The Window That Was Waiting for Obelix
On the afternoon grandmother moved the cushions, Rita started building a village on the rug again. She made houses out of boxes, drew streets, and painted a window that faced the square yellow. It looked like a window waiting for someone.
On the other side of the square lived a paper star, stuck to the wall of a blue box. Rita wanted to bring it to the window, but there was an empty space between the two houses. The road ended before it reached the destination.
The little girl tried placing a strip of paper over the gap. The strip gave way to the first breeze coming from the open window. The star slid to the floor.
— We need someone strong to help — said Rita.
She went to get the Obelix figurine. She knew the character’s reputation for enormous strength and chose him for that role. In their game, Obelix would hold one end of the bridge while Rita prepared the path.
The figurine was about 8.5 centimeters tall. Rita placed it against the entrance of the yellow house and realized that the drawn arch was too low. She moved the box, raised the arch, and tried again. Now the figure fit on the street and could reach the window.
The bridge still needed to be solved. Grandmother asked:
— How can it stay firm without blocking the way?
Rita folded another strip of cardboard into small zigzags and placed it underneath, like an accordion. Then she smoothed a sheet on top. The bridge didn't wobble anymore. In the made-up story, Obelix held one end with all his might. In the real village, it was the folds that kept it straight and Rita’s hands that moved the figure.
Slowly, Rita made Obelix advance to the blue box. He stopped in the middle of the bridge to check if the star was still in place. It was. With her other hand, she guided it along the wide street, under the tall arch, to the yellow window.
When the star arrived, Rita placed it on the windowsill. The window now had company. Obelix stood at the entrance, ready to receive whoever came next.
Grandmother looked at the village.
— And what if someone else appears tomorrow?
Rita pointed to the empty boxes and the bridge she had built.
— We’ll make another house. And we’ll leave space to pass.
Before tidying up, the little girl went along the path one more time. The Obelix figurine crossed the bridge in her hand; the star lit up the window in her imagination. The yellow house was no longer waiting alone. It had an open street, a visitor, and room for many new stories.
3 play ideas
A zigzag bridge. Fold a strip of cardboard like an accordion and use it under a sheet to create a firm bridge between two boxes.
The window measurement. Place the figurine against the entrance of a house made from a box. Adjust the arch so that Obelix fits through the passage and can reach the window.
The power of make-believe. Move the figurine with your hand and invent a scene where Obelix helps hold a bridge while someone prepares the path.
Featured product
The Asterix & Obelix: Obelix figurine, by Plastoy, is about 8.5 cm tall. In play, his identity and the strength the character represents inspire the role of the bridge helper.
