Chapter 8: Returning Home

The animals went around the road looking for Mookie. They ran across the park searching towards the playground and the trees. RJ said, "Any luck?"

"No, he's not in the slide." said Ozzie.

"We checked the swings and he's not there." said Lou.

"He's not under the teeter-totter, either." said Stella.

"Oh, man. This is getting frustrating. He could be anywhere by now." said RJ.

"You won't find him."

The animals looked up and saw Verne standing in front of him and then said, "Not without me. You need a leader to find a kid who looks like RJ."

RJ smiled and said, "I knew you came to your senses."

The animals continued to look around and search for Mookie until they heard a guitar playing. Heather walked around wondering where the sound is coming from. The others followed her and it ended up under the picnic table. Heather looked under the table and she saw Mookie. He stopped playing, then looked up and saw Heather standing here.

"What are you doing here?" asked Mookie.

"We're looking for you." said Heather.

Verne walked towards Mookie and said, "What do you want? Are you gonna say anything negative about me?"

"No. I just came to tell you that I'm sorry about all the stuff I said. The day before, I was misunderstood by your feelings. Yesterday, I was out of line. I was just jealous about everyone giving you your attention and helping yu out with your time of need. For that, I hope you'll forgive me." said Verne.

Mookie smiled and said, "Come here."

Verne came close to him and gave him a big hug. Mookie asked, "So, are we cool?"

"Yeah, we're cool."

The animals cheered excitedly and RJ said, "I'm glad that everything worked out pretty well."

"My daughter really likes you as a little brother." said Ozzie.

Mookie looked at Heather and said, "It's true. So, I see today's your 13th."

"It feels like it."

"Come on, everyone. Let's go home." said Verne.

The animals went out of the park and walked back home to the hedge along with Mookie..., where he seriously belongs.