The Museum of Living Statues
Firlefanz heard that there is a huge, mysterious museum — the largest in the world! In the evening, when the sun sets, the statues there are said to come to life.
Firlefanz woke up and rubbed his eyes. He had dreamed — of a huge house full of statues that smiled at him. He jumped out of bed. Today he wanted to visit the largest and most mysterious museum in the whole world — where the statues are said to come to life in the evening!
At breakfast, Firlefanz ate toast with strawberry jam and thought. Could the statues really speak? Did they dance or laugh? He could hardly wait to find out for himself.
Firlefanz ran to Papalapapp. He was sitting on the bench in front of the house, drinking his morning coffee. "Papalapapp, do you know the largest museum in the world?" Papalapapp nodded slowly. "The Museum of Living Statues — far beyond the seven mountains!" He set down his cup. "Shall we go together?" "Yes!" shouted Firlefanz. "But dress warmly," said Papalapapp with a smile. "The way is very far."
Firlefanz put on his brown hiking boots, grabbed the old walking stick with the copper knob, and threw on the dark green jacket. He put on the wide-brimmed hat and looked at himself in the mirror. "Now I am ready for the greatest adventure!" he shouted and spun around once.
And then they set off — Firlefanz and Papalapapp, side by side. They crossed seven roaring seas and traversed seven golden deserts. They climbed seven snow-covered mountains and waded through seven rushing rivers. They wandered through seven dark forests and over seven stony hills. The further they went, the quieter and more mysterious the air became.
Suddenly it stood before them: a huge building made of gray stone, as tall as a mountain. Tall towers reached into the evening sky, and the great gate was made of dark wood with golden fittings. "It’s even bigger than I thought," whispered Firlefanz in awe. Papalapapp squeezed his hand. Together they stepped through the mighty gate.
Inside it was cool and quiet. Statues stood everywhere — made of stone, marble, and shiny bronze. Knights and dragons, round figures and slender shapes, all in a golden twilight. But they all stood completely still. "Are they really alive?" whispered Firlefanz. Then a deep, friendly voice sounded behind him: "Only when the sun sets."
Firlefanz spun around. There stood a small, round figure made of polished stone — and it winked at him! Outside, the sun sank on the horizon. And suddenly — the statues moved! They stretched their arms, yawned, and laughed. A bronze figure with a long tail shook its head and cheerfully called out: "Finally! A visitor!"
The little stone statue was named Runo. She led Firlefanz and Papalapapp through the whole museum — to the dancing knight, who bowed politely, and to the gentle marble fairy, who hummed soft melodies. Firlefanz danced with the knight, and Papalapapp hummed happily along. "During the day we rest," Runo explained with a smile. "But in the evening we come to life!" It was the happiest museum in the world.
When the moon was high in the sky, it was time to go. Runo hugged Firlefanz tightly — even though she was made of stone, the hug felt warm and friendly. "Come back soon," whispered Runo. "The statues always wait for friends." Firlefanz promised and waved for a long time as he and Papalapapp stepped through the great gate into the quiet night.
The way home was long, but Firlefanz hardly noticed how tired his legs became. He thought of Runo, the dancing knight, and the humming marble fairy. At home, Papalapapp brought a warm blanket and sat down next to Firlefanz. "You know, Firlefanz," he said softly, "sometimes the quiet things are full of life — you just have to wait until evening." Firlefanz nodded slowly and closed his eyes. In his dream, friendly statues danced around him, and Runo smiled at him. He fell into a deep and sound sleep.