It was time for school again after the weekend, and the students were being dropped off at their respective classes. One of the students was a five year old raccoon kit named Ricky, who was in preschool. After giving his mother a hug and walking towards his classroom, he greeted his teacher at the door. “Hello Mr Badger,”
Mr Badger was a kind and gentle preschool teacher. He was the most popular in the preschool and kindergarten department, and was quite beloved by his students. He noticed Ricky greeted him, and smiled in reply. “Good morning Ricky, you’re the first cub today,” He said as he greeted him back, and ruffled the fur on his head. “Are you ready for today?” He then asked, to which Ricky nodded. “Yes Mr Badger.”
Ricky then entered the class, and soon other cubs started entering. They started taking their seats, with the desks in the classroom in groups of four. Opposite to Ricky sat a coyote cub named Carter and a wolf cub named Willow. But the seat next to him was empty, as it always had been.
“H-hi Ricky, how are you?” Willow tried to greet him as usual, wagging her tail slightly. “Uhh… hi… I’m doing okay,” Ricky replied, though he wasn’t sure what to say further. “You’re still trying to speak to him? Don't bother,” Carter quickly told her, before adding. “He’s weird, he barely talks to anyone,” Willow disagreed, and told Carter off. “Be nice to him, he’s friendly.”
Ricky didn’t pay much attention and rather just waited for the bell to ring and for Mr Badger to start the lesson. “All right Class,” The teacher soon started, but noticed a little cub at the door before continuing. He was an otter, who was around the age of four. He clung to a cat plushie as he looked around. “Uhh… hi?”
Mr Badger quickly led the otter into the classroom. “Class, from today on we’ll have a new student,” He said, before turning towards the cub. “Would you like to introduce yourself?” The otter nodded. “H-hi, I’m Oscar, and I’m four. Uhh… I like to draw…?” While some cubs kindly or curiously waved, most started snickering at his shy demeanor. Mr Badger noticed Oscar’s nervousness, and continued so the attention wouldn’t linger on the otter.
“That’s nice. How about you sit next to Ricky?” Mr Badger said, as he pointed to the empty desk. “Okay, Mister Badger,” Oscar agreed, and went towards the raccoon in a waddle due to secretly wearing pull-ups underneath his sweatpants. “Hello,” He shyly waved, to which Carter smirked. “Don’t even bother.” He sighed, smirking slightly. “Ricky doesn’t talk to anyone.” Oscar looked confused. “Why not?” He asked, to which Carter laughed.
“Well, the raccoon rarely talks to anyone in this class.” Carter said, before getting an idea, and decided to elaborate. “Of course… why would he want to talk to a little baby otter?” He teasingly asked. Oscar looked confused. “What do you mean, baby otter?” He asked, blushing slightly. “I’m not a baby.” Carter laughed in reply. “Well, big cubs don’t bring their plushies to school.”
Oscar looked even more confused at this point. “They don’t?” He wondered. Willow spoke up. “I guess they can, but most cubs don’t.” She said. “Well that’s ‘cause most cubs aren’t little babies.” Carter replied, making Oscar fluster slightly as he sat down. Mr Badger, noticing this, started the lesson shortly to avoid the situation getting out of hand.
“The first thing we’ll do today is a group assignment,” Mr Badger started instructing as he passed out felt ladybugs and cards with numbers. “In pairs of two, you’ll try to figure out which ladybug fits with which card,” He added. Once being given the green light, the student started making groups, most of them with a friend.
After not a long time, only Oscar and Ricky were left behind. “S-so… do you wanna work together?” The otter shyly asked the raccoon, even though they didn’t really have a choice. “Uhh, sure,” Ricky agreed despite hating group projects. A question then popped up in his head. “But do you even know your numbers?” the otter blushed but nodded. “Y-yeah, of course…” Ricky giggled at the otter's reply. “Just checking.”
The two soon started working on the maths assignment, and started dividing the roles. Ricky figured that he could count the dots on each ladybug, since he liked doing that. “Can you check the cards please?” He then asked Oscar, who nodded and tried to comply. “S-sure, of course.” Ricky nodded, and then started checking the ladybugs. “All right then… Can you get the number four please?” The raccoon then requested.
Oscar looked at the cards with confusion. “Uhh… sure, lemme think…” Nearby Carter started to smirk. “What's the matter little otter? Do you still not know your numbers?” Oscar blushed and shook his head. “O-of course I do,” He meekly protested, and afterwards decided to guess which card he needed, before handing it to the raccoon. “Thanks,” Ricky said as he looked at the card; it was correct.
“Now, can you get me number seven please?” Ricky asked next. Oscar tried to recognise one of the numbers, before trying to guess again. “H-here you go,” He said, though Ricky shook his head. “No, that's number one. But good try though,” He said, figuring that the numbers one and seven looked similar to each other. Oscar blushed and quickly apologised in reply. “Why don't you give it another go?” Ricky said assuringly.
“A-all right then,” Oscar agreed, and looked through the cards again. “Uhh, this one?” He asked, holding up a four. Carter then started laughing. “Looks like you have to do all the work Ricky!” He wheezed. “Your partner is a little baby that can't do anything!” Oscar started sniffling a little at the teasing, and Ricky therefore quickly intervened. “Leave him alone!” The coyote looked confused. “Now why would you try to defend him?” He asked, and Ricky actually wasn’t sure on what to reply.
“Well…” He started thinking, making the little otter blush even more. “Well… you also had to learn your numbers when you just started going here, right?” Carter was surprised at Ricky’s rebuttal, and tried to think of a reply. “S-sure, but that doesn’t explain why he’s nearly crying.” He argued, to which the raccoon pointed out the obvious. “Well that’s ‘cause you’re the one making fun of him!” Oscar nodded slightly as well, and the coyote huffed. “Sorry that you’re a little baby.”
“You know what, just ignore him,” Ricky told Oscar in reply, before offering something. “Do you want me to help you with the numbers?” The otter looked hesitant at the offer. “A-are you sure that it isn’t a bother?” He asked. The raccoon shook his head. “I mean, it's better than you not being able to help with this assignment,” He reasoned. Oscar could see that logic. “All right then.”
“Did you at least know the number four?” Ricky then asked, remembering that Oscar had gotten that one correct. The otter hesitantly nodded. Y-yeah… of course.” Both Carter and Ricky giggled in reply, though only Carter did so maliciously. “You're a bad liar, you know that right?” The raccoon said. “Yeah, I get told that quite a lot,” Oscar nodded admittedly. “Thought so,” Ricky laughed.
“But let's get started,” The raccoon then quickly added, before getting an idea. He started putting the ladybugs next to their respective number. “I guess I can teach you by doing the assignment in reverse. If you can count how many dots there are on each, you know which number belongs.” Oscar tried to do so, and started at one of the ladybugs, which had six spots. “This one… Uhhm…” He started thinking.
Carter started laughing more as the otter took his sweet time. “You can’t even count, huh?” Oscar huffed. “Of course I do! I mean, who can’t?” Ricky didn’t buy it though. “You said the same thing about being able to recognise numbers.” The otter blushed. “W-well… this time is different.” Ricky could easily tell that Oscar was lying, but decided to play along. “All right then, what number is it then?” The otter decided to just guess. “Four I think.”
Carter started wheezing again. “Well, that does it Ricky. You’re all on your own!” He teased, making the otter mewl and the raccoon frown. “Shut it!” Ricky shouted. “I’m trying to think of something…” Oscar blushed and clung tighter to his plushie. “You don't have to work with me if you don't want to.” He told him, though Ricky shook his head. “It'll be fine, I just have to find a way to make you quickly understand.”
After figuring out how, Ricky started to teach Oscar how to count, and the otter slowly but surely started to understand. “Good, maybe you can try this one on your own again,” The raccoon then said, and got the ladybug with six dots again. Oscar took a deep breath, and started counting. “Uhh… one… two… three… uhh…” He started stammering, making Carter laugh again. “Can’t you let him continue?” Ricky asked, annoyed, before turning towards Oscar. “... uhh four… five.. And six! There are six dots!” The otter then quickly finished. “Good job,” Ricky praised, and Willow applauded slightly. Carter however wasn’t amused. “What are we getting worked up for?” He contemptuously asked, snickering a little.
Fortunately for Carter or Ricky, Mr Badger came to check up on the cubs. “How is it going here, little ones?” He curiously asked. Oscar shyly spoke up first. “Ricky taught me how to count,” he said. “Oh really?” The badger asked, before turning towards Ricky. “You did?” The raccoon nodded. “Yes I did, Mr Badger,” He said proudly in reply, glad he could help. “Well that’s amazing of you,” The teacher grinned. “Thank you for helping him.”
“Glad to help,” Ricky said in reply, and Mr Badger went to check up on other cubs. Now that Oscar could do the assignment, they could start, and the raccoon and otter went through it relatively quickly. “I think we’re done now,” Ricky said. “Thank you for teaching me everything, Ricky,” Oscar shyly stated. “Don’t mention it,” Ricky replied. “I love helping.”
Soon all the cubs were done with the maths assignment, and it was time for the next part of the day. But first the cubs had some free play time. Ricky, as well as Willow and a liger cub, started going towards the box with toy cars. The raccoon picked a blue car, and started to play with it. After a short amount of time, he noticed the otter toddling towards them.
“H-hi Ricky, Hi Willow, Hi… uhh hi!” He shyly greeted them, a slight pink blush on his face. The Liger giggled in reply. “My name’s Lena. You’re Oscar right?” The otter nodded, before asking something. “C-can I play with you?” The cubs looked confused since the toys were free to use for everyone, but Ricky and Lena nodded. “Of course,” The raccoon said. “Thank you,” Oscar shyly replied, and plopped down on the floor. He picked a pink car and started playing, before an idea. “Would you like to race?” While the liger and the wolf declined, the raccoon actually thought about it. “Sure, I guess that I can race ya,” Ricky said, getting his car ready. “To the book closet!”
Oscar and Ricky both tried to crawl as fast as they could, but eventually Ricky won. “Yes!” He cheered. Oscar soon also made it. “Good job!” He cheered as well. “Thank you Oscar,” Ricky said in reply. “Wanna go again?” He then asked, to which the otter nodded.
After a couple of turns of winning each time, Ricky started panting. “Is it okay if we take a break?” He asked, to which Oscar nodded. “Whacha wanna do now?” Ricky tried to think of something, but then noticed something off about the otter; his pants were wet now. “Uhh Oscar?” He discreetly whispered to him to avoid any bullies, but by now Carter noticed too. “Awww, did the baby otter have a little accident?” He grinned, making Oscar sniffle as he realised his pull-up had leaked. Ricky frowned at Carter, before trying to get help. “Mr Badger?” He called. The teacher overheard, and quickly went towards the cubs.
“What’s wrong?” The teacher asked as he knelt to the cub’s level. Carter started cackling in reply. “Oscar peed his pants!” He said, while Oscar blushed more. “I’m sorry, Mr Badger,” He mumbled. Mr Badger picked Oscar up in reply, but first spoke to the other two cubs. “Ricky, thank you for calling me.” He said, to which Ricky smiled and replied with a ‘you’re welcome’. The teacher then continued, sounding more stern this time. “And Carter, don’t make fun of Oscar. It’s his first day, and if you continue you’ll go into timeout.” The coyote fidgeted with his paw. “All right Mr Badger, I won’t.”
“Good,” Mr Badger replied, before putting the otter down. “Now Oscar, you know where the nurse’s office is right?” He asked. Oscar nodded in reply. “First hall left and then the right door at the end of the hall?” The teacher nodded. “Good. Now try to be back soon, little one.” The otter shyly replied and toddled away. The teacher then got a book from the book closet. “How about you cubs clean up your toys. Reading time will be soon.”
The cubs agreed, and put their toys away. Ricky put his car back into the box and sat on the circle carpet. “Can I sit next to you?” A bear cub asked. Carter quickly replied. “How does no one know that Ricky doesn’t sit next to anyone?” He asked. “Actually…” Ricky started. “I’m saving a spot for Oscar. Sorry Brooks.” The bear assured him it was fine and sat somewhere else, while Carter grinned. “You refuse to sit next to anyone but the baby otter? Guess you can make friends” He laughed, to which Ricky blushed. “He’s nice.”
Oscar soon returned, now wearing a new pair of sweatpants. He toddled towards Ricky, who waved him over, and he sat down next to him. “What are we gonna do now?” He curiously whispered. Ricky smiled in reply. “Mr Badger is gonna read us a book.” He excitedly explained, since he liked story time a lot. A lot of cubs did too, though some found it boring.
The teacher soon sat down in the circle as well. “Who remembers what book we’ll read today?’ He asked the cubs. Ricky raised his paw. “Yes Ricky?” He asked. “Today we’ll read the bad guys right?” He said, to which Mr Badger nodded. “Yup, that’s right.” The teacher then started reading, doing a funny voice as he read the lines of the big bad wolf. “Psst! Hey you!”
The story was about a wolf, snake, piranha and shark trying to clear their name. Their first antic was trying to save a kitten, which didn’t go well. While most of the cubs were as interested as Ricky, a couple were actually half-asleep. Some due to boredom, while others, like Oscar, were so due to actual fatigue. The otter snuggled against Ricky, who was surprised but giggled.
Once the story was over, Mr Brown got up and put the book away. “Did you cubs like the book?” He asked, to which most students nodded. The teacher then looked at the schedule. “All right then, I guess it’s time for lunch now. Everyone can get their lunchboxes, and sit down at their tables.”
The cubs quickly went towards their bags, and sat down at their respective tables. “What did you get?” Oscar curiously asked. Ricky showed his lunch. “A peanut butter and jelly sandwich, apple slices, and a cookie,” He said. “Looks good,” Oscar replied. “I have a baloney sandwich and carrot sticks.” The otter then tore his sandwich in half. “Do you want a piece?” Ricky was confused at the offer, but nodded. “Sure, do you want half of mine?” He then asked, and soon the trade was done.
Ricky decided to make some small talk with the little otter. “What do you think of your first day?” Oscar thought about it. “It’s nice, I think,” He shyly mumbled in reply. Ricky smiled in reply, as he started eating the baloney sandwich. “Mmm, it’s really good,” He said. Oscar smiled in reply. “Thanks. I made it myself. Yours is also really yummy.” He said, wagging his tail. “That’s funny,” Ricky laughed, thinking it was a joke, but then realised Oscar wasn’t laughing. “Wait, you actually made it yourself?” The raccoon asked, to which Oscar nodded.
Ricky was very surprised, and a bit astonished. The raccoon continued eating his own sandwich, before wondering about something else. “When will you turn five?” The otter thought about it. “Uhh… This Saturday," He said, as he finished eating his carrot sticks. “Oh that's soon,” Ricky replied. “Will you have a birthday party then?” He then asked, to which Oscar nodded. “Yeah, with some relatives.” Ricky smiled, as he finished his lunch. “Well that's nice.”
Once all the cubs were done with their lunch, the teacher noticed that many cubs were sleepy, and checked the schedule. “All right cubs, it’ll be naptime soon. So how about we all try to use the bathroom in pairs?” The cubs nodded and got up. Oscar turned towards Ricky. “Can I go with you?” He asked.
The raccoon was about to say yes, but then remembered that he first had to go to the nurse’s office to put on his nighttime diaper. “Sorry Oscar, I always go with Willow,” He truthfully said, as the wolf cub was the only other still in diapers during naptime. “Oh all right then,” Oscar replied, before trying to find another cub to go to the bathroom with. Eventually he agreed to go with Carter.
Meanwhile at the nurse’s office, Ricky entered first to put on his goodnite. “Hello nurse Badger,” He greeted the nurse. The nurse quickly greeted him and replied as she noticed him. “Hi Ricky, how are you doing today?” The raccoon smiled in reply. “I’m all right, thank you.”
Ms Badger handed him a pull-up. “Glad to hear sweetie. Do you need help putting it on?” Ricky shook his head, and was about to take it when he noticed what it was. “That one isn't mine.” The nurse realised, and quickly got a goodnite instead. “Oh sorry dear,” She chuckled as she handed Ricky the correct one. “One new student needs to wear pull-ups, so that now confuses me,” Ricky figured out that it was a cub from another preschool class, and finished changing before saying goodbye to the nurse and opening for Willow.
Soon, all the cubs were back in the classroom, and got a mat with the teacher’s help. Oscar noticed where Ricky placed his mat, and shyly toddled towards there. “C-can I lay here?” He asked, pointing to the spot next to it. Ricky nodded. “Of course, I don’t see why not.” After Mr Badger helped everyone, all the cubs laid down. “Good night Ricky,” Oscar whispered, as he clung to his plushie. Ricky giggled in reply. “It’s not night, silly,” He said. “But sleep tight,” He added, and soon they were both asleep.
Naptime would typically last around an hour, which would then typically be followed by the students playing outside and then a second assignment. But at around half an hour into naptime, Oscar suddenly woke up from a nightmare. He quickly clung to his plushie again and wiped his tears away, before realising that his pull-up felt wet; he had peed himself. The otter then sat up, and looked around; the other cubs were still asleep. He wondered what he should then do.
Mr Badger then noticed that Oscar had woken up. “Are you all right buddy?” He asked, to which Oscar nodded, before adding something. “Can I go to the nurse’s office though?” He asked. The teacher quickly understood why, and nodded. “Go ahead.” Soon at the nurse’s office, the cub knocked at the door, and it quickly opened. “Yes dear?” Ms Badger greeted him, already guessing what’s wrong. “Do you need a diaper change?” Oscar nodded. “All right then dear, come on in,” She said as she led Oscar inside, before setting him on the medical table.
“I’m sorry Ms Badger,” The otter mumbled, trying not to cry as he clung to his plush . The nurse tried to calm him down a little. “It’s all right dear, accidents happen. Especially during naptime.” As she got a new pull-up and peeled back Oscar’s pants, which were fortunately still dry, she started to make some small talk. “Did you make some friends already?” Oscar wasn’t completely certain. “I think so…? Ricky seems friendly, though I'm not sure if he sees me as a friend.” The nurse smiled in reply. “That's nice to hear, and I'm sure he does.” She assured him.
She then thought of something else. “Does he know that you wear pull-ups?” Oscar shook his head. “Don’t want him to make fun of me,” He explained. Ms Badger understood Oscar’s concern. “I understand that it’s scary, but if Ricky is really your friend, then he won’t mind, right?” Oscar thought about it, but then hesitantly nodded, seeing her logic. “I guess so.” Eventually, nurse Badger finished changing Oscar, and then set him down. “Just think about it dear,” She said as she sent him away again. “And have fun.” Oscar shyly smiled, and waved as he toddled away. “Thank you Ms Badger.”
But as he went towards the classroom, he shook the idea off, not wanting to risk being made fun off. He entered inside, greeted the teacher, and then went to spend his free time drawing and colouring. After a bit of time, Ricky also woke up and got up, which Oscar noticed. “Hi Ricky, did you sleep well?” He asked. “Yeah, slept all right,” Ricky nodded in reply. “Do you wanna play?” Ricky was about to nod yes, but then felt his goodnite being wet. “Uhh, I have to go to the bathroom first,” He fibbed. “I’ll be right back.”
Once at the nurse’s office again, Ricky knocked on the door. The nurse quickly opened the door and kindly greeted the raccoon before leading him inside, already figuring out why he was there. “Hi Ricky, do you need help with your goodnite?” Ricky shook his head. “I’m all right, nurse Badger,” He said in reply as he started changing himself, humming happily. “Someone’s extra happy today,” Ms Badger smiled. Ricky nodded. “I think I finally made a friend.”
The nurse already knew who, but decided to ask anyway. “Who is it, dear?” Ricky smiled in reply. “Oscar, the new cub,” He said. “Well that’s great to hear,” Ms Badger replied. Ricky went on to explain everything they did, and soon finished changing. “Well, it seems you two have had a lot of fun already. Hope you’ll continue to do so,” She stated, before wondering. “Does he know about your bedwetting?” Ricky quickly shook his head. “I don’t think I’ll tell him,” He admitted. “That’s all right dear, it’s your choice,” The nurse said. “But if Oscar’s really your friend, then he wouldn’t mind right?”
“I guess not, nurse Badger,” Ricky said, since he could see her logic. But he wasn’t planning on telling Oscar anyway. He threw away his wet goodnite, before saying goodbye to Ms Badger. “Bye Ricky, have fun,” The nurse said in reply. Ricky soon went back to the preschool classroom. The otter was still the only one awake, and finished drawing, while the others would still be asleep for fifteen minutes or so.
“Hi Ricky,” Oscar nervously waved at the raccoon once he noticed him. “Hi,” Ricky waved in reply, before going to play with some blocks. Oscar went to put his finished drawing away, before going towards Ricky. “Uhhm, can I play with the blocks too?” He asked. Ricky chuckled in reply. “You don’t have to ask to play with toys, silly.” He said as he started building. “Oh all right then. Sorry,” Oscar replied. “You also don’t have to apologise,” Ricky added. “Oh sorry.” Oscar then said.
Ricky laughed, and continued building. “What do you think?” He eventually asked. Oscar looked at the house the raccoon built. “It looks good,” He replied. “Thank you,” Ricky said, as he kept on building. Soon more cubs started waking up, and after a while it was already time for the next part of the day, which was outside playtime. Mr Badger helped the cubs put their mats away, and soon checked the weather. “Looks like you cubs don’t need to wear coats,” He said. “Ready to go play outside?” All the cubs were excited, and replied with yes. The badger smiled, and started leading them towards the school playground.
“Do you wanna play together?” Oscar nervously asked Ricky once outside. The raccoon smirked in reply. “Race ya to the swing!” He said as he took off, and the otter waddled behind him. Soon Ricky reached the swings and sat down. By the time Oscar arrived there too, he was already swinging high. “Oh there you are, slowpoke!” Ricky teased him. Oscar giggled nervously, and sat down on the swing next to him. “How do you make yourself swing?” He then wondered, to which Ricky laughed as he started showing Oscar. “You just swing your legs forwards when you go forwards, and bend your knees when you go backwards!” Oscar tried to copy Ricky, and was soon also swinging faster and going higher. “Good job!” Ricky praised.
The two continued playing for a while, until Ricky started getting bored. “Wanna play tag?” He asked as he jumped off the swing. “Uhh, sure,” Oscar nodded, as he tried to get off too. Ricky noticed. “Just time your jump,” He said, though Oscar didn’t budge. The otter unnoticeably started to wet his pull-up. Ricky noticed Oscar being scared once Carter started teasing him. “Cut it out!” He told the coyote, who just snickered. “You don't know how to jump down yourself.” He then added, before helping Oscar by slowing his swing. “Thank you Ricky,” Oscar mumbled once he got off. In reply, Ricky quickly tagged him. “You’re it!”
“Wha? H-hey!” Oscar replied, and soon started chasing Ricky, though noticeably slower and with a waddle. The raccoon noticed and started giggling. “You all right, slowpoke?” He teases. Oscar then tried to speed up, and surely after some time, he tagged Ricky. “You’re it!” Ricky laughed and chased the otter. The two continued for a while, until Mr Badger called all the students again. “All right cubs, time to go inside again,” He explained, before being hit with a bunch of ‘awwws’. “I know you cubs wanna play more, but I promise you that arts & crafts will be fun too.”
After some time, the cubs were inside again, and Mr Badger started preparing the art supplies. “I wonder what we’ll do today,” Willow stated, while Carter started laughing. “I really hope Oscar can at least do something here,” He said. “Otherwise you two will be completely lost.” Ricky groaned in reply, before turning towards Oscar. “We can still work together if you want to. But I can’t really help you this time,” He explained. “That’s all right; maybe I can help this time,” Oscar replied, to which Carter started wheezing. That's funny.”
Oscar blushed at the teasing, and was unsure how to respond. He suddenly felt that his pull-up was wet, and felt a pang from his bladder that made him realise he still had to go. He quickly raised his paw, surprising Carter. “Tattletale!” The coyote called out, but was surprised when the otter didn’t rat him out as Mr Badger arrived. “Can I go use the bathroom, Mr Badger?” The teacher smiled warmly in reply. “You don’t have to ask for that. You can just go,” He explained, and Oscar quickly ran off in reply.
“Guess he isn’t a tattletale,” Carter sighed with relief, While Ricky meanwhile paid close attention to the instructions for the assignment, hoping it wouldn’t be too difficult. But unfortunately for him, the assignment was to make your own puzzle, and it involved both drawing and painting. Meanwhile in the hallways, Oscar quickly ran towards the bathroom but to no avail, as he soon started to wet himself while not even halfway. Fortunately for him, this time his pull-up didn’t leak, but he still had to take a trip to the nurse’s office.
Oscar was soon changed, and went back towards the preschool classroom. “What is the assignment?” The otter shyly asked as he sat down again, the table now covered in newspapers. “We have to make our own puzzle,” The raccoon explained. “That seems fun,” Oscar said, and in reply Carter started laughing again. “It is for those who know what they are doing, though I doubt you and Ricky can do even the first step!” Ricky sighed in reply. “Just ignore him. We’ll be all right, probably.”
Carter chuckled in reply. “Probably? Is that what you’re aiming for?” He teased, though unfortunately for him, Mr badger was nearby. “Carter, we don’t talk to our fellow students like that,” He gently told him off. “You wouldn’t want to go to time-out or have me phone your parents right?” He added, to which the coyote shook his head. “No Mr Badger. Sorry Ricky.”
The raccoon accepted the apology. “It's all right,” He said, as Mr Badger went to hand the other cubs supplies to. But Ricky then realised something. “...But don't you have to apologise to someone else?” Carter looked confused. “Who, the baby otter?” Oscar blushed, while Ricky sighed. “His name’s Oscar. But yes.” Carter groaned. “All right then, I'm sorry Oscar,” He rather insincerely said. “It's all right,” Oscar replied, though Ricky shook his head. “Why are you so mean to him?”
Carter was surprised by Ricky’s question, not having expected it. “It’s just a couple jokes, and it's not like he's crying or something,” He reasoned. “Just cause Oscar isn't crying doesn’t mean that it doesn't hurt,” Ricky replied. “It's still mean.” Carter was confused. “He doesn't seem hurt. He only was when I teased him for his accident,” He said, still chuckling a little at the thought. It caused Oscar to fluster, and Ricky just told him to ignore him.
“S-so what’s the first step?” Oscar then asked. Ricky quickly explained as he showed the square piece of cardboard. “We have to make a drawing on it, since that’ll be the design of the puzzle,” He said. “Oh all right then,” The otter replied, before grabbing one of the pencils on the table. “Whatcha wanna draw, then?” The raccoon thought about it. “Maybe a dragon?” He thought. “But that might be difficult.”
Oscar then got an idea. “How about I make the sketch, and then we can draw it further from there?” He proposed. Ricky thought about the offer. “Sure, that’s all right I guess,” He agreed. “Then you could add some other details,” Oscar added, as he started sketching. “What do you think?”
Ricky, who had been drawing some stars, decided to look. He wasn't sure what to expect, but he definitely hadn't expected Oscar’s sketch to come out like it did. “That looks really good,” The raccoon said. Willow agreed, and even Carter did so. “Yeah, I'm surprised. At least you can do something well.” Oscar smiled a little at their replies. “Thank you,” He mumbled. “It’s really good that you can draw at least, cause Ricky isn't exactly the best at that.” Carter decided to elaborate. “Just how you aren't exactly the best at reading,” Riley flatly replied, not too offended.
“I could help you, if you want that,” Oscar then offered. Ricky was surprised by the offer. “Really?” The otter nodded. “I mean, you helped me with maths. It's only fair.” he reasoned. “All right then, thanks,” Ricky replied. “But right now, or during free time later?” Oscar thought about it. “Well, I can help both times if you like.” The raccoon nodded in reply, before looking at the piece of cardboard. “What if we add flames?” Oscar smiled in reply. “Sounds good.”
The two finished drawing soon, and went to the next step. “So now we have to paint it in?” The otter asked. Ricky nodded affirmatively, and soon Mr Badger brought a palette with different colours of paint, two paintbrushes, and a cup of water for each group. “Nice drawing.” He complimented Oscar and Ricky. “Thank you Mr Badger,” Ricky said in reply, before turning towards Oscar.
“What colour should we make the dragon?” Oscar thought about it, and remembered the colour of his step-brother’s plushie. “Maybe black?” Ricky nodded, and as Oscar started to paint the flames blue, he started to paint the dragon. “Why are the flames blue?” Willow curiously asked as she and Carter painted their drawing, which was a unicorn. “Cause blue flames are hotter,” Oscar replied. “No way!” Carter said in disbelief.
Carter then noticed Ricky painting. “Uhh, you do realise you have to paint within the lines?” He asked. “I’m trying,” Ricky said in reply, starting to get frustrated. Oscar quickly noticed. “Maybe you could hold your brush sideways?” He proposed, before reasoning. “Then the strokes will be less thick and easier to keep within the lines.” Ricky followed his advice, and soon started staying within the lines more. “Thank you Oscar!”
The two continued painting for a while, until their puzzle was complete. “We did it!” Ricky chirped. Oscar smiled in reply, before asking just to be sure. “Is there anything you wanna add still?” Ricky looked at the piece of cardboard. By now it had the dragon spewing out Flames, As well as a couple stars and trees. “I think it's all right as it is,” The raccoon said. “I guess we can hand it in.” The two called Mr Badger over, who complimented their work before collecting the piece
of cardboard to dry. Then, once the two cubs had cleaned up their supplies, they had free time.
“So, do you wanna draw now?” Oscar asked. “Actually, maybe we should wash our paws first,” Ricky replied, looking at his and Oscar’s paws. The two went towards the bathroom, and while the otter started washing his paws, Ricky decided to try to use the bathroom first. “Don't you have to go, Oscar?” He then asked from inside the stall. “Not really,” Oscar shook his head, his bladder still relatively empty due to his recent accident. Ricky finished peeing, washed his paws too, and he and Oscar went back to the classroom.
“So, is there anything you'd like to learn how to draw?” Oscar curiously asked. Ricky thought hard about it, since there were a couple things he liked. “Uhh, maybe a dinosaur?” He proposed. Oscar agreed. “All right then,” He said, and started to show Ricky how to sketch it. He made the head and the body with simple shapes, before connecting them adding details. “Do you wanna try now, Ricky?” The otter then asked.
“Sure,” Ricky agreed, and started sketching too. He gave it a couple attempts, with each new one being better than the last. “It looks good,” Oscar praised, and even Carter was impressed. “Thank you,” Ricky replied, before moving to actually drawing the dinosaur out. Eventually he showed it towards the others. “What do you think?” The raccoon excitedly asked. “Looks awesome!” Oscar replied, and Carter and Willow also complimented him before they went to do something else.
“Do you wanna continue drawing, or do something else?” Oscar then asked. Ricky contemplated. “Well… can you teach me how to draw Godzilla?” Oscar looked puzzled. “Who’s Godzilla?” Ricky was confused at the otter’s question. “You’ve never heard of Godzilla?” He asked, to which Oscar shook his head. “Well, it’s this giant scary reptile that walks on two legs, and tries to destroy everything,” He explained, before getting an idea. “You think you could draw it with just my description?” Oscar thought about the idea, and a smile grew on his face. “I could try to do that, yeah,” He agreed. “Great!” Ricky said, and started explaining.
The two continued for a while, and didn’t notice that pick-up time was starting to come near. Soon, Ricky’s mom, a racoon named Rachel, entered. “Hi Ricky,” She greeted him. Ricky looked up from his piece of paper before realising. “Hi mom!” He quickly said, giving Rachel a hug. He then showed his dinosaur drawing. “Look at what Oscar taught me to draw!” Rachel smiled at the drawing. “It looks amazing sweetie!” She said, ruffling Ricky’s fur, before turning towards the otter next to him. “And I’m guessing you must be Oscar, dear.” Oscar gave a shy little nod. “Yes ma’am.” He politely replied. “Nice to meet you.”
Just then, Oscar’s mom arrived too, an otter named Olivia. “Hi sweetie, how was your first day at preschool?” She asked, picking him up. “It went well mommy, I made a new friend!” He excitedly said, and Ricky smiled too. “Well that’s nice,” Olivia replied, before turning towards the two raccoons. “Hi there, nice to meet you,” She greeted them. “Nice to meet you too, ma’am,” Ricky replied, before turning towards his mom. “Can me and Oscar continue drawing?” Rachel nodded. “Sure, if it’s all right with Oscar’s mom.” Olivia agreed as she set Oscar down, and the two cubs continued with their plan.
“So, nice that our boys became friends,” Rachel said, before offering Olivia a pawshake. “I’m Rachel,” Olivia shook Rachel’s paw in reply. “Nice to meet you Rachel, I’m Olivia,” the otter said. “And yeah, I didn’t expect Oscar to make a friend so soon. Ricky seems very nice,” Rachel smiled. “Why, thank you. Oscar seems nice too.” She replied, and soon the two then started chatting a little.
“So, how old’s Oscar?” Rachel curiously asked. “He’s four right now, but will turn five this weekend,” Olivia replied. “Oh that’s nice, I hope he has a nice birthday then,” Rachel said, to which Olivia smiled. “Thank you very much,” She said, before thinking of something. “But there is one thing I’m worried about.” Rachel’s ears perked up. “Really? What’s that if I may ask?” Olivia spoke softer, so that the cubs wouldn’t hear. “Well, I’m not sure how, but Oscar seems to still have frequent wetting accidents. He’s still in pull-ups for example,” She explained.
Rachel was a bit surprised by Olivia’s words. She looked over at Oscar, who was contently drawing and chatting with Ricky. Sure enough, she could notice a pull-up waistband peeking out of his sweatpants. “I see… did he never get out of pull-ups, or did he suddenly start having accidents?” Rachel then asked. Olivia thought about it. “Honestly, I don't think he ever stopped having them,” She admitted. Rachel felt bad for the cub. “I’m sorry to hear. Do you think it could be due to a medical condition?” Olivia thought about it. “I don't think so,” She replied. “Though the past two years have been hard on him, that might probably be the cause.”
The two were then suddenly interrupted by the cubs. “Mom, can Oscar come over sometime?” Ricky asked. Rachel thought about it. “Sure, if it’s all right with Oscar’s Mom.” Olivia agreed. “Sure, that’s fine with me too,” She replied. “But are you sure that wouldn’t be a bother?” Rachel shook his head. “It’s all right, I’m sure he won’t be,” Rachel insisted. “Plus, Oscar seems like a polite cub,” She added, making the little otter smile. “Thank you Ma’am.”
Ricky smiled now that both grown-ups agreed. “When can Oscar come over?” He excitedly asked. “Well, this weekend is Oscar’s birthday…” Rachel said. “So maybe the next one. Does that work for you, Olivia?” The otter nodded in reply. “Yeah, that’ll work. Is there any specific time you’d like me to drop him off?” Olivia asked. “I guess in the morning would be best,” Rachel replied. “All right then, thank you Rachel,” Olivia said, to which Rachel smiled. “No worries, I’m sure the cubs will have fun.” She said in reply. Sure enough, she was right, with both Oscar and Ricky cheering. “Can’t believe you’ll stay over!” The raccoon chirped, and the cubs continued playing.
Soon, both Rachel and Olivia had to leave. “All right Oscar, say goodbye to Ricky and Ms Rachel,” Olivia told her cub. Oscar waddled towards Ricky, and gave the raccoon a hug. “Bye Ricky, thank you for helping me today.” Ricky was surprised initially, but hugged the otter back. “Bye Oscar! I’ll see you tomorrow!” He excitedly replied.
Oscar then went to give Rachel a hug too, making her smile and ruffle his fur. “You really have a kind cub, Olivia.” Olivia smiled in reply. “Yeah, I’m really glad.” Ricky went to say goodbye to Olivia. “Bye Ms Olivia. Have a nice day,” He said. “Have a nice day Ricky,” Olivia replied, before adding something. “And thank you for helping Oscar so much today.” Ricky smiled at her words. “No problem Ms Olivia. I’m happy to help.”
The grown-ups then said goodbye to each other, while Ricky and Oscar said goodbye to Mr Badger. Soon, Ricky and Oscar went their own way with their respective parent, though they would see each other the next day. And both were now more excited, now that there was a playdate in the near future. But it didn’t take long in the car ride for Oscar to remember something; how was he supposed to hide wearing pull-ups on a sleepover?

