Gray slush slurped and ran over treacherous sidewalks while fresh powdered snow hid patches of ice slowing the progress of a pair of boots marching gingerly down the street. Overcast clouds blocked out the afternoon sun leaving a crisp chill in the air that elicited puffs of steam with each breath. Across the frozen river a group of young cubs dressed in stuffed winter jackets trudged gradually up the sloping embankment then hopped on sleds and rounded metal disks racing back down and attempting to reach the other side. Parental concern brought a sandy colored ferret dressed in blue jeans and an army field jacket to a halt as he watched the sledding cubs pondering about the stability of the pack ice about the cold waters.
Looking up from his father's side a white furred arctic fox raccoon hybrid with black face mask pleaded silently to join the other cubs after spotting his neighbor and best friend skid along the surface laughing hysterically as she bounce off the far side. Glancing down at Collin the ferret promised to let the kit play after their meeting was done taking his small mitten cover paw in his own and leading him over the bridge into the park. Waiting by the row of benches over looking the swing sets a pair of gray raccoons sat bundled up, one slightly bigger then Collin while the other was a half foot taller then Andrew and well defined muscularly even under a faded jacket. Noting the severe high and tight hair cut accompanying a disapproving frown at his old field jacket the ferret suspected he had run into another service member.
“Sgt. Hendrick,” The older raccoon said in greeting holding his paws behind his back falling into the practiced at ease position as Andrew stopped before him, “You’re out of uniform.”
“Mr. Janus,” The ferret replied releasing Collin's paw as he mirrored the raccoon's posture placing a bland neutral expression on his face as Jeremy snickered at his father's side, “You have me at a disadvantage, I was unaware you were in the military.”
“1st Sgt. James Janus, of the 315th MP out of Sheboygan,” The raccoon said stiffly glancing down at the service boots on Andrew's feet and raising an eyebrow, “Irregardless of my status you shouldn't be wearing your issued boots and field jacket coupled with civilian clothes. If your going to keep wearing your field jacket off base you have to take off your rank and insignia, as a sergeant you should know better.”
“I stand corrected,” Collin's dad answered causing the white half breed at his side to wince and glare at Jeremy as he smirked at his dressing down, “Though I have a medical profile letting me use my service boots with my prosthetic when off duty.”
“Just remember to keep the jacket at home or remove the decor,” 1st Sgt. Janus said finishing with his inspection, “On to other business I believe you wanted to meet so our boys could resolve their differences?”
“Correct,” Andrew said kicking himself mentally for making a bad first impression hoping the senior ranking NCO didn't attribute his own faults onto Collin, “As we discussed over the phone I wanted to give the boys an opportunity state their case for their actions, explain why they did what they did, so they both can understand how they effected each other and have a chance to apologize so they can go on with out holding a grudge.”
The older raccoon glanced down as both kits glared daggers at each other recalling the conversation from the school principal about the fight and Jeremy’s black eye that resulted from it. Balancing that against all the other calls he had already taken from the school about his son James doubted there could be a reconciliation between the two.
“It sounds like a worthy effort,” 1st Sgt. Janus said taking his youngest by the shoulders and bringing him closer to Collin, “You two have some talking to do. Both of you are in equal trouble so don't try to pretend you didn't have a part of it and try passing the buck.”
“Go on Collin,” Andrew said giving the hybrid kit a nudge for encouragement, “Tell Jeremy why you hit him.”
Both Collin and Jeremy just stared at each other menacingly the white kit's ears pinned back while the gray cub's tail puffed up behind him. After a couple of minutes of locking eyes Collin tucked his tail and turned away looking over the river as Jeremy roiled his eyes and lifted his chin defiantly unwilling to admit wrong. Shaking his head James lost his patience with the quarrelsome boys reaching out to grab the scruff of Jeremy's neck.
“Looks like a firmer paw is needed for these two,” 1st Sgt, Janus said as he prepared to resort to more time trusted methods, “Sgt. Hendrick I apologize for my son's poor behavior. I promise he'll act better after some disciplinary action, I trust you will see to the same measures with yours?”
“Hold on 1st Sgt.” Noting the panic flirting across Jeremy's blue eyes Andrew stepped in not ready to admit defeat just yet, “Boys, would it be easier to talk with each other if we weren't listening?”
Jeremy nodded vigorously as he pulled at his father's grip clearly ready for another round of diplomacy instead with whatever his dad had plan back home. Looking up curiously at his papa Collin bit his lip before nodding too not sure what kind of punishment he would get at home if he didn't. Looking back at the younger lower ranking NCO James took a moment considering it slowly while lowering his son's arm and letting go.
“No more monkey business,” The older raccoon said as he glared down at the cubs, “This is your last chance, if you keep messing around it'll only get worse for you back home.”
“We'll be over by the gazebo,” Andrew said turning to follow the 1st Sgt. “We'll still see everything, so no fighting. Talk it over and settle it then come back over to us.”
Trudging along behind the ranging steps of the senior NCO the ferret took his leave taking a seat under the cover of the decorative canopy out of ear shot but still well within sight. Leaning against one of the support pillars James looked back at the two kits as they sat down together on the bench satisfied they had finally started to talk. Turning to regard Andrew the raccoon spotted the four fat golden buttons along the seams of his jeans and judging from that and the ferret's stride surmised he had lost his left leg to an IED. Softening his expression the 1st Sgt began to make polite inquires about the buck sergeant’s past to take the measure of the man.
“Where were you deployed when you lost your leg?” James opened with for small talk as they waited for their sons to finish up.
“I was under 3rd COSTCOM out of LSA Anaconda,” Andrew replied resting his arms on the rails of the gazebo watching the older raccoon intently, “I was running convoy protection when we got hit by a IED that flipped our Humvee. I lost my gunner and medic along with my leg below my knee. Back on duty in the reserves though after the physical therapy so I'm still fighting the good fight.”
“When did you adopt?” 1st Sgt. Janus asked folding his arms over his chest keeping an eye on the kits as they pointed fingers at each other animatedly, “You married?”
“Took custody of Collin this October,” The ferret replied coolly smiling slightly as he considered his response, “Not married yet, but me and my mate have plans to in the future God willing.”
“You'll find parenting while serving challenging,” The raccoon said with a sigh as he watched his youngest son argue with the white half breed, “I was deployed in Afghanistan when Jeremy was born, and only returned from my last tour in Iraq late this summer. I hope you have a understanding mate.”
“I do,” Andrew answered carefully feeling sympathy for the senior NCO, already dreading the thought for having to leave Trent and Collin behind if called up again, “How many kids do you have?”
“Five,” James informed the ferret rubbing the bridge of his maw, “I know Jeremy's behavior is partly due to my absence, it's hard to raise a son when your not there. I'm truly sorry for what he said about Collin's mother. It was out of line and cruel, I understand why your boy picked the fight.”
“Still we should make the effort to help them to resolve the issue without violence,” Andrew nodded his acceptance of the apology, “We're both here now and can show them if they listen and try to understand how they make each other feel they might be willing to give each other another chance.”
“I hope your right,” The 1st Sgt, said tail flicking back and forth, “I already have had six calls this year about Jeremy, and your boy seems quick to the trigger in response. I don't know if positive reinforcement will be enough.”
“Let's put a little faith in them,” The ferret suggested as he looked over watching the kits slowly argue their points to each other, “Trust can go a long way. We can always adjust to different tactics if we must, but lets give them a chance first.”
James nodded in agreement falling into silence as he waited for the boys to finish up quietly regretting all the years he missed with his son while deployed. The full weight of his sacrifice reached deeper into the well being of his family then he had prepared for.
***
Watching his father's retreating back anxiously Collin rubbed his arms for warmth not particularly liking being left alone with Jeremy even if his dad was watching at a distance. Flopping down on the bench beside him the white kit's nemesis blew his black bangs out of his eyes staring off into the park looking relieved at the momentary reprieve. The expression didn't last long as the gray raccoon's customary sneer returned to his face as Jeremy turned to Collin already set to mock his father.
“Your dad's not a good soldier,” The bully chuckled looking over his shoulder at his dad chatting under the gazebo, “Can't even dress right. No wonder he hurt himself.”
Fire ran up Collin's spine as the heavy pounding returned to his head and he glared at the callous raccoon kit lounging on the park bench beside him. Balling his paws into fists the white mix breed glared threateningly with sharp green eyes as his cheeks turned pink.
“Shut up about my dad Jeremy or I'll hit you again.” Collin growled out as he sat down fur standing on edge, “At least he stands up for me and is there for me.”
“You shut up!” The gray kit barked back pulling away defensively, “You don't know nothing about that! It's not my dad's fault he's always gone!”
“I do know what that's like, remember?” The white kit said throwing the bully's words back at him, “I'm an 'orphan boy' after all. I know what it's like to be all alone.”
Jeremy stared back at Collin balefully his black face mask hiding his blush as his emotion got the better of him. Clenching his fists the bully turned away not wanting the other kit to know how wounded he was.
“It's not the same at all,” Jeremy said softly taking deep breaths to steady his voice, “You know your mom is dead. I don't know if the next time my dad leaves he'll never come back.”
Collin paused at the admission startled to actually feel sympathy for the bully and wondering if what the other kit was saying was just a trick. Scooting a little closer the white half breed leaned in so only Jeremy could hear him.
“My dad might have to go over too,” Collin said working out into the common ground he shared with Jeremy, “He's still in the army, he said it could happen.”
“Don't be dumb!” The gray kit barked looking up with red rimmed eyes, “They can't send someone that's disabled into a war zone. It's against the rules.”
“Maybe,” The white kit responded hotly pulling back and trying a different approach, “But you don't like me talking about your dad. Well I don't like it ether, I feel the same as you do about your dad when you talk about my mom! Why did you say that about her?”
Jeremy paused taken aback that Collin didn't get it, that he couldn't see that it was a way to get under his skin and make him react the way the bully wanted. All it was about was control and getting others to do what he wanted so no one could push him around.
“Cause I wanted to show you who was in charge,” The bully answered feeling strangely calm at the moment, never having shared his feeling about it before, “I wanted you know you can't push me around. No one messes with me cause I'm stronger then anyone else.”
“I messed with you cause you messed with me!” Collin shouted unable to understand the reason or accept it, “And with Mikky and Sarah! I can beat you up, your not stronger then me.”
“You only got lucky,” Jeremy huffed looking away as he recalled the fight and the pummeling he had received, “If it was a fair fight and you didn't jump me I would have won.”
“I didn't like hitting you Jeremy,” The half breed said softly yet menacingly, “It made me feel sick, it felt worse then anything I felt before. But I will do it again if I have.”
“Why don't you like fighting?” The bully asked confused and curious, “It feels good when I do it? It makes me feel strong.”
“Cause I don't like hurting people!” Collin stated firmly with conviction, “Didn't it hurt when I hit you? Weren't you scared?”
Jeremy turned away again not liking being reminded of losing, curled up on the ground crying out for his dad. The gray kit gave Collin silence unwilling to admit he was afraid of him during the fight and even a little after it.
“I know you were scared, everyone is scared when they're getting hurt,” The white kit said to the back of the brooding bully, “You've seen it yourself, that's what makes you feel stronger when you fight.”
“So what if I was scared,” Jeremy barked looking over with a glare, “I won't be next time.”
“There doesn't have to be a next time,” Collin informed the bully bluntly staring right back unflinching, “Just leave us alone and we'll leave you alone. You know you can't scare us any more so there's no point trying, you'll just get hurt again.”
“You can't tell me what to do,” The bully sulked attempting to find something he could use to save face, “I'll get my friends to help me next time, and then I'll be the one to land the first punch. We'll see who wins then.”
Collin simply stared at Jeremy unable to respond to the empty threat and at a loss at what else he could even say to convince the bully. Leaning back the white kit recalled the frightened look on Jeremy's face when his dad grabbed him earlier.
“If you don't promise to leave us alone I'll tell you dad we couldn't work this out between us,” Collin said hoping his face didn't show how hard his stomach was twisting at the moment, “I don't know what he's going to do to you but you didn't look happy about it.”
Jeremy froze at the threat knowing all too well about his father's view about sparing the rod and spoiling the child. Tensing up the bully squirmed in his seat looking over at the canopy where his dad was waiting.
“You won't!” The gray kit shouted nervously felling his heart pounding at the prospect of being taken out behind the garage, “You can't, or you'll get it too!”
“I can take it, they did it all the time at the orphanage,” The white kit bluffed putting on a sad face, “I'm used to it by now, my dad probably won't even know how to hit as hard as Mrs. Mc Carter did.”
“Don't tell them!” Jeremy cried tearing up and gripping Collin's paws in his own, “It's not fair! I'm sorry, I didn't mean it!”
Collin weighted the bully's apology knowing full well he had meant what he said and that he was only afraid of what his dad would do once back home. Off setting that realization was sympathy for his fear, the orphaned kit surprised and horrified that any cub could be so afraid of their own parent.
“Do you promise not to bully me, Mikky, or Sarah any more?” The half breed asked making sure he got the full deal, “If you don't promise I'm going over there right now.”
“I promise, I promise,” Jeremy sniffled nodding his head and hugging his bushy tail, “I won't talk bad about your mom ether.”
“O.k. I believe you,” Collin stated taking Jeremy at his word, “And I'm sorry for hitting you. I didn't mean to hurt you.”
The bully nodded accepting the apology and the two kits made their way over to the gazebo ready to face their dads together. Listening closely the two adults let Jeremy and Collin explain how they both understood how each other felt when they hit them or said mean spirited words and the best way to avoid feeling scared of each other was to treat one and other with respect. As his son spilled out his apology and promise to behave better Jame's face lightened and the 1st Sgt, felt relief he didn't have to carry out additional disciplinary action back home. Andrew nodded in satisfaction as Collin offered his own apology certain the kit was sincere and that they truly had come to an understanding.
The two fathers shook paws then turning their separate ways James leaded his cub home one arm draped around his shoulders protectively while Andrew lead Collin over to the hill were Sarah waited for the white kit to join her. Waiting for his turn at the top of Collin looked up at his dad a little uncertainty in his eyes.
“Dad would you have really punished me back home if I hadn't apologized to Jeremy?” The kit asked timidly playing with the tip of his tail, “Would you have spanked me?”
Andrew looked troubled at the question kneeling down to pull his son in close for a hug. A gray furred wolf pup took Collin's spot as he talked with his dad flying down the embankment and landing in a snow drift.
“If you hadn't worked it out I would have come up with something to help you remember to use words as well as fists,” The ferret said softly as he brushed the snow off Collin's ears, “But I wouldn't spank you or hit you with a belt. I won't be a good parent if I had to smack you to get you to do the proper thing would I?”
Collin nodded nuzzling close for a moment letting his papa know he was alright before joining Sarah on a bobsled and bolting down the sloop. Giggling as they skidded over the frozen river Collin let himself forget about the fight with Jeremy, glad to have made his papa proud and ready to have a little fun.
Bravo, well done and very much worth the wait to see it. I like these small slice of life adventures you write about here, it's just got a nice calming attitude in it with just enough drama to make it interesting.
Bravo, well done and very much worth the wait to see it. I like these small slice of life adventure
very well done and a good resolution to the story, it gave them both something to think about and who knows, in the fullness of time they may become allies and eventually friends. well written, thanks for posting it --GF
very well done and a good resolution to the story, it gave them both something to think about and wh
