them over the wood burner. With a shortage of chairs, the animals sat on the floor and Leo declared that it was the best picnic he’d ever had.
‘Just like a snow picnic,’ smiled Tilly as she washed the dishes. ‘I look forward to having a celebration in the snow. Will you come, Saskia?’
‘How can you be sure that we will have snow, Tilly, and what will you be celebrating?’ the duck asked.
‘You will have to wait and find out,’ replied Tilly. ***
Saskia’s youngsters felt sad when it was time to go home and Leo had a sulk when he was told that Gilmore was staying behind to work in the bakery until Matty was stronger.
Saskia kissed her husband goodbye and waved to the other garden families before opening the garden gate. ‘It seems a lifetime since I stood here with Henry when we were homeless,’ she said, turning to her husband. ‘I’m so glad we visited the garden. Take care, Gil – we’ll see you soon.’
‘Bye, kids. Look after your mum,’ said Gilmore as his family set off back home.
Over at Badger’s house, Matty was making slow progress and his friend, Jackson Squirrel enjoyed his walks with him around the enchanted garden. The doctor had confirmed that Matty would be permanently disabled; he might never play football again.