A short discussion between Adam and his stepdad David.

A/N:

Adam sat at the table, eating the bland 'healthy' cereal his mom always got for him. Normally he moaned and groaned, making his displeasure at eating the healthy choice known to everyone in the room.

All to cover up the small bits of bacon that David would sneak him. The two were an odd pair when they were alone together. David had never adopted the digital lifestyle. Sure, he owned a smartphone and tablet, but he had never looked at social media before. He used his electronics to monitor stock exchanges and business transactions. If that wasn't going on you could find him in his favorite chair reading a book. Right now, he was reading a newspaper at the table, leaning back in the chair with his legs crossed.

"You're unusually quiet. Something on your mind?"

Another scrape of the spoon in the bowl. David lowered his paper and looked over the edge as Adam absentmindedly moved the cereal around. At first, he thought the little tod may be bored but he seemed to have a look of deep concentration instead. David folded the paper in his paws and let it slap down on the table bringing Adam suddenly out of his stupor.

"Alright Adam, what's on your mind?" David asked curiously.

Adam just kind of shrugged and looked back at his cereal bowl before answering. "Just thinking."

"About what?"

"Why doesn't mom like Ms. Hopps?"

"Hmm, well…" He started with a sigh. "It's not that she doesn't like Ms. Hopps, it's more that she doesn't trust the police."

"Dad says the police are there to help us." Adam replied, to which David nodded.

"Yes, most of the time they are but, let me ask you this. Is your class at school a good class?"

Adam nodded yes.

"But is everyone in your class good?"

Adam seemed to think about the question for a moment, he scrunched his brows in concentration as he tried to think of what David might be trying to get at. It took a second, but he thought he knew what he was asking.

"You mean like bullies?" To which David nodded. "Yeah, there's a coyote that's mean."

"Unfortunately, there are bullies everywhere. It's something that's a part of our lives. There will always be those that are mean to others. And that includes the police."

Adam seemed to think that over as he stared down at his bowl of cereal. David wondered what he might be thinking but never got the chance to find out.

"Adam, are you ready?" Laura asked, walking in from the bedroom. "Time to leave for school sweetheart."

Adam nodded and slid out of his chair, carrying his bowl to the sink before going to his room to get his book bag. Unusually quiet and somber.

Laura looked to David. "What's wrong with him?" She whispered in a voice low enough Adam wouldn't hear.

"I'll tell you when you get back." He replied as Adam exited his room. Laura looked into David's eyes for a moment before forcing a smile.

"Alright, let's get going." She said, forcing her voice not to sound worried.

As the two left the upscale house David couldn't help but feel anxiety about the upcoming conversation.

A/N:

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. We've been working on a merger at work when this virus hit. Hope you're all staying safe, wherever you're at. I thought up this little update one day when I had a little free time. Hope you enjoy.