Mr. Peabody, Sherman & Penny

Chapter Twelve: Father's Day

Not long after Mother's Day came Father's Day; This was Mr. Peabody's favourite day of the year. He and Sherman would always spend the day together, sharing presents, fun activities and warm feelings (usually more on Sherman's side then Peabody's). Mr. Peabody would always count down the days with great anticipation.

Sherman, of course, was just as excited.

"It's always the best day for us!" He told Penny. "Every year, me and Mr. Peabody spend the whole day together, just hanging out and having fun!"

"Sounds great." Penny smiled. "I'll be going boating with my dad, out on the lake."

"Sounds neat. Sherman smiled. "Hope you guys have fun."

"You guys too." Penny returned the feeling.

The upcoming Father's Day was an extra-special one in Mr. Peabody and Sherman's opinion. It was their first since the incident with Ms. Grunion, that terrible time when it seemed like they would be parted forever. The successful resolution of that problem had served to make this year's celebration that much sweeter.

On the day in question, Sherman got up early, and made Mr. Peabody breakfast in bed. The meal consisted of slightly burnt toast, an overflowing bowl of cereal, and a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice (with a lot of pulp still in it).

"Happy Father's Day, Mr. Peabody!" Sherman announced as he entered his father's room. "I made you breakfast."

"So, I see." Mr. Peabody looked upon the messy-looking food before him. "You, er... shouldn't have."

"Well?" Sherman asked, smiling expectantly. "Aren't you hungry?"

"Famished." Mr. Peabody nodded, deciding not to disappoint him. He started eating the food. To Sherman's credit, it tasted better then it looked (though he had to pick the pulp out of the OJ with his cereal spoon). "Not bad, Sherman. Perhaps you should consider a career as a gourmet chef?"

"Aw, thanks, Mr. Peabody." Sherman smiled.

After finishing his breakfast, Mr. Peabody got out of bed and made Sherman his own. Afterwards, they went on to one of Peabody's predesignated "Father's Day activities", such as building models together, and going to the park. They would have taken a trip in the WABAC to meet some historical father figures, but the time machine had sprung a leak in it's fuel reserves, and all time travel trips were currently on hold (pending delivery of replacement parts), so they learned the old fashioned way, reading about great fathers like Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin. As far as Sherman was concerned, Mr. Peabody outshone them all.

After lunch, Sherman gave Mr. Peabody his father's day gift.

"Hmm, I wonder what this could be?" Mr. Peabody mused.

The beagle tore off the wrapping paper, revealing a silver medallion with the words "Best Dad Ever" etched on it.

"What do you think?" Sherman asked. "It's not much, but..."

"I love it." Mr. Peabody smiled. "Thank you, Sherman."

"You're welcome." Sherman smiled, before suddenly frowning.

"What's the matter, Sherman?" Mr. Peabody asked.

"Oh, it's nothing." Sherman shrugged.

"Sherman..." Mr. Peabody urged.

"It's just... I don't think I ever thanked you." Sherman declared.

"Thanked me?" Mr. Peabody asked. "For what?"

"For adopting me." Sherman smiled. "For giving me a home, and a life. For being my dad."

"Oh, Sherman." Mr. Peabody chuckled. "You don't have to thank me for any of that."

"I know." Sherman nodded. "But I want to, anyway. Thanks... dad."

Sherman hugged Mr. Peabody tightly.

"You're welcome, son." Mr. Peabody returned the hug. Normally, he preferred for Sherman to address him by name, rather then "dad" or "father". This time though, he was willing to make an exception.

That evening, Mr. Peabody tucked his son into bed.

"Best Father's Day ever, huh, Mr. Peabody?" Sherman yawned.

"Indeed, Sherman." Mr. Peabody agreed. "Next year's Father's Day will have it's work cut out for it. Good night, Sherman."

"Good night, Mr. Peabody." Sherman smiled. "I love you."

"I love you, too." Mr. Peabody returned.

Mr. Peabody left the room, gently closing the door behind him. Both he and his adopted son marvelled on how neither one could ask for a better father/son.

To Be Continued...

(Mr. Peabody & Sherman and all associated characters are the property of DreamWorks Animation.)