The Nutons of Trou Al’Wesse Return

Deep in the caves near Pont de Bonne in Modave, the Nutons had lived since time immemorial. These small, wise beings were more renowned than any genie. In the darkness of night, they would repair the farmers’ shoes, mend their clothes, and even clean the houses. All they asked for was a bowl of milk, a slice of bread, and some grain — a small price for such generous help.

But somewhere over the centuries, as the modern world encroached upon Modave, everything changed. The villagers became ungrateful. They set trap after trap to catch the Nutons. They tried to spy on them and reveal their secrets. And so the Nutons departed silently, disappearing into the depths of the earth, leaving the village to decay and ruin.

For generations, their memory faded from the people’s consciousness. Mothers stopped leaving milk and bread at the cave entrance. Young people laughed at their grandmothers’ tales. The Trou Al’Wesse became nothing more than a tourist attraction, empty of its magical inhabitants.

On a cold autumn day, marvelous things began to happen. Small footprints appeared before the door of a house in Modave. Tiny footprints, no larger than a child’s hand. And within the house — a miraculous, wondrous occurrence — all the holes in the socks had been mended, without anyone noticing!

The news spread like wildfire. Old and young rushed to witness the marvel. Some said the Nutons had finally, at last, taken pity on them, seeking forgiveness for the wrongs done to them. Others said this was a sign, an invitation to renew the old covenant.

A group of villagers, led by the wise old grandmother Marguerite, hurried to the Trou Al’Wesse bearing gifts. They set out bowls filled with milk from the finest cows, bread baked by the baker’s daughter, and grain harvested under the stars. They knelt in the cave and pleaded for forgiveness, with no guile in their hearts.

What happened next was forever remembered in the legends of Modave. Every night thereafter, the Nutons returned to their work. Not merely repairs — oh no! They worked harder than ever before. Lost objects were found. Sick plants bloomed again. All that had been lost was restored.

And all this occurred in grateful, peaceful silence. The villagers kept their promises: each evening milk and bread were left at the Trou Al’Wesse. With great respect, gifts were brought and thanks were given. And the Nutons, delighted in the renewed appreciation, ended their exile.

To this very day, they say in Modave, if you listen at night in the caves, you can hear small sounds — the gentle tapping of hammers, the whisper of stitches being sewn. And whoever is careful and grateful, whoever leaves milk and bread with a pure heart, will find that their work becomes easier, their sorrows lighter, and that the helpful Nutons still labor in the caves of Liège.