As rain poured down hard and heavy upon the Truffula forest; the Once-ler, who was staring out one of the windows in his tent into the storm raging outside, realized his trip daily to town would be canceled for today.
"Well this is great." The Once-ler grumbled sarcastically. "And what timing, too! The Thneed was just about to have his big break with the people!" of course...that might have not been entirely true.
For the past two days he had been going into the nearby town of Greenville, and tried selling his Thneed to it's good people. Although, they didn't exactly take to his marvelous invention as well as he hoped. In fact...they threw tomatoes at him – yelling all kinds of terrible names, and screeching at him to leave. Even this little girl had taken his guitar from his hands, and snapped the neck of it in half – taking the severed piece with her. Despite the trials; the Once-ler honesty believed that his invention popularity was about to spread like wildfire throughout the people of Greenville, and then the world. You know...eventually.
"I guess this storm isn't going anywhere soon." the Once-ler admitted with a sad sigh. "Might as well go back to bed. Not like I can play my guitar or anything." the Once-ler then groans, and closes the curtains. At times like this; he really missed having his guitar with him. Or...the whole thing, in this situation. He then slumps back to his bed, (he still was wearing his blue bunny pajamas, because he had woken up moments ago to the storm) and slides under the sheets before snuggling down into the mattress. "Well...I guess I do need a little extra sleep. I'll have to be well-rested to make up for me missing today." this causes a smile to form on the Once-ler's lips, and his eyes flutter shut. He then sigh in contentment, and start to drift off into slumber.
That is, until...
"Beanpole! You need to come to the door!" a familiar voice, accompanied by loud knocking, calls from outside the tents door. The Once-ler's eyes fly open, and, once he realizes who's outside, groans. Outside, yelling for the Once-ler, was the orange furred, yellow mustached, slightly annoying, guardian of the forest...The Lorax.
"Just ignore him." the Once-ler told himself – covering his ears with his pillow. "He'll hopefully go away soon." so, the Once-ler just stayed quiet, and, thankfully, all that could be heard was the loud splats of rain hitting the tents roof. He smiles in victory, and slowly got back to his previous position. Of course, as soon as the Once-ler's eyes were shut, the stupid peanut started up again.
"I know you can hear me in there, beanpole!" the Lorax continued. "We're keeping the rain out of your silly tent by not using the windows, but, if you refuse to come to the door, consider your tent flooded!" the Once-ler cringes slightly at this. The thought of his bed being in water again really scared him – especially since what has happened to him before with the whole waterfall thing.
"Alright, alright!" the Once-ler groans, sitting up. "I'll be there in a minute!" the lanky man then hauls himself out of the warm comfort of his bed to the cold floor below. With a slight shudder, he then slowly makes his way across the room to the door. He then opens it to reveal, not only the Lorax, but other forest creatures with him as well. There were the Swomee-Swans, the Bar-ba-loot bears, and even his pet mule, Melvin. The Once-ler's eyes widen at the sight, and he subconsciously took a small step back. "Uh...what...what are you guys doing here?" he asked with a touch of fear in his voice.
"Calm down, beanpole." the Lorax says with a eye roll. "We aren't here to cause any trouble to ya. I, well...we, were just wondering if possibly...we could...you know...stay in your tent for awhile. Just till the storm dies down?"
The Once-ler blinked in surprise before exclaiming; "Wait...what? No!"
"Oh, come on beanpole!" the Lorax pleads. "The valley's are already flooding, and the animals can't just stay out there! They would drown! Well...except for the Humming fish, but that isn't the point here! We need help!" The Once-ler then stares blankly before sighing sadly. The Lorax had a point, but...the tent was his only escape he had here from the outside world! And the Lorax wanted to just bring a bunch of intruders in there! No way! Then again...they did need shelter...
"Look, Lorax..." the Once-ler began slowly. A sudden tugging on his pants leg the stops him. He then looks down, and sees the smallest Bar-ba-loot bear, Pipsqueak, looking up at him. His brown eyes were as wide as saucers, and there was a certain pleading look in them. The Once-ler's heart instantly melted, and...he knew he couldn't turn down this little guy. "Okay, you can come in, but just until-" before he could even finish; all the animals, plus the Lorax, rushed (except for Melvin who is slowly walking) into the tent and settled in. The Bar-ba-loots were laid out in various shelves, the Swomee-Swan were in anything with a dip as if imitating a nest, the Lorax was laying on his bed with Pipsqueak curled up by his side, and Melvin was simply laying on the floor in front of the Once-ler's bed. "...the rain stops."
"Yeah, yeah, we know beanpole." the Lorax says in a slightly annoyed tone. "As soon as the rain stops; we're out of here." the Once-ler then sighed heavily, and rubs his now throbbing temples.
"Well...glad to see you all have made yourselfs at home at least." the Once-ler grumbles under his breath sarcastically. "Wouldn't want you guys to be uncomfortable." He then walks back over to his bed, and pushes the Lorax over a bit before getting back under the covers. "I'm going to sleep. Just...please...don't break to much, okay?" the long-limned man then lets out a yawn, and lays his head on his pillow. Silence then filled the tent. The hypnotic-like patter of the rain mixed with the calm breathing of all the animals seemed to create a relaxing environment. Once-ler and the other animals were just about asleep when, suddenly, a huge crack of thunder erupts through the silent valley. The Once-ler normally didn't wake up at these, but, because of the loud screams from the animals, he shot straight up. Every animal except the Lorax and Melvin was in a terrified frenzy; looking in all directions with nervous expressions and cry's of surprise.
"Okay, okay everyone! Calm down!" the Lorax speaks up; surprisingly getting all the frantic animals attention. "It was just a little thunder! Now, please, let's all relax!" the animals just looked at him for a moment, but then slowly relaxed themselves – gradually all going back to sleep. The Lorax then turns to the Once-ler. "Sorry about that beanpole. All the animals here are deathly scared of thunder. They go nuts when it happens, but, thankfully, storms don't hit here often."
"Good to hear..." the Once-ler mumbles. He then looks over, and sees that poor little Pipsqueak, who didn't go back to sleep with the other, is shaking in terror like a leaf. Once-ler then absentmindedly reaches over, and brings Pipsqueak into his lap before scratching behind his ears in an attempt to calm him down. "There, there little guy. It's gonna be alright." the Once-ler cooes both soothingly and reassuringly. Pipsqueak then makes an almost purr-like sound of enjoyment, and starts to relax. Meanwhile, out of the corner of his eye, the Once-ler sees the Lorax looking at them with a almost proud look; like a father seeing his bickering children finally getting along. Of course, before the Once-ler can say anything, another loud crack of thunder erupts from outside. The animals – including Pipsqueak – then snap form their calm stat, and start to freak out again. This makes the Lorax groan.
"Guys, take it easy! It's only thunder!" the Lorax reminds them sternly but with understanding. "There's nothing to worry about!" Of course, this time, the animals didn't exactly calm down like they did before. They lowered their loud screams of terror to soft murmurs of fear, and, in The Once-ler's lap, Pipsqueak started to shiver once again.
"Whoa...they're really scared of thunder." the Once-ler observes with sympathy – going back to scratching behind little Pipsqueaks fuzzy ears.
"Yeah...they've always been." the Lorax explains with a sigh. "Poor things just lose it when thunder starts up. So, I guess there really is only one thing to do." the Lorax then turns to the Once-ler, and gives him a semi-teasing smile. "Looks like it's story time, beanpole!" the Once-ler raised an eyebrow in confusion, but the other animals seemed to give a gasp of happy surprise.
"Wait...you mean...me? Tell a story?" the Once-ler asks as Pipsqueak bounces in anticipation in his lap. The Lorax nods, and the Once-ler blinks in surprise. "But...why? And, whatever the reason, I'm sure you have better stories to tell than me anyway."
"As true as that may be," the Lorax begins in a flattered tone. "The animals will only calm down during a thunder storm if their occupied with a story. Besides, they've already heard mine and their own stories many times already. So, in a way, your the only one who would be able to tell a story that would keep them occupied." the Once-ler blinked again. The Lorax was seriously asking him to tell a story so the animals would calm down? That mustached peanut is insane! Of course, the Once-ler for some reason looks down only to see Pipsqueak looking up at him - his brown eyes shining with excitement. His heart melts twice, and he sighs in defeat.
"Fine. I'll tell a story." the Once-ler announces with a slight groan. The animals then came from where they were at, and, in an instant, were crowded around the Once-ler's bed. Some of the Swomee-Swans and Bar-ba-loot bears even sat on Melvin (who was just laying there with the same bored expression he always had) so they could have a good seat for the story.
"Alright beanpole, start when your ready." the Lorax says – moving to the end of the bed, and sitting to hear the lanky mans story with the others.
"Okay, let's see..." the Once-ler said more to himself than to the waiting group; trying to remember a good enough story to keep the animals entertained. He hadn't really gotten told that many stories as a kid, but, thankfully, he remembered a few he had over-heard his mom telling to his other two older brothers – Bret and Chet. After a moment to think, he decided to go with the classic tale of Rapunzel. "So, once upon a time, there was a-"
"Sorry beanpole, but I have to stop you right there." the Lorax say while standing up. The Once-ler rolled his eyes, and crossed his arms over Pipsqueak's head.
"Why? Don't the animals like fairy tales?" he asks with a teasing tone and smile.
"Nope." the Lorax says, causing the Once-ler's smile to fade into a unamused expression. "They would rather hear a story that is real, and could actually be seen happening. Surely you have a few stories like that, right?" the Once-ler's unamused expression then turns into a blank look. His life had been filled with...interesting events, but he didn't really wanna talk about them. And definitely not with the Lorax, and all his forest friends – even though he had come to a mutual understanding with them.
"I...I don't really have a story like that. Honest." Once-ler explains while looking away – nervously running a hand through his feathery black hair out of habit. The group then lets out a disappointed sound, and the Lorax raises an eyebrow in suspicion.
"I doubt that, beanpole." the Lorax says, him crossing his arms this time. "Everyone has to have had something happen to them during their life that's interesting."
"Well I haven't so far, okay?" the Once-ler counters; getting a little more defensive.
The Lorax narrows his eyes, and, was about to say something, when a loud crash from the kitchen area was heard. They all looked over, and saw the largest Bar-ba-loot bear on the counter surrounded by a bunch of fallen pots – paw outstretched for a nearby jumbo bag of marshmallow's. He freezes, and gets an expression similar to that of a kid who was caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Of course, he somehow loses his footing, and falls to the pots below. The large Bar-ba-loot lands with a thud, and the pots were sent flying everywhere. Some didn't go far, but one is sent straight to Once-ler's side table. It then hits the barely poking out edge of a photo album laid beneath a mountain of other stuff, and somehow flips it onto the bed – it opening to a random page. The big Bar-ba-loot bear gives a thumbs-up of okay, and the others sigh in relief. Of course, the Once-ler, after he knew the bear was okay, was concerned with his kitchen – his just cleaned kitchen – being a mess again.
"Oh man...and I just cleaned the kitchen to!" the Once-ler groans in frustration – not noticing the book that had been flipped onto the bed. Of course, the Lorax did, and, out if curiosity, picked it up. When he looked on the page, he saw a picture of...of...
"Hey beanpole, is this you?" the Lorax asked – flipping the book around, and pointing to said picture. "And who's the other guy, anyway?" The Once-ler looks at what he's talking about, and gets wide eyed.
In the picture was a little rave haired boy with sky blue eyes wearing a gray fedora that was way to big for his head, and came to the beginning of his fore-head. He had a more put-together version of the guitar the Once-ler had now in his lap, and the photo showed the boy running his fingers across it. Also in the picture, it showed the boy sitting on an older mans lap. The man was actually an older looking model of the boy once you looked at the two. His raven hair was combed nicely down while the boys was all messy. The older mans eyes were blue-gray, and had nicely kept stubble on his chin. Even though he was sitting down; anyone could tell the man had an impressively high height. His frame was rather lanky, but the round, child like innocent look of his face made up for it. The olders hand was show over the youngers hand – as if guiding it across the strings. The smaller had a look of pure joy, and the older just looked happy the other was enjoying himself so much.
"Where...where did you get that?" the Once-ler shrieked in surprise.
"It was just on the bed." the Lorax explains, gesturing to the place the book had landed.
"W-well give it back! It's mine!" the Once-ler demands, making a grab for the book. Of course, the Lorax takes it just out of his reach, and holds onto it a bit tighter.
"Not until you answer my question beanpole." the Lorax states as if it's common knowledge.
The Once-ler stays in the position for a bit, but then sighs. "Fine, I'll answer. Yes, that is me as a little kid in the picture. And...the man with me is...is.." the Once-ler then mumbled something to soft to hear, and the Lorax raises an eyebrow out of confusion.
"Uh, say again?" the Lorax asked. The Once-ler sighs, and looks away.
"I said...the man with me is...is..." the Once-ler then shut his eyes, and uttered two words he never wanted to speak out loud again. "...my father." silence then filled the room. All that could be heard was the patter of rain, and the sound of approaching thunder in the distance. The Once-ler then feels something walking up the mattress toward him, and, when he opens his eyes, he sees the Lorax place the photo album by his side.
"Sorry for taking your...uh...picture thing, beanpole." the Lorax says a bit awkwardly.
"It's no big deal..." the Once-ler lies. The pictures in the album was sacred to him, and he didn't exactly like other people just taking the whole thing. Of course, the Lorax wouldn't really understand this, and the Once-ler didn't feel like even trying to explain it.
"So...you and your dad seemed pretty close." the Lorax observes.
The Once-ler blinks in surprise for about the tenth time today, and smiles slightly. "Yeah. We always did a bunch of stuff together. Camping, making new inventions, playing guitar, you name it!"
"Sounds like a fun time." the Lorax says; his guilt for having the Once-ler bring up his father vanishing. But, in the distance, the Lorax could hear thunder coming closer and closer by the minute. Thankfully none of the other animals heard it, they'd be in a frenzy if they did, but he knew it was only a matter of time before more thunder arrived. Suddenly, the Lorax got an idea. "So...why don't you tell one of the things you and your dad did together, beanpole? You said yourself you had some pretty fun times with him if I'm not mistaken." the Once-ler then stiffens. He had good times with his dad, true, but...he just...just didn't wanna talk about it. Not now, not ever! Of course, once he heard the coming thunder in the distance, he knew it was a no option thing. It was either tell about his father, or have the animals tear up his tent. He'd rather tell the story.
"Well...the time I remember most was when me and him went camping in the back yard of our Uncles farm one summer night." the Once-ler begins; a smile forming on his lips. He then look up to the ceiling, and start to remember the events of that wonderful night. "We did everything people who usually went camping did. Set up a tent, made a fire, the whole nine yards. In fact, I remember that was the night he introduced me to marshmallow's for the first time..."
~o~o~o~
"Here son, have a bite of this. Their called marshmallow's." the Once-ler's father says with a smile; offering his tiny five year old child the square white treat. The young Once-ler looks at the treat with a blank expression, and slowly takes the fluffy square from his fathers hand.
"But...what does it taste like?" young Once-ler asks, eying the marshmallow skeptically.
His father smiles a bit wryly before responding; "Hm...I don't quite remember. Your just gonna have to try it for yourself, and see." the young Once-ler frowns. He didn't exactly mind trying new things, but...the white treat in his hand just looked...odd to him. "Come on son, try it. I'm positive if you do you'll like it." Once-ler gives his father a trusting look, and decided to try the snack his father had gave him. He then cautiously lifted the marshmallow to his mouth, and slowly took a bite out of it's side. "So?" Once-ler's father asks, raising an eyebrow. The young Once-ler's blue eyes widened, and a huge smile come across his pail face.
"Yummy!" young Once-ler squeals in delight.
"I knew you'd like it." his father laughs a bit. "Now, since you tried one raw, you need to try it roasted."
"Roasted?" young Once-ler asked; sounding out the unfamiliar word.
"Yeah, roasting a marshmallow is basically cooking it but over the fire. Plus, it makes marshmallow's taste ten times better." his father explains with a reassuring smile. "Come on, I'll even teach you how." this made the small boy smile. He loved doing things with his father, and...he was glad he actually wanted to spend time with him as well. His father then puts the marshmallow's on these two long, thin twigs he seemed to just have, and positioned his just barely over the fires flame. (his arms were actually about two times as long as the twigs he was using) "And now you just have to wait until it turns golden brown."
"But...won't it catch on fire?" young Once-ler asked in concern.
His father smiles for what seemed to be the fifteenth time that evening before saying; "Sometimes they do, but if you just keep the marshmallow out of the fires reach, it won't burn it. Promise." the young Once-ler's concern fades, and he mirror his fathers smile. He then turns his attention back to the stick in his hand, and tries to get it exactly as his father had it. He stretches his arms out as far as he could, (they were much shorter than his fathers) and puts it over the flame.
"Like this?" young Once-ler asked; wanting to be sure he was doing it right.
"Perfect." his dad says; his smile never leaving his face. Young Once-ler beamed with pride, and he turned to the stick to make sure he didn't let it get to close the the flame. The two then spent the next few minutes in beautiful silence; calmly watching their roasting marshmallow's slowly turns from white to a brow-like color. Of course, the sound of approaching footsteps breaks the silence.
"You two are still out here?" a familiar voice asks with annoyance. "I thought you said you were coming in for dinner." Young Once-ler then looks up, and sees his mother standing there with her hands on her hips – the fire illuminating the disapproving expression on her face. Of course, even though he knew he was in trouble when his mom made that face, young Once-ler wasn't fazed by her expression. In fact, he was eager to tell him mother about the new thing his father taught him how to do.
"Sorry mom, but me and dad were roasting marshmallow's!" young Once-ler explains proudly. "There looking really good!" His mother raised an eyebrow, and looked down in young Once-ler with her disapproving expression still engraved on her face.
"Oncie, why are you even eating that junk?" his mother asked, causing young Once-ler's smile to slowly fade. "Their just pieces of useless sugar. You need to eat things that will actually put meat on those skinny bones of yours! How do you expect to become anything if your waist is as thick as those sticks your using?"
"I fail to see your point." his father speaks up in a defensive tone. The young boy then looks to see that his father looking at his mother - his usually happy smile is now replaced be a look that was challenge whoever he was speaking to for dominance. "Once-ler is just fine the way he is. So what is he's on the skinny side? Tons of people are now a days. And, for god sakes Lauren, he's only five! He should have to have all these high expectations set up for him already! Let him be a kid once in awhile!" young Once-ler silently gasps. He had never heard his father's voice filled with so much frustration mixed with anger before, and...it was scaring him a little.
"Well, Mr. Let him be a kid, I actually care about Oncie's future!" His mother counters.
"Oh, and I don't?" his father replies before his mom could continue, sounding flabbergasted. "How dare you imply I don't care about my son! Why, I bet you don't even know what his favorite color is!" this, of course, only made the Once-ler's mom more flustered with anger.
The two then continued arguing for a good five minutes until the Once-ler's mother gave up, and went back into the house; saying to not come crying to her when they both got colds from being outside in the cold weather. (even though the summer night was actually pretty warm) After she had went back into the house, the Once-ler's father then turned back to the fire, and stared into it with a hard expression that was so unlike him to have. Or...used to be unlike him. Now a days, the expression was worn almost constantly when the Once-ler's mom and dad argued – which, again, seemed to get more and more frequent. The Once-ler partly wanted to go apologize to his mom for not coming to dinner, but...he had something on his mind only his father could answer for him.
"...dad?" young Once-ler speaks up timidly. His father stares into the fire a moment more before sighing heavily, and looking to his worried son.
"Yes son?" his father asks, softening his expression for the young child.
Young Once-ler then looked his father in the eyes, and asked; "Am...am I the reason you and mommy fight so much?" Once-ler's father then feels his heart drop. He never liked fighting with his wife in front of his kids, (especially his youngest one) but...sometime...things slipped out. And, of course, the kids blaming it on themselves is like throwing salt in a fresh cut to him.
"Son...why would you ask a thing like that?" his father asks in the up-most concern.
"Because...because when you guys start to talk about me...you always seem to end up fighting." the young raven-haired boy explained; his eyes misting with tears. "Plus...ever since Bret and Chet left to travel with Uncle Ubb and Aunt Grizelda for the summer...you two seem to be arguing a lot." the Once-ler's fathers heart just kept dropping. Even though they were older then Oncie, his dad was almost certain he was smarter then the both of his brothers combined. Despite this, he was always seemed to be compared to them by his mother. In height, bulk, and all sorts of other things. And, sadly, it seemed his brains went completely unnoticed by her. And, what was worst of all, she acted as if Once-ler was another parents child come to visit! He never understood why, but she just had no feeling of affection (which she somehow had for her two other sons, oddly enough) toward Once-ler. This, of course, caused the Once-ler's father to jump on her for treating one of her own sons with so little respect. He tried to be as passive-aggressive as he could, but...like before; sometime things slipped out.
"No, your not the reason we sometimes...disagree. People just don't always see eye to eye. Son, don't ever think that way, because I promise it isn't true." the Once-ler's father commands with a certain touch of sympathy and understanding only a caring father could create.
"But...but why does mom only care about Bret and Chet?" young Once-ler asks; a tiny trail of tears starting to roll down his cheeks. "I mean...they're not her only sons! I'm here! I do everything I'm supposed to! Why does she always make me feel like...I'm...some sort of mistake?" and just when the Once-ler's father thought his heart finally hit bottom; someone handed him a shovel. His own son just admitted to feeling like a mistake! Kids should never have to feel that way! Young Once-ler cast his tear-ridden eyes to the ground, and his father moves a little closer to him.
"Son, look at me." the Once-ler's father commands with the same tone he used before. Young Once-ler kept his eyes on the ground for a moment or two, but, finally, looks up at his father with his now puffy from crying blue eyes. His father then places a hand gently on his thin shoulder, and looked his son in the eyes. "Son, I'm not gonna lie...I've made a lot of mistakes in my life. A mistake is when you rush into things when it should have been better to wait and think on them. I've seemed to continually done this in my life. Some mistakes still haunt me, and others I have come to deal with. But you...you aren't one of them. Your the exact opposite of a mistake, Once-ler. Your the best thing that happened to me. Without you, I don't know where I'd be. And...I know, deep down, your mother feels the same way." the Once-ler's father then adds the word very over, probably, a thousand times in his head after he spoke the words deep down. "She just has to show it more to Bret and Chet because they aren't as imaginative and as smart as you." His words seem to console his son in a way because a smile slowly tugs it's way onto young Once-ler's face.
"Really?" the Once-ler asks in new found hope.
His dad smiles again before replying; "Of course. Once-ler...your a great kid. And, no matter what anyone tells you...your perfect just the way you are." this made the young Once-ler's smile grow. Even though the young boy had never been a fan of mushy things like his father told him...it felt nice to have someone care enough to actually say them.
"Thanks dad." Once-ler says, wiping the remaining tears on his cheeks. His father continues to smile, but, when he turns his head to the fire, he gets a shocked expression. Once-ler turns to what he's looking at, and sees that the marshmallow's they were roasting have cooked past the point of golden brown, and were now ink black. The the two then retracted their sticks only to see black blobs of what once used to be edible marshmallow's. The two then looked at each other, and, for no reason, started laughing.
"I think we need to replace the marshmallow's." his father states through his laughter. And, as his father reaches over to the jumbo bag of marshmallow's on the side of him to get two brand new marshmallow's, Oncie couldn't help but think that...this has to be the best time he spent with his father yet – despite all the drama.
Of course...it's probably only because...he know knew his father really did care for him.
~o~o~o~
"And that's what happened." the Once-ler concludes to the still attention-giving animals. He had to say; the Lorax was right about them having to be distracted by a story. The Once-ler noted that it had actually been thundering for a good two minutes outside, but all the animals were too focused on the story he was telling to notice.
"...well, that was really...interesting, beanpole." the Lorax comments; hiding the fact he was now fully interested in the lanky mans past.
The Lorax actually felt a new found sympathy toward the Once-ler, – he never knew his own mother treated him so poorly, after all – but still had that same sense of cautiousness about him. He had to make sure the skinny man kept his promise about not cutting down anymore trees. But, of course, that was for bright, sunny days when they could go outside. And, as of right now, it was dark, raining, and they were stuck inside. Besides, the Lorax was interested in hearing more of the Once-ler's past.
"Thanks." the Once-ler says a bit sarcastically; throwing in a playful eye roll for effect.
"So...did your dad, and you ever go camping again?" the Lorax asks. All the animals seemed to lean in curiously, and the Once-ler's smile from mere seconds ago vanishes. He actually hadn't thought about what happened next for so long, and...he couldn't believe he let it get this far. The Once-ler then slowly turned his gaze to his beds sheets, and stared at them distantly.
"No, actually, we didn't." the Once-ler says quietly; catching the group off guard. "That was the last thing we ever did together." the animals then give each other looks of confusion mixed in with hints of worry. Even Pipsqueak, who still sat in the Once-ler's lap, was looking up at the raven haired man with concern.
"...why? What happened?" the Lorax asks; his voice full of curiosity and worry like the animals.
The Once-ler stared at the sheets a moment more before slowly shaking his head, and lifting his eyes from the sheets. "Ah...it's not important. Besides...you guys don't wanna hear my life story..."
"Eh, we have time." the Lorax shrugs. "And it's not like we can just go outside. The rain is still coming down pretty hard out there, and, besides the valleys take awhile to unflood." the animals all nod in agreement. The Once-ler looked blankly at them, and then sighs rather heavily.
"Okay...point taken." the Once-ler says in a defeated tone. He then looks at the ceiling again, and keeps his gaze there for a good three minutes before turning back to the patiently waiting group. "My father was an inventor, you see. He was always making new things, or trying his hardest to improve an old thing. I remember his inventions always being so...creative. Although, none of them ever took off. Apparently they were all too...misalliances for peoples liking, or something. Everyone – including my mom - told him he should give up, but he never did. So, the following two days after we went "camping", he locked himself in his lab. When he finally came out, it was in the middle of the night. Mom was at some social event at the time, so she didn't see it when I did. I remember him coming into my room, and telling me he had a breakthrough. He also said that I needed to see it right away. So, he took me to the living room, and he brings in this covered thing. He then says that he was introducing..."
~o~o~o~
"...the revolutionary, Portable Capsule!" his father announces; ripping off the sheet over his invention with one flick of his wrist. After he did so; a small silver, tube-like thing with a round top was revealed to the excitedly waiting Once-ler. The young boys excitement fades just a little, and...he looked over the machine in front of him – trying to decided what it was, and what it did.
"...um...dad...what is it?" the young boy finally asked after a moment of looking at the strange thing.
"Why, it's the end to all bag troubles, son." his father explains; sounding as if Once-ler was actually a corporate head who was considering endorsing his product. Young Once-ler tilted his head, and his father continues. "You see, two nights ago, I realized just how many bags we have around the house. Lunch boxes, back-packs, purses, and many others. That got me thinking; what is there could be something that allowed you to just have one bag instead of a thousand? So, I locked myself in my lab, and, after a couple of failed designs and models, the portable capsule was born!" the Once-ler's eyes then widen in awe. His father's inventions always were fascinating to him.
"Sounds interesting, dad!" the young Once-ler exclaims happily.
"Ah, but that's not all." his father goes on, smiling at the enthusiastic five year old. "You see, this machine is made to carry everything that could be carried with regular suit cases, back-packs, and others! It can be used to carry things from business papers to heavy school books! Plus, because of it's metal exterior; it's super resilient! Which means you no longer have to keep buying new bags to replace the ones that rip, or break! And, as a bonus, it's temperature adjustable inside; you can pack even ice cream in here with no fear of it melting! Also, it has many compartments, so just about everything you need can be stored spaciously inside." his father explains, opening a few of the Portable Capsule's many compartments. He then shuts them, and turns to his son. "So...what do you think?"
"Dad, this has to be your best invention yet!" young Once-ler yells out happily. "I bet everyone will want one of those!" his father then smiles at his son, and ruffles the young boys feathery black hair.
"I'm glad you think so." his father says, laughing slightly. "I just wish you were the target market..." the Once-ler's father then sigh sadly, and his smile vanishes. "Maybe...just maybe...this will be the one thing I've made they like." young Once-ler then frowns, and felt bad no one other then himself normally liked his fathers inventions. But he couldn't exactly change their opinion. All he could do was motivate his father to keep trying.
"...dad...they'd be crazy not to like this invention!" the young Once-ler say encouragingly. His father's frown morphs into a smile, and he laughs a bit heartily.
"Ah, thanks. You know; your too sweet, son." his father cooes slightly, ruffling the boys fluffy raven black hair. Once-ler giggles, and his father suddenly scoop up the young boy off the feet. "Now, come on, it's time for you to be back in bed. Your mom would ring my neck if she found out I had you up this late." the Once-ler then frowns at this. He never liked his parents fighting, and certainly didn't like that his father was actually joking about it. Of course, once his father saw this, he quickly decided to cheer the small boy up. He then playfully blows his sons stomach; making the Once-ler smile instantly. The boy then goes into a laughing fit, and his father then laughs slightly as well. After a moment of this; he then sets the young child down gently onto his feet. The two then both go off to bed their own beds to get some well deserved, and needed, sleep for the upcoming days.
~o~o~o~
"So, that next day, my dad hooked his horse up to a wagon, and left for town." the Once-ler explains; amazed the animals were still giving him their full attention for this long.
"Did he sell it?" the Lorax couldn't stop himself from asking.
The Once-ler runs his hand through his hair again before saying; "Well...not exactly. People apparently didn't have access baggage as my father had thought. Although, he went to town everyday for two weeks – saying that today would be the day. Of course, when it wasn't, he'd come home, shrug, and say all he could try again tomorrow. He did this daily, even in rain, and still had no success. That is...until someone finally came along when he was there, and bought his invention. And it wasn't an ordinary person either. No. It was apparently this under-cover big-wig from a corporation looking for new products to sell that were made by everyday people. The man who bought it was very impressed, and said he wanted my dad's invention is what the company was looking for. "
"That's great...isn't it, beanpole?" the Lorax felt the need to ask after noticing the Once-ler's expression had fallen from a smile to a frown.
"Well...I mean...of course it was." the Once-ler sighs. "My father looked happier then I had ever seen him before. My mother was definitely surprised, and I just kept telling him I knew he'd eventually sell it." the lanky man then took a brief pause; making all the animals eyes widen in anticipation. "Of course...the guy came from a very far away town. And, the only way to get there was by taking a whole year trip across hot deserts, through dark forests, and many other treacherous environments to get there. The idea of him leaving was unbearable to me, and I almost tried convincing him to stay. But...I didn't, because...his dream of people liking his product was finally coming true. And...who was I to take that away from him?" the Once-ler then paused again to wipe away fresh tears from his cheeks before continuing. "So, that next morning, he ate a big breakfast, packed another wagon to the brim with supplies, and hooked up his horse. Then it was time to say goodbye to him..."
~o~o~o~
"Well, that should be the last of it." the Once-ler's father announces; throwing the last sack of food onto the cart. "I'm now officially ready to set off on my great adventure." the tall man then suddenly felt a slight tugging at his pants leg. The Once-ler's father looks down to sees the misty eyes of his five year old child looking back at him.
"Your coming back...right dad?" young Once-ler asks, his voice sounding probably just as miserable as he felt. His father smiles sympathetically, and knees to eye level with his son.
"Of course." his father reassures him; being sure to make eye contact with the boy. He then quickly wipes a tear away from his sons cheek before continuing. "I'll only be gone four years. One to get there, two for business purposes, and one year to travel back. After that; I'll be here to stay. I promise. And I'm sure it will go so fast you won't even realize I have left." this makes the Once-ler smile meekly, and he sniffles a bit.
"Could...could I possibly come with you?" the Once-ler finally asked the question that had been waiting in his brain for some time; wanting nothing more but to hear a yes from his father. The raven haired man sighed heavily before looking at his son with an apologetic look.
"Son...your gonna be six in mere months." his father reminds him. "That means your starting first grade in mere months as well. You need school, and...you can't get it on the road. Plus, what if you make friends, and then have to leave them right away? I don't think that would be healthy for you...please try and understand..." young Once-ler wanted to argue his point about coming with him, but...he didn't really have one. His father made perfect sense, and Once-ler supposed four year couldn't possibly be that long...right?
"Okay...I understand." young Once-ler mumbles audibly, but sadly. His father's heart swells, and he quickly captures his son in a hug.
"I promise; four years will go by so fast you won't realize I'm gone." his father repeats for effect. The two then stay in a tight embrace until the Once-ler's father slowly let go of his son. "I have to get going Oncie. I'll be sure to write every two weeks, and...I want you to have this." his father then removes the guitar that had once been strapped to his back, and gently places it into the Once-ler's arms – making the small child's eyes widen.
"Dad...are you seriously giving this to me?" the young boy asked in total shock.
"Of course." his father smiles. "I have complete faith you'll take good care of it. Besides, how are you gonna learn to perfect the guitar if you don't have one to play?" he then smiles playfully, ruffles his sons hair one last time, and, with that, the tall man then gets up. He quickly checks over the wagons content, and heads to the front of it. Of course, the Once-ler's mother, who had been standing by the wagon for a few minutes now, was just shaking her head at her in-over-his-head husband.
"Why are you getting his hopes up like that?" she asks; not even bothering to lower her voice any. "You and I bother know this is probably just some scam, and your gonna wind up stranded somewhere. I mean...who would possibly buy one of your inventions?" the Once-ler, who had heard everything his mother had said despite his distance, gets wide eyed and this didn't go unnoticed by his father.
"I guess that it being a scam is always a possibility," the Once-ler's father began. "But I prefer on the positive side. Who knows? It may be a scam, it may not be a scam. I won't know unless I try though." the Once-ler's father then quickly wraps his long arms around his wife's skinny frame, and pulled into a tight hug. The Once-ler sees his father hissing something into his moms ear, but was to far away to hear it. Never the less; it made his mom get a blank expression. He then lets her go, and gives her a fast peck on the lips before hopping into the drivers seat of the wagon. "Well, I'm off! Oh, and, honey, give Uncle Ubb and Aunt Grizelda my apologizes for not being here for their return. I'm sure they will understand that I had more important things to do." he then whips the reigns, and the horse hooked up to the wagon takes off. The Once-ler and his mother then watch as the wagon speeds off the dusty trail, and goes out of sight - off into the wide and dangerous world ahead.
"...he was always the adventurous one, I suppose." the Once-ler's mom sighs heavily. She then turns to the Once-ler before saying; "Come on Oncie. Let's get things set up for when your brothers and aunt and uncle return home. I'm sure the news of your father going off to chase this...deluded dream of his will give their heads a good and fast spin."
"...okay." the Once-ler says a little distantly. He then quickly straps the guitar around his shoulder, and quickly makes sure it's secure before scurrying off to the house to help his mother.
~o~o~o~
"...beanpole?" The Lorax asks in concern. The Once-ler had let the last few words drop off, and was now looking over into the tents barren corner. A hollow look was on his face – like his body was there, but his brain was somewhere completely different. "What's the matter? What happened to your father? Did he make it back from that far away city?" the Once-ler then slowly takes hos eyes from the corner, and looks at the Lorax. His usually happy and dancing blue eyes now were filled to the brim with sadness and misery. Suddenly, the Lorax seems to get it all at once. "...he never came back...did he beanpole?" the question was pointless, and it's answer was pretty clear from the Once-ler's face. No. The Once-ler's father had indeed not come back.
The Once-ler then looks back tot he corner; remembering the remaining days of that summer his father left. Him sitting on the porch for hours on end. Just waiting...hoping that his father would, by some miracle, come riding back with his wagon – coming home to stay. Of course...it never happened. His father, although, sent letters every two weeks (on a couple of occasions, once a week) just he had promised. He had even sent him various packages throughout the years; containing marvelous stuff he had got along his journey he'd thought his son would like. And Oncie always did like them; he'd tell him so in his reply letter he spent almost all night writing so they would be worthy of his father reading. For awhile, everything was good, (or as good as it could be with the constant bullying form his brothers, and his mom not believing they were bullying him) but...nothing could prepare the young boy for what would happened next...
~o~o~o~
"I'm so sorry for your loss, Mrs. Once-ler."
That was the first thing the now eight year-old Once-ler heard when he opened the door to his home.
He had actually done a lot of growing up in the years his father had left. He had a certain growth spurt, and was now eye level with his brother when he had been quit a bit shorter than them two years ago. Of course, he still acted childish, and was often whimsical. But he knew a serious tone when he heard it, and the person defiantly was using one. The smile the raven haired boy had disappears, and his over-active imagination runs wild.
The thoughts of what the person could be talking about momentarily makes him frozen in shock, but, luckily, he forces himself to go into the living room. Once there; he saw his Aunt, Uncle, and mother (his brothers had gone off to play football with their friends as they always did after school) were in the living room with a man dressed in jeans, white undershirt, a brown fringe vest which had a yellow star with the word "Sheriff" written on it, and, on his head, a ten-gallon cowboy hat.
"...what's...what's going on?" the young boy somehow manege's to asks despite his suddenly dry throat. Everyone seems to direct their attention to him, and their already sad expressions get more miserable. As if someone had just told more bad news after a great tragedy.
"Oncie..." his mother tries to say, but winds up getting to choked up to speak.
"...Mom...what's wrong..?" the Once-ler asks; mot understanding why his mom was suddenly in tears. The man in the vest sighs heavily. He then slowly walked over to the child, and knelt in front of him so they were eye level with each other.
"...your the Once-ler, aren't you?" the strange man asks with sympathy in his voice. The Once-ler's throat seems to dry even more, and he gulps hard.
"Y-yes, I am." the Once-ler replies, trying his hardest to keep his voice steady. The sheriff then sighs heavily.
"Well...I have some...news." he tells the child with a sad tone. "About...your father." the Once-ler then gets wide eyed, and his heart beats faster.
"Really? Is...is...is he okay?" Once-ler asks frantically. The sheriff only frowns, and looks at him with an apologetic expression.
"Look...Once-ler...I'm sorry to have to tell you this...but...your father...your father was found in the wreckage of his cart last night. We suspect the many bandits in the area are the cause of this, but there was no telling how long it had been like that." the Once-ler's heart then stops for a whole second. His father was...found...in...in wreckage?
"But...but he's okay...right?" Once-ler asks; his voice going higher with each word. "R-right?" the sheriff only frowned sympathetically.
"No...he wasn't...with us when we got to him" the man says quietly. "I'm sorry this had to happen..." the Once-ler then felt his self control vanish, and his mind became a jumble of questions, emotions, and all sorts of other things. He feels as if his heart had broken into a million little pieces, and...and he just wished it was all a huge nightmare.
"No! You...you have to be lying to me!" the Once-ler exclaims. Normally he would be yelled at for out-bursts like this, but...taking the current situation into consideration, he was allowed to let out all of his emotions. "He can't just be...be...dead! This all has to be a sick joke! A sick, sick, joke! I...I refuse to believe this!" with that, the frantic boy then turns, and takes off toward the stair case. Through the many thoughts; Once-ler swears he hears his mother call out his name. But...he doesn't take notice. His mind is to frantic to think straight.
He then runs up the steps, and rushes into his room – which happened to be the attic as well, and he didn't actually mind living up there – before slamming the door shut. He then throws himself face-first on his bed, and starts crying into the mattress.
~o~o~o~
The Once-ler cried himself to sleep that night. It was hard for him to deal with the fact that his father was...was...really gone. A couple of days after he found out; a funeral in which the remains of his father would be buried was held. (it was closed-cagiest, thank god) The Once-ler had never felt so weak, small, or so...so...lost. As if he had physically lost track of the world around him. The small child was an emotional wreck for the longest time; unlike his family, who seemed to get all their grieving out of the way pretty quickly. Of course, even though he did technically deal with the fact his father had passed...at times like these when he remembered him...his heart felt as if it had a huge portion of it missing. The parts that had unconditionally loved his father...
"...hello? Forest creatures to beanpole." the Lorax says; waving his orange furred hand in front of the raven haired mans face. The Once-ler had just been staring off into the corner with his hollow expression, and, frankly, the guardian was concerned for him.
"...story time is over." the Once-ler announces; picking up Pipsqueak from his lap and putting the little teddy-bear like creature right beside him. He then turns to his side, lays his head back on the pillow, and pulls the covers up so they were shielding his face – which was already wet from tears. "Night." the animals all looked at each other, and then back at the lump under the sheets that was the Once-ler.
For the next few hours; all that could be heard was the rain hitting the roof, and the occasional sob of sadness heard from under the beds sheets.
