Chapter 10: Fixed

Many hours before Kale woke up at the bomb shelter, it had been just before dawn at the log and RJ was enjoying some much-needed beauty sleep after all the stress he's been under, and from training Mary and Bernard yesterday. Then, his son had shaken him awake, asking to continue his education. RJ would have preferred to sleep later, but appreciated how Bernard was willing to push himself like never before, especially given how his son had all but given up on trying to improve his abilities two days ago. They did some one-on-one training with Bernard's golf bag items, and to RJ's pleasant surprise, Bernard only made minor mistakes and quickly rebounded from them. That really shook off the adult raccoon's grogginess, and the two had kept at it until it was lunch time. RJ had tried to make their training a father-son bonding session, but Bernard's mind was focused on honing his skills. RJ couldn't argue with that and continued training his son.

After lunch, Mary was ready to start training as well. RJ noticed Bernard looked tired and had said, "I'll do some one-on-one lessons with your sister. It's time for you to take a break, Bernard. You've earned it."

But Bernard had refused, saying "I inherited more of your raccoon genes, remember? I'm not as tired as I look. I want to keep going."

And so they did. It's nearly 2PM now and the three raccoon-blooded animals are at RJ's downtime spot. RJ had wanted Heather to join him in case his kids had another relapse of angst (and so did Heather herself), but she sadly had to stay behind and recover from the injuries she had suffered when Clara had invaded their home. That made RJ more irritable than normal, as the thought of having to defuse his kids' tempers without Heather again added more stress in his mind. So far he's been lucky, and hopes it'll stay that way.

RJ: "Give it another whirl."

Two Whoosh! sounds follow.

RJ: "Up high."

Wah-Whoosh!

RJ: "Down low."

Whoosh!-Whoosh!

RJ: "And now your victory poses!"

Mary perfectly replicates the circular twirl and sword-sheathing-behind-the-back move that a certain spikey, blond-haired videogame character does. Not wanting to be outdone, Bernard tries to replicate a similar twirl and sheath taunt that a certain green-clothed videogame character does, but nearly loses the grip on his wedge club after one twirl. Unlike his former and inferior self from over a week ago—who would have dropped the club—he quickly regains control and executes a simpler pose of sheathing like a sword on his left then right side before laying it at rest like a Marine during rifle training.

RJ: "That's what I'm talkin' about!"

Mary: "Whose pose was better, daddy?"

RJ internally sighs in anger and speaks in a tone of impatience when he says, "It's not a game of who's better than who, Mary. What matters is that you both get better."

Bernard: "So let's stop wasting time and go to our next lesson."

Mary: "Well someone's awfully impatient..."

Bernard: "You don't have to win back Elroy. I have to win back Patricia, or get a whole new girlfriend. And the sooner the better."

RJ silently praises how his son is more determined than ever to start making real progress in training with him, but sets the record straight when he says, "It's impossible for anyone to become a master at anything overnight, Bernard. It takes time to gain experience. And you shouldn't be doing this for love, you should be doing this to become a better you for the family's benefit."

RJ wants to mention another hidden reason, but wisely refrains from mentioning it after remembering the conversation he had with Heather on the day his kids found out what sterile means. "Better for them to think this is about them, instead of my benefit," he muses.

To be fair, the secret reason is still for the benefit of his kids, and the whole family for that matter, but revealing it now might make them want to stop their training sessions.

RJ: "Anyway, put your golf clubs back and let's get out the items I let you keep on the day we first started training with your golf bags."

The twins obey and Mary pulls out a can of silly string, tennis ball, lighter, pocket knife, water gun pistol, and skinny whiffle ball bat from her bag while Bernard pulls out a grappling hook, marbles, a roll of scotch tape, and firecrackers."

RJ: "Okay, this is a test of ingenuity and intellect. Combine what you have to make one offensive weapon in a minute or less." (Pulls out a stopwatch from his golf bag) "Starting, now!"

Bernard feels like he's at a disadvantage with his items since Mary's pocket knife has more tools on it that can make things easier for her. But he doesn't object and puts his thinking cap on, especially when he hears Mary already spraying her silly string. He doesn't take the time to look over at what she's doing, and keeps his focus on what he needs to do with what he has. He gets the breakthrough he needs when he realizes what he can do with the scotch tape. He tapes the firecrackers to the tip of the four-pronged grapple hook, then quickly does the same with the marbles, only to see that they don't stick to the firecrackers that well.

Bernard thinking: "How can I used the marbles too? Hmmm...Gotta think of how I would use this weapon. I know how the firecrackers will make this work...but what if the fireworks were a duds...? Aha! I got it!"

Bernard uses the tape to fasten marbles on the claw-like prongs.

Mary: "I'm done!"

Bernard takes a few more seconds to tape the last marble on his grapple hook and then says, "Me too!"

RJ: "35 seconds for Mary, and 42 seconds for Bernard. Great work on the timing, but now comes the really important part: seeing how practical and effective your weapons can be."

Bernard: "I wanna do mine first!"

Mary: "No way. I finished before you, so I should go first."

RJ: "Objection overruled. Go ahead, Bernard."

Bernard quickly pumps his fist while whispering "Yes!" then holds up his grapple hook and says, "I taped some firecrackers to the front of my grapple hook so they'll explode in the face of an attacker who I'll throw it at. As for the marbles, they make the grapple hook heavier in order to add an extra punch to the hit in case the fireworks don't light up."

RJ: "Thinking of a backup tactic...Brilliant."

Just as Bernard notices that his father didn't sound very enthusiastic when he said "Brilliant", RJ continues, "Let's see it in action."

RJ reaches into his golf bag and unrolls a piece of paper that turns out to be a bullseye target. He staples it to a nearby tree 10 feet away and gets out of dodge.

RJ: "Show us, son!"

Bernard lights the firecrackers with his lighter, swings the grapple hook by its rope, takes aim, and lets it fly forward. Things instantly go wrong when the grapple hook goes only one foot forward. Bernard quickly pulls it back to him, swings again, then lets go. It gets a little farther, but still falls short of the bullseye target by six feet. Seeing the firecracker fuse is about to reach the end, Bernard rushes forward and winds up for one last toss. He still doesn't hit the target, and the firecrackers don't even go off.

Bernard: "Huh? What happened? I don't understand."

RJ: "First off Bernard, your idea was ingenuous, and I would've thought of the same thing if I had the same items as you did. However, you overdid it. One, you put so much tape to secure the firecrackers, that it got in the way of the fuse reaching them. See?" (Holds up the grapple hook so that Bernard can see where the layers of scotch tape, clogged around the fuse, are burning, but have therefore prevented the fuse from igniting the explosive parts) "It would've been a better idea to tie the firecrackers to the grapple hook by the strings on the firecrackers." (Shows how long the strings are with his fingers) "Two, the hook was too heavy when you put so many marbles on it. That's why you weren't able to get much distance when you threw it. And three, the grapple hook is plenty heavy by itself to hurt if it hits an attacker, so the marbles weren't needed at all, just the fireworks. And if you did use the marbles, then only two per prong would do. But again, you thought of what would happen if the fireworks failed, which is great. And the only reason you couldn't throw it farther was because at your current age and fitness, you aren't strong enough to throw the grapple hook forward with so many marbles. But more training will make you get that strong one day, so that's something for you to look forward to."

Bernard doesn't feel better at all despite RJ's words. Indeed, he quickly shows that with his increased desire to become better at being a raccoon, comes an increase in anger.

Bernard: "I would be strong enough if I was a full raccoon! But you and mommy had to make me half-possum!"

And there it was, the very thing RJ was hoping to avoid. Immensely frustrated that Bernard couldn't go one training session without bringing it up, RJ stomps angrily over to his son and says in a vexed tone, "Enough of that, Bernard! One more complaint about your being a hybrid and it's back to the log for time-out!" Now in front of Bernard, RJ leans his angry face forward and says, "Get. Over. It. And since you want to improve your abilities so much, I think you better not push my buttons anymore!"

As RJ's face came forward, Bernard shakes and cowers in fear, proving he's still as timid as ever. He whimpers, gulps, and nods his head yes frantically and repeatedly.

RJ: "Good! You and your sister will not be disrespectful toward me or your mother anymore, got it!"

Even Mary is frightened by her father's actions, as she thinks, "He's never gotten into one of our faces before...And he got angry so quickly, that's not normal for him. Something must be troubling him, and it's not just all the stuff that's been going on with me or my brother lately..." Wanting to change the topic, Mary says, "Can I show you my improvised weapon now, daddy?" Fearful of what RJ might say if she forgets her manners, she quickly adds, "Please?"

RJ's tone is back to normal when he looks over at her and says, "Yes, Mary. You may."

Mary holds up her "weapon" and says, "Well, as you can see, I coated the tennis ball with silly string. All I have to do now is this," (Lights the top of the tennis ball with her lighter, which catches fire) "And this!"

She takes the skinny whiffle ball bat in one paw, tosses the tennis ball in the air (which quickly becomes a literal fireball), and smacks it with the bat, hitting the target.

RJ's good mood returns as he exclaims, "Wow! Amazing! Great hit, and great idea! Simple, but effective!"

Mary: "Thanks daddy...I got the idea after watching a birthday mishap happen on America's Funniest Home Videos. That's where I found out that silly string is highly flammable."

Bernard: "But I used all of my items, and you didn't use your pocket knife or water gun."

Mary: "I didn't need to. I just used what I needed."

RJ: "That was another part of the test: not to use all the items at your disposal, but only those that you really needed."

Bernard thinking: "Darn it! I overthought things. Like usual..."

RJ: "The problems with your weapon, Mary, is that it has to be used quickly, before it becomes too hot to hold the ball anymore, and you have to get it right on the first try. If you miss your baseball swing, your goose is cooked."

Mary (proudly): "But I won't miss."

RJ: "That's the spirit, but that's overconfident too. You say that now, 'cuz we're just training. But things won't go as smoothly if you had to make your weapon while under attack. You might panic and make a mistake.

"Ah, but that's a lesson for another day. Way to go, both of you!" (Gives a thumbs up) "Now, what to do next...?" A few moments later RJ snaps his fingers and says, "Aha! I know. See this tree?" (Points to his left) "Climb it as fast as you can."

Bernard: "Um...could we do something else? I need a little more time to overcome my acrophobia."

RJ: "C'mon, son, you've been doing so well today and I want you to keep up your hot-streak."

Mary: "I actually agree with Bernard, daddy. My leg still hurts."

RJ: "Oh, I accidentally forgot. My bad, Mary."

Just as RJ is about to tell himself to slow down because he's letting the secret reason make him push his kids too far, Mary says something that reignites the fire Bernard had started earlier.

Mary (mumbling): "Just like you accidentally made me and my brother..."

RJ (angry): "Mary! Remember what I told Bernard about not bringing up your anger on your birth!"

Mary: "Sorry! I-I didn't mean to say that out loud."

RJ: "Even if you thought it, it means your mind is on other things besides becoming a better raccoon. I need you both to focus—fully focus—on our training from now on."

Mary: "W-we promise, daddy."

Bernard: "Yeah. Let's just pick out a new thing to train on."

RJ: "NO! We're getting this out once and for all, because I've got A LOT of things on my mind—more than you can ever imagine—and don't need you two to makes things harder than they already are for me! Look, if you're still angry with your mother and me, that's understandable. But for the love of Mother Nature, you don't have to bring it up every single chance you GET! Can you two just do this one, little, teeny, tiny, thing for me?! Is that too much to ask?! It's not like I've been a selfish father, I've never asked too much of either of you. But now, I need you two to do something for me. Never, ever, bring up your frustration of being hybrids, or your delusional thoughts that you were accidents while we are training! I need you to get better as soon as possible because Heather will never fully recover from her injuries and might not be able to heist again!"

Mary and Bernard gasp and stare wide-eyed at RJ, who only now realizes that he let his secret reason slip out.

Mary: "Mommy...?"

Bernard: "Won't...?"

Mary: "Ever...?

Bernard: "Get...?

Mary and Bernard in unison: "Better...?"

RJ lets out a sorrowful sigh, slouches, and his ears droop down. He slowly nods and says, "Yes..."

Bernard (with a lump in his throat): "And it's all my fault..."

Mary: "Wait a minute, you said that mommy would recover after you, Uncle Verne, Uncle Lou, and Aunt Luby examined her that afternoon after the heist."

RJ: "I said that mommy would recover; I didn't say she would fully recover..."

Bernard: "Wh-why didn't you tell us sooner?"

RJ: "I didn't want to add more troubles to the family than there already are...Especially you two, because I love you. And before you even think of saying otherwise, no, I haven't been training both of you just so you can get better at heisting to make up for your mom's permanent absence. It's because I want you two to be able to improve yourselves for yourselves. Don't forget that both of you have your own reasons for needing to improve. That's why you've been working with me. And what kind of father would I be if I didn't help my own kids hone their skills?"

Mary: "No wonder you got angry at us so fast...we've been making things worser and worser for you."

RJ: "I lost my temper as well, but at least you know the reason now."

RJ then notices the tears running down Bernard's eyes, no doubt his son feels guilty about Heather's injuries. Wanting to avoid unnecessary drama RJ says, "And Bernard? Don't let this discourage you, use it to push yourself harder. Promise me...In dire situations like this, you and your sister's faith in me is the only thing that can keep me going."

Bernard pauses for a bit as his mind makes sense of what his father just said. He then wipes away his tears, nods his head, and says, "I promise, daddy."

Mary: "Me too daddy."

RJ sighs in relief and says, "Thank you."

RJ feels proud that he has turned a tragedy into a triumph again when his twins walk up to him and he embraces them in a hug. It only lasts for a few moments before Rick comes running toward them while saying "RJ! RJ! You need to come back to the log immediately!"

RJ: "Why? What's going on?"

Rick: "It's easier if you see it for yourself."

RJ's twins let go of him and join their father in walking back...as well as feeling dread for some odd reason.

Once he sees what Rick had hinted at, it turns out that RJ and his kids' dread was well-founded.

Verne: "What is she doing here?!"

RJ is equally confused and angry as Verne when he sees that Kale has brought Clara back to the hedgies' home.

Kale: "I know, it's much earlier dan you's were expectin', but we were attacked and nearly killed at the bomb shelter by some of her enemies. It's not safe there."

Luby (sarcastically): "And you thought bringing her here was a better choice?"

RJ: "Take her somewhere else, Kale. If she has any more enemies, they'll track her down here."

Verne: "It's not worth the family's safety!"

Kale: "But all'uv you can betta defend her if her enemies show up. When you's took care of me, there was always da threat of my ex-pack and my pack's enemies comin' here. It'll be just like dat."

RJ: "I don't think we'll want to defend her if that happens. Not after what she did to Sam, Aaron, Mary, Heather, Sarah, and Plushie!"

Clara: "Would it help if I said I wa' sorry...?"

All non-predator animals in unison: "No!"

Only Kale comes to her defense by saying, "I tried ta eat ya's family and friends on the day we met too, and you still helped me out."

Velma: "You didn't revel in it when you tried, you were just being a wolf. But she's evil!"

Clara: "I have a lot ta atone for. I know..."

Kale: "I'm not askin' for you's ta like her, just ta look after her while she recovers. She's da way she is becuz she's been through more horrible things dan me. Just give 'er a chance ta change, and if she blows it, kick her out and let 'er fend for herself. It's a win-win situation for ya's all."

Clara: "Dat's what I told 'im ta say. We figured none of ya's would wanna listen ta me."

Lou: "Why should we give her a chance?!"

Kale: "Because you did the same for me..."

Everyone finally gets their tempers under control as Kale's words resonate in their minds. Noticing this, Kale asks, "Will you listen to her as she speaks now?"

The others slowly nod and Kale moves so Clara is looking at everyone.

Clara: "I know I've done a lotta horrible tings to ya's. I know dat I'm messed up in the head—always was—but Kale showed me kindness and mercy when I needed it da most...was da first one to show me kindness n' mercy in my whole life. He said he learned it from you's, so maybe it can make me a betta wolf and clean up my act. I promise not ta eat any of you's or ya friends, and do my best ta behave if you's do this big favor for me. I'll do my best ta change."

Annette: "Cleaning up your act isn't enough, you need a full brain detox."

Scarlet: "And how do we know you'll keep your word?"

Clara sighs and says, "You're on Kale. I'm too proud ta say dis next thing..."

Kale: "Dat's what the shock collar is for. She tries ta attack ya's or gets too rude, zap her."

Clara: "Lemme go ahead and cut to da chase. I have a massive superiority complex, a foul mouth, and am prob'ly da most anti-social prick you'll ever know. I'm tellin' ya's dis so you can be prepared, and do what ya must ta make me follow in line...despite how much I'm gonna hate it."

Kale: "And if I could change, so can she. Wha'd'ya say?"

The family looks to Verne and RJ, who look at each other, then at Clara.

RJ: "You have only one chance." (Holds up one finger) "You mess up, you're gone."

Verne: "And because your warning about your downsides has indicated that you'll be harder to reform than Kale, we're gonna be harder on you—as punishment for your previous attacks on this family."

RJ: "So Bucky, Quillo, and Spike: you and your mates whip up some more shock collar remotes, because one isn't going to cut it."

Clara locks eyes with the young adult porcupines and says in a tone of seething rage, "You's designed this?!" (Points to her shock collar)

Bucky, Quillo and Spike in unison: "Yep."

Emily, Rachel and Emma in unison: "Guilty as charged."

Penny: "And if you want us to help you recuperate, you better drop all intentions of revenge."

Clara: "Fine." (Glaring at the porcupines) "But I don't teenk we's ever gonna be friends."

Kale: "I felt dee exact same way, and now I'm dare best friend. But if you'll 'scuse me, I have an important play date ta keep before resuming my patrols."

Kale walks over to Ike and says in an energetic tone, "Ees dat time again, mi lil' amigo!"

Ike: "Oh yeah!"

Kale lays as flat on the ground as he can and lets Ike climb on him so that the young porcupine is holding on to the back of the wolf's neck.

Ike: "Ride on Kale-boy! Yeeeeehaaaaaa!"

Kale runs forward, dashes left and right whenever Ike says to, jumps over downed branches and rocks, goes through the log, weaves in and out around trees for five minutes. During this time, most of the family has gone back to doing their own things, except for Spike and Emma who cheer Kale and Ike on. Another animal has been watching closely too, but feels disgust instead of joy.

When Kale stops in front of Ike's parents, Clara scoffs and shakes her head disapprovingly.

Clara: "Playin' horsey, with a prey animal no less...Where's ya wolf sense'a pride?"

Kale: "You keep forgettin' dat I'm free of the Codes of Wolf Society and can have fun with my best friends' kid. No shame, jus' good ol' fashion fun for him and me."

Ike gets off the wolf and says, "Thanks Uncle Kale!"

Kale: "My pleasure, Ike. But now it's time for me ta get back ta work."

Clara: "Do you have ta leave now?"

Kale: "Yep. You's not dee only predator who's been causin' trouble in deese woods lately. Just remember ta behave while you're with mi familia—my family." (While running off) "If ya's don't, te freirán hasta que entres en una enchilada."

Clara: "What?!"

Kale is already gone, but Emma gladly translates.

Emma: "He said if you don't, 'they'll fry you until you go in an enchilada,' 'they' as in us."

Clara (rhetorically): "You know that down-the-border-burrito-talk too?"

Emma: "Kale taught us."

Clara (rhetorical and with attitude): "Did I ask ya's to explain?—Don't recall it! Now find me a place ta rest, gimme tupperware ta drink, and stay the heck outta my way. Someone of my caliber shouldn't be talkin' to a creature as lowly as you's; I should be eatin' ya. But since I can't, you and ya's 'family' betta help me out if you wants me ta change."

Emma (puts her paws on her hips): "If that's the way you ask for a favor..."

Emma snaps her finger, gets the shock collar remote thrown into her paw, and presses the button to shock Clara. When it's over and Clara catches her breath, the wolfess asks, "What's with all the hard hate? I tought Kale said you's were all forgivin' and understandin'?"

RJ wastes no time in fuming out his rage on the creature who put his mate and mom in more pain by walking up to Clara (but keeping out of her attack range) and saying, "Because of what you have done to this family, without shame, everyone here is neither in the mood for a repeat of Kale's reform, nor do we have the patience. So start cleaning up your act now, or the wolf population in these woods will be decreased by one." (Reaches into his golf bag) "Got it?!"

Clara's eyes widen when she sees the revolver in the raccoon's paw. She nods and gulps, then looks over to the other hedgies nearby, and asks, "None of you's teenk he's goin' overboard?"

Hedgies in unison: "Nope."

RJ: "Let's go ahead and put this out front: you're already on thin ice. And not just with me, but with the whole family. Remind her why folks."

Scarlet: "You tried to eat my sons!"

Hammy: "Our sons!"

Aaron: "Yeah!"

Sam: "Eeeaahhh!"

Mary: "You tried to eat me and the dad of my boyfriend!"

Heather: "I was just starting to recover from a heist injury, and when I had to be moved into a tree it made it worse! I won't be able to spend time with my kids or do any of the things I like even longer because of you!"

Sarah: "Same for my already-damaged sciatic nerve!"

RJ says, "That's my precious mate and dear mother!" while pointing to them.

Rebecca: "My mom too!"

Plushie: "You nearly broke through my shell, and scratched me up bad!"

Verne: "That's my nephew there!"

Velma: "The closest thing to a biological son Verne and I will ever have!"

Verne: "You nearly ruined that experience for us! Velma is barren, so the two of us can't have any children of our own."

Ike: "You kept'ed Uncle Kale away from us longer than normal!"

Luby: For all that, you need to be punished because love and understanding alone isn't going to make you change. And we know the best way to reform you."

Rick: "Did Kale ever tell you that he pretended to be our slave driver in order to fool his ex-pack?"

Clara: "Yeah."

Rick: "In order to speed up your reform, the roles are gonna be reversed."

Rogan: "That means you do what we say, when we say it, or get punished."

RJ: "Remember your promise. And if you so much as nip anyone in this family, don't forget that you're not in shape to dodge as well next time." (Cocks the revolver hammer back)

Clara: "Geez, you's got no mercy for me! If Kale was here—"

Verne: "—But he's not. And even if he was, there is nothing he could do to make us say or do anything different from what's been said and done to you so far. You may have won him over, but you haven't won us over."

Clara (rhetorically): "Isn't it disrespectful ta interrupt?"

Velma (rhetorically and angry): "Isn't it more disrespectful to threaten, hurt, and eat others?!"

Clara: "I was hungry, and a girl's gotta eat."

Rebecca: "So typical of wolves; trying to lie."

Scarlet: "You enjoyed every second of hunting down Sam and Aaron, and how you would eat them slowly and painfully."

Heather: "And you attacked us the other day out of revenge of my daughter defeating you—you said that loud and clear."

Clara: "I said I wa' sorry, didn't I?"

Stella: "Even if you meant it—and I ser'ious'ly doubt you did—you prove your sorrow by yo actions, not words."

Tiger: "You want somewhere to start, try being more respectful to us prey animals."

Clara: "I get dat, I do. But it's a habit of all wolves ta talk down ta prey animals, a habit that's gonna be hard ta break. I even talked down ta other predators as way ta deal with how bad tings were goin' for me growing up. So could ya's cut me some slack for havin' a hard life, all my life."

Verne: "Just because you've had a hard life doesn't give you the right to be disrespectful to others. So I'll tell you what I told Kale: you want to be respected, you've got to earn it by giving it. As a wolf you learned that fear is better than respect, or that you get respect by making others fear you. If you want us to willingly protect you from your predator enemies, it's time for you to un-learn that."

Emma: "So let's start over again, shall we? You said you wanted a good place to rest, something to drink, and for us to leave you alone. Say the magic word: 'please.' "

Clara surprises herself by simply musing, " 'Please' isn't in my vocabulary." She sighs because she knows there's no other way for her. In a slow, seething, struggling-to-control-rage voice tone that sounds like she's getting liver surgery without anesthetic, Clara grates out, "Puh-Puh-Puuuuhhhhhhhh-l-l-llllleeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaa-sssssssssssse."

Aaron: "Oh, now say pretty please!"

Clara: "What?!"

Emma taps the shock collar remote and says, "Do it."

Scarlet: "And because you owe me, my mate, Aaron, and Sam personally, say it normally."

Clara glares at Scarlet for only a second, then takes in and lets out a deep breath, and says, "Pret-ty please..."

Hammy raises his arm while jumping and excitedly says, "Oh! Oh! Now say pretty please with sugar on top!"

Clara: "Oh come on!"

Spike: "No, you go on and say it."

Clara: "Pretty please...with sugar on top."

Emma: "Thank you for asking so nicely. I will be more than happy to fulfill your requests."

Spike: "The best way to settle any problem is to try to do it as politely as possible. Right, Emma?"

Emma: "Absolutely. Right Ike?"

Ike: "Yes ma'am!"

That makes the three reminisce on how they recently solved their particular crisis.

It was shortly after Clara had attacked the hedgies' home. The experience made Spike and Emma realize how close death can come for anyone, and how they still had an unsolved problem that, had they perished, would never have been resolved. True to their revelation from their heated argument, Emma and Spike brought Ike along with them to their downtime spot to solve the necklace issue once and for all, only this time, the porcupines are much calmer.

Once there, Spike got the conversation started with, "That necklace shouldn't be a problem for us—for me—but it is."

Emma: "It's not just you. Remember when our son yanked if off that afternoon I was bathing him?"

Ike: "I said I sorry, mommy."

Emma (looks at Ike): "Like I told you then, Ike, I'm the one who had to say sorry to you." (Looks back at Spike) "So it's been causing problems for me too."

Spike: "It's making us both say and do things we shouldn't. That day, on that heist, when I tried to forcefully take it off of you...I should have waited until later to ask you to take it off, and not have been so aggressive."

Emma: "And I should have taken it off before leaving the hedge that day. Not to mention I should take it off every now and then."

Spike: "And I shouldn't think you wearing it and holding it all the time means it's more important to you than me or our son."

Emma: "But you had a good point when you said I treat it like it's a real person instead of relying on you and Ike to provide me luck, love, and comfort."

Spike: "And I overreacted when I accused you of still loving the real Ike by wearing that necklace."

Ike: "The one I'm named after?"

Spike: "The very same, son."

Emma: "The reason I like to wear it is because the Ike who saved my life will always hold a special place in my heart, but he doesn't belong to my heart. You and our son do...Even so, I haven't been acting like that, which is unfair for you both."

Ike: "So who sorry? Who's fault?"

Spike: "It's daddy's and mommy's fault, Ike."

Emma (looking at Spike in the eyes): "We're both equally guilty."

Spike (looking at Emma in the eyes): "And equally sorry."

Ike: "So you forgive?"

Spike: "Absolutely."

Emma: "And more than that, daddy and I are going to make some new promises to each other and to you, Ike."

Spike: "I'll start off. Emma, if you want to keep wearing it whenever you want, I promise I will never question your reasons for having it on, or to take it off against your will ever again. And Ike, you're mommy and I will never argue about her necklace anymore."

Emma: "Spike and Ike, I promise to start treating my necklace for what it is: a necklace. Not a child, not a mate, and certainly not anything more important than you two."

Emma and Spike place their paws on the others' chests and enter a loving kiss.

Ike: "Eww! You'll get cooties, daddy!"

Emma breaks away from the kiss with a smile, takes her necklace off, and hands it to Ike who starts playing with it. The two adults then resume their kiss uninterrupted.

No shouting, no accusations, and no blaming. All truth, sincerity, and politeness. It had been admittedly painful to go over something that had caused so much strife for the three the last time the topic was brought up, but it was necessary in order to change things for the better. Emma hopes the same can be done with Clara, but also won't feel loss if the female wolf holds onto her evil way, and has to be kicked out of the hedgies' home to face the world alone.

Emma thinking: "But take things one step at a time."

With that, she grabs some cold water from the refrigerator, an empty tupperware container to use as a dog bowl, and starts leading Clara to where Plushie, Roger, and Ty had been the other day.

Rebecca: "I'm going to do some gymnastics. That wolf made mom's injury worse, so her very presence makes me angry." (Thinking) "She also made Kale reveal my secret to Garrett just when things were going good. But no way am I saying that in front of everyone else."

Quillo: "Rachel and I will be working on building more shock collar remotes."

Stella: "Y'all have a spare one already, right?"

Rachel: "Yeah, but we'll need to search for it. I can't exactly remember where it is. Why do you ask?"

Tiger: "My love and I shall take first watch on our new 'guest.' On the honor of my family name, this wolf Clara, will cause no trouble on this family under our watch."

Two minutes later, when Emma and Clara arrive at their destination, the porcupine asks, "You sure you don't want any company?"

Clara: "Yeah, I'm sure. Go now, ya—umm. Just leave me alone...please."

Emma: "As you wish."

Seeing that the wolfess remembered to say "please" without reminder, Emma says in her mind, "There may be hope for you yet..." while she walks away.

She also sees Stella and Tiger coming her way, with Stella holding the extra shock collar remote that Rachel found. The skunk and cat explain to what they're doing to Emma, who nods and leaves as Tiger helps Stella up a tree for the couple to keep a bird's eye view of the wolf.

With Clara opting for solitary confinement, the rest of the family feels much more at ease. But Mary's mind is anything but such, and it's not because of Clara. For some odd reason, the girl opossacoon still feels empty and depressed, even after a perfect training session with her father and brother. She knows that she's the one to blame for that, as she muses, "Everything was going great until I brought up me and my brother's accidental births *Sigh* Me and my big mouth..."

Because of that, she found out just how awful she was making her dad feel. Even though she disowned him, she would never wish harm on him or her mom. Speaking of which, RJ revealing that Heather won't be able to heist ever again is another source of Mary's current depression. Then, there was the third and most baffling reason, the thing that was really getting under her skin: her sterility.

Mary thinking: "I should be over that, but I'm not. Why am I not? Elroy still loves me—loves me more than ever—even if I'm sterile. He doesn't want to have kids so it shouldn't bother me anymore, but it still does..."

And the reason the latter is so is because Mary still would really have liked to have kids with Elroy. He wouldn't like it, but she is certain that she could convince him to enjoy raising kids.

Mary thinking: "But there's no chance of that happening...there never was a chance for that happening. At all..."

Not wanting to have another Debbie-Downer day, she figures the only way to get herself in a better mood is to do raccoon things. And because she inherited more of RJ's raccoon intelligence, she comes up with a plan quick. She walks over to her brother and asks, "Hey Bernard, you've been spying on humans with your binoculars from the tree tops lately, haven't you?"

Bernard: "Yeah...though only with Ty because he helps me with my fear of heights."

Mary: "Didn't you mention the other night that humans were having a big, early dinner sometime later in the week?"

Bernard: "Oh yeah, I did."

Mary: "Do you remember when?"

Bernard: "Um, sometime today."

Mary: "Perfect."

Bernard: "Why do you ask?"

Not wanting to disclose the real reason, Mary instead says, "I've been wanting to give myself a real test of all the things daddy's been teaching us."

Bernard (in disbelief): "You mean a heist? After what happened to mommy?"

Mary: "No not a real heist, a softcore one, something simple. Something that doesn't require any adults, and won't get us into trouble when they find out what we did."

Bernard: "No adults to help us out, are you nuts?!"

Hammy zooms in and says, "Did someone say nuts? Have you found mine or are they someone else's? Scarlet and me are searching for them right now while our sons are watching TV."

Bernard: "Nuts as in crazy, Uncle Hammy."

Hammy (talking without pause): "Oh, ok, sorry to bother you." (Zooms away)

Mary: "Keep your voice down, Bernard. I don't want any of the grown-ups to know about this. I-I wanna impress them as a surprise."

Bernard (crosses his arms): "The last time you said that, we were attacked by Tabitha and her gang."

Mary pauses, realizing that her brother is right. She quickly regains her initiative by saying, "This is completely different, Bernard. Look, here's my plan: we're going to go where the humans are eating, wait for them to take their garbage out, then get the food in the trashcan, and bring it back here. The humans will be inside their home, and if they do have pets we'll wait for them to be put up, even if it takes them until night. It's the safest heist imaginable."

Bernard: "I still don't know about this..."

Mary thinking: " 'Fraidy boy..." (Out loud) "You don't have to come if you don't want to. I'm sure Roger, Ty, De'Ausha, Aaron, and Sam will be more than willing to help out. But if you do come, I guarantee you'll feel more confident about yourself."

Bernard: "But Sam's parents said he can't come on heists until he improves."

Mary: "I have an idea on how to keep his mind occupied. You have a laser pointer, in your bag, right?"

Bernard: "Yeah."

Mary: "Can I please borrow it? I'll give it back when we come home with our prize."

Using his own raccoon intelligence, Bernard suddenly sees a chance to fix his broken relationship with Sam, and says "No need, I'm coming with you. But how will we get everyone to come along without the grown-ups noticing?"

Mary: "Daddy is about to go rest in his hammock; mommy and Grandmommy Sarah have to recover from their injuries, and Granddaddy Rogan will be by her side; Grandpa Ozzie is helping Uncle Verne and Aunt Velma keep an eye on Plushie; Aunt Becca is doing her gymnastics; Emma and Spike are playing with Ike; Bucky and Emily are taking care of their kids, with Uncle Lou's, Aunt Penny's, and Aunt Annette's help; Quillo and Rachel are making more shock collar remotes; Aunt Stella and Uncle Tiger are keeping an eye on Clara; Kale is out on patrol; Uncle Hammy and Aunt Scarlet are searching for nuts; and Uncle Simon, Aunt Celine, and cousins Marilyn, Christine, and Claire are sleeping. All we need to say is we're going on a walk down the hedge, which is basically true."

Bernard: "What about Uncle Rick and Aunt Luby?"

Mary (smirking): "That's where Roger and Ty come in."

More curious than ever before, Bernard leans in and listens to his sister's plan.

Note: the following caper is based on the Over the Hedge comic strip dated August 8-14, 2020.

Having heard from Mary and Bernard that they had invited De'Ausha, Aaron, and Sam to go on a stroll, but not his twin sons, Rick goes to find Roger and Tyler. He sees them on top of the hedge staring intently at something. Curious, he climbs up, finds a spot next to them and asks, "What's up kids?"

Ty: "I've been thinking lately—"

Roger: "—Me too—"

Ty: "About dogs."

Roger: "Yeah, what's with 'em?"

Rick: "What do you mean?"

Roger: "They've got people wrapped around their paws."

After the words leave his mouth, a woman wearing a green shirt, black pants, glasses, and with her red hair put in a ponytail tosses a baseball that her comedically overweight female bulldog goes to fetch. The bulldog has white fur on her ventral side, on her mouth, and up to her black nose. The rest of her is covered in light brown fur, including the saggy cheeks on her face. Lastly, she wears a collar with spikes around it.

Rick: "Well, Roger...dogs are humans' best friend."

Having brought the baseball back, the pet owner picks up her dog and hugs her tight, the canine wagging her tail and smiling with the baseball still in her mouth. When a car pulls into the front driveway, the dog gets frisky and the woman puts her down, the pet hurrying to the back door.

Ty: "There has to be some secret explaining why dogs are so loved by humans, and I wanna get to the bottom of it!"

Because the woman is concentrated on getting the house door open, Tyler goes into the yard, followed closely his brother and father. Since the human and her dog are now in the house, the three raccoons find a window sill from which to look into the home.

Roger: "So, tell us something dad; dogs get back rubs, free food, and their waste picked up just because they're nice to humans?"

Rick: "More than nice."

Inside the house, the bulldog runs and barks excitedly toward the husband who has entered. The humans only hear barks and yarfs coming from the dog, but the raccoons can understand what she is really saying.

Bulldog: "You're home! I thought you'd never come...But you did! Ohmygah, you're home!"

In seconds the husband gets out a red dog bowl, fills it with canned dog food, and tops it with a bone-shaped doggie treat. When the man walks away, the dog immediately drops her excited expression and gives a sinister yet humorous smirk as if everything was going according to the canine's plan.

Roger: "Right...They're insane."

Ty (nods): "In the slyest possible way." Ty puts his fingers to his chin and goes "Hmmmm..." while thinking. After a lightning bug flashes over his head, he grins and says, "Well, two can play at that game!"

Rick: "What do you have in mind, Ty?"

Having eaten her dog food, the bulldog is in the backyard again while the husband is watering a flower bed. After returning back behind the hedge to gather some "special equipment," Roger and Tyler are rearing to go back into the yard.

Luby sees what her two teens are wearing and asks, "What's going on, boys?"

Both have on plastic headbands with fake dog ears (the products of leftover Halloween heists).

Ty: "We're going full dog!..."

Roger: "Yeah! We're gonna hit up a human for a tasty treat!"

Now in the yard, the raccoon brothers go to all fours and start thinking like dogs. The bulldog notices them enter, but because she's not an aggressive pet and is too lazy to chase the raccoons, all she can do is look on in confusion.

Roger and Ty walk him, with Tyler saying "Step aside, Fido!"

Roger lightly hits the dog using the back of his bushy tail with a Swit!, and continues toward the husband. When he and Tyler get there they tug on the man's shorts and whimper like dogs.

Thinking it's his precious pet, the man turns around, and upon seeing what's really next to him his eyes widen and he screams "AHHHHHHH! RABIES!"

He turns the hose nozzle from Shower mode to Full mode, and blasts the two raccoons. The water pressure is unusually high—practically a firehose—and sends Roger and Ty flying through the air, over the hedge, and back into the forest.

On their way, they notice the dog grinning from ear to ear and going "Heh-heh!"

Roger and Ty in unison: "What're YOU laughing aaaaaaaaaaat?!"

When the teens regain their footing they go through the hedge and peek their heads through it. The husband has gone back to watering and the bulldog is still snickering from what she had just seen.

Roger: "Pssssst!"

The dog turns to see Roger and Ty and says, "You really thought that would work?! What did you think was gonna happen?!"

Ty: "Never mind the wisecracks, we have some questions for you."

Roger: "Don't worry, we'll stay right here, and we'll return to the woods once you've answered our questions. Deal?"

Bulldog: "Deal." The bulldog gets five feet away from the hedge and asks, "So what's on your mind?"

Ty: "I don't get it. You and us, we're both cute, furry creatures. But you get free food..."

Roger: "...While we have to gather food or order it online using stolen credit cards." (Holds out a phone on a sub sandwich restaurant's website in his left paw, and a credit card in his right paw)

Ty: "What's your secret? How do dogs do it?"

Bulldog: "Well for starters, you're wild animals."

Having been told by her mate what her sons had tried to do, and wanting to ensure they never try it again, Luby appears on top of the hedge and says, "No they're not. My boys are in bed by 10 o'clock every night, all snuggled up with their blankies they had since they were born."

The bulldog tilts her head to the side, and gives Roger and Ty a look that perfectly matches her words when she asks, "Really? And how old are you again?"

Roger (embarrassed): "Mo-ooooom!"

Ty: "LIES!"

Luby: "And they still can't sleep without me or their dad singing them a lullaby."

Ty (speaks to the bulldog but points to Luby): "Pay no attention to the raccoon on top of the hedge!"

Bulldog: "Relax kids, it's not like we're gonna see each other again...Not after I tell all my fellow dog friends in the neighborhood your little secrets!"

Ty (annoyed tone through clenched teeth): "Back on topic," (normal tone) "can you teach us how to be man's best friend?"

Bulldog: "It's cinchy...You just have to unconditionally love your human."

Ty: "But...what if our human doesn't take care of us?"

Having finished watering, the husband whistles twice and says, "Mitzi! Here girl! Time for you to go on your walk—a long one! You could stand to burn off some fat. And then it's bath time when you get home. You gotta smell nice and clean when our kids get home and play with you!"

Mitzi shudders and gives a look of disgust, and mutters "I hate those brats..." but turns around and starts running toward the house. The raccoon boys had been hidden from the human behind Mitzi's bulk, and now put their heads back inside the hedge.

Mitzi: "Like I said, unconditionally..."

When she and her male owner go back inside, Luby meets her sons on the forest side of the hedge.

Luby: "You boys better not try to pretend to be dogs ever again."

Roger: "Don't worry mom, we won't."

Luby: "So what did you both learn from this?"

Ty: Well...Dogs are either really smart—"

Roger: "—Or really dumb."

Ty: "And I can't tell which."

In their minds, however, both teens muse, "Mary owes us. BIG TIME."

When Mary, De'Ausha, Bernard, Sam, and Aaron get back to the family's main living area with a garbage can load of discarded food, it's obvious that the masterful distraction worked. But with all the adults save for Stella, Tiger, and the bats present, as expected, the kids have some explaining to do.

Verne wastes no time by asking, "And how did you kids get that garbage bag while just 'taking a stroll'?"

Mary: "We still did go on a walk, Uncle Verne. But yeah, I'm sorry for lying about what we were really doing. I just...wanted to put everything my daddy has been teaching me to a real test."

After explaining the details of her plan, how it wasn't a real heist, and how she took every precaution to make things safe, there is not a single animal who is not impressed.

Scarlet: "How did you get Sam to be still while you were waiting?"

Mary: "I got the idea for Bernard to use his laser pointer to keep Sam occupied while we had to wait for the humans to leave and take their pets outside to do their business."

Remembering how that session had helped repair his relationship with Sam, Bernard puffs up his chest, puts his paws on his hips, and proudly says, "We called it, 'Let's play catch the fairy,' right Sam?"

Sam: "EEE!"

Bernard sticks his paw out to the side so that Sam gives him four while laughing.

Scarlet (in realization): "Of course...! Why didn't we think of that sooner?"

RJ: "Amazing idea, Mary! And amazing job at carrying it out, Bernard! I'm so happy you two have exceeded my expectation faster than I could have ever hoped for!"

Hammy: "But does this mean I can't do my funny faces for Sam anymore...? I like doing my funny faces..."

Scarlet: "Don't worry, Hammy, you can still do those too."

Aaron: "Not only that, but check out what I learned to do to keep Sam entertained." (Belching) "A, B, C, D, E, F, G."

Hammy: "Aaron! You can burp your ABC's like me!"

Scarlet rolls her eyes and says, "That's one thing I hoped neither of our sons would take up from you...But if you're happy, then I'm happy."

De'Ausha: "If we done with the chit-chat, how's 'bout we share happiness by eatin' this food while it's still fresh?"

Hedgies in unison: "Yeah!"

Those who had heisted take charge of distributing the food to the family, and make sure that Roger and Tyler get the biggest, most delectable portions for all their efforts of keeping Rick and Luby from noticing the heisters. The background noise for a while is Hammy and Aaron finishing burping the whole alphabet with Hammy saying "H" and Aaron saying "I" and each squirrel alternating the letters appropriately.

Once that's over, the peace and quiet returns. And although RJ is proud with Mary's intelligence of using the laser pointer, he is also woeful because he didn't think of it on the day Heather got injured. He can't regret it because the past is in the past, but it makes him think old age is starting to take its toll on him. Old age would explain why he's had such as short temper lately and has been so stressed out. But he doesn't dwell on those thoughts longer than he already has, and lets the happiness around him fill his heart.

But there is one among them who is not happy, and it is Mary once again. She doesn't know how it's possible, but the trashcan theft, and praise she has received for its success, has not made her feel any better. Despite how everything that has happened in her life since coming home from Elroy's should make her feel the opposite of how she is currently feeling, she is still depressed about being sterile, and an accident. Only this time, it's not her parents' fault, it's her own. She has let her depression get to her.

Mary thinking: "I thought the heist would make me feel better and make my depression go away, but it didn't. Why am I feeling this way? Why can't I move on? What's wrong with me?"

Since disowning her parents, Mary has been talking to other family members and her friends how she should live her life knowing that she's sterile. Unfortunately, no one really knows what to tell her because no one else is sterile. Worse, the advice of those who tried their best to solve her crisis has been rendered useless by the return of her depression. Ironically, the other two hybrids have been the least helpful because De'Ausha has been happier ever since talking to Ladarius, and Bernard only wanted to talk to Rebecca.

Then, Mary remembers that her parents had an answer for her on the day they explained what sterile means, but she had cut them off and refused to hear it. She replays that moment in her mind.

Mary: "It's your fault! It's all your fault, mommy and daddy! You never should have had kids!"

Stella: "So you're sayin' you'd rather have never existed in the first place?"

Mary: "Now that I know what it means to be sterile...YES!"

RJ (while kneeling down to hug his daughter): "Mary, listen to me—"

Mary steps away from him and continues ranting.

Mary: "NO! Get away! I never wanna speak or listen to you again! I HATE you! You got mommy pregnant with me and Bernard! You're the reason I'll never be happy!"

RJ: "There is more to life than having children, Mary. You need to—"

Mary: "I JUST SAID I'M NEVER SPEAKING OR LISTENING TO YOU EVER AGAIN!"

She had run off after that, only to be back right where she started: full of rage and depression. She needs to feel better, needs to find happiness, and needs her sorrow to go away. But that's when she recalls something RJ had told Bernard after Patricia broke up with his son the first time.

RJ: "Just because you're sterile doesn't mean you have to live in sadness. Living a life of happiness isn't for people who need it, it's for people who want it. That's something you choose, that all creatures on this Earth choose, whether they're sterile or not. And it really is up to you to want it and be willing to follow through with it. I can only help guide you, but the choice is yours. Do you want to feel better, or just remain miserable for the rest of your life?"

Mary has been nothing but miserable since learning what sterile means—because she didn't want to hear her parents' advice.

Mary thinking: "I'm sick of being miserable. I'm sick of being sad. I'm sick of feeling depressed when I should feel happy. I want that to end. And there's only one way to do it."

She puts on her fake-smile and fake happy voice tone and says, "Hey Bernard, De'Ausha? There's something I have for us over here. Follow me."

The two follow her into the hedge and De'Ausha asks, "What's on yo mind?"

Mary drops her smile and happy voice tone and says, "Let's all be honest, we're still not fully happy in some form or another." (To De'Ausha) "You're better than my brother and I, but something is still bothering you ever since the day we found out we were sterile."

De'Ausha sighs and says, "Yeah...Ladarius and me are closer than ever, but I still strugglin' with how I was an accident."

Bernard: "I'm still not over breaking up with Patricia..."

Mary: "And I'm still not over being sterile. But our parents had an answer for us on that day. I know we disowned our parents, but..."

De'Ausha sees where Mary is going with this conversation and finishes, "...They're the only ones who can help us truly solve our problems right now."

Bernard: "And we need to have another talk with them."

Mary: "Or else we'll never be able to get on with our lives and enjoy them."

De'Ausha: "So what're we waitin' fo'? Let's go."

As the three start walking back Mary sighs in relief knowing that the other hybrids feel the same way as she does.

By the time everyone finishes eating, Quillo and Rachel have finished creating another shock collar remote and go to relieve Stella and Tiger who are able to come back to the log.

Mary thinking: "It's as if Mother Nature herself is working in our favor, and I'm gonna take the opportunity like a real raccoon."

Mary and Bernard go to RJ and Heather, while De'Ausha goes to Stella and Tiger, each type of hybrid asking their parents to come talk to them in a secluded area. The parents immediately sense that something is on their children's minds in how their kids actually want to talk to them, and they are more than willing to see what this is about. RJ puts Heather in the baby doll stroller, tells Verne to take over as the full leader while the raccoon is gone, and joins his kids and Stella's kids on their trip.

After reaching a spot in the forest where no one in the family will hear them, and no predators will bother them, RJ breaks the ice by asking, "So what's on your mind, kids?"

Each takes turns repeating what they had said amongst themselves inside the hedge, how they are still suffering despite how some things in their lives have been better.

Stella: "We knew y'all'd wanna talk about those things again."

De'Ausha: "Please don't lecture us on how you knew we'd come crawlin' back to y'all, mama and baba."

Bernard: "And we're still mad at you for making us sterile, half-breeds, and accidents.

Mary: "Yeah. We're only doing this to because we've tried everything else to make ourselves feel better, and nothing's worked. This is our last resort."

Tiger: "Already you three misunderstand us. We are not doing this to get back at you, we are doing this because we love you and will do whatever it takes to make our children happy."

Bernard: "How can we be happy knowing that we're accidents?"

Heather: "Like I said before, Bernard, you know that's not true. It is true that none of us expected to have children because of our species' different genetics, but we did not have you by accident. And here's why: Stella, Tiger, RJ, and me wanted to have our own children and did everything we could to make that happen. And our prayers were answered. Despite all the differences about our two species, and despite all that was stacked against us by Mother Nature herself, we still had children. There is no other explanation for that, except that you three kids were, and still are, miracles and blessings. The only way you would be considered 'accidents' is if we never intended to have children. And if you were accidents your father and I would have treated you like accidents, but when have we ever done that to you or your sister?"

Stella: "And we ask you the same question, De'Ausha, about me and Tiger."

Far calmer and more willing to listen to their parents' words than before, Mary, Bernard, and De'Ausha look back at all the times they have spent with their parents. They remember all the bedtime stories they have told them, all the times they have played with them, tended to their needs, comforted them, and provided them with shelter, entertainment, and food. They did that, all of that, not out of obligation to take care of offspring, and not out of their parentally duty, but out of love. Their parents were always there for them when they needed them the most, and never asked for anything in return. Moreover their parents were always for them, and did everything possible to back them up and defend them.

There is only one conclusion the three hybrids can make about all of this: that yes, their parents have never treated them like they were accidents. The three were always treated like answered prayers, blessings, miracles. RJ, Heather, Stella, and Tiger do love their kids with all their hearts, always have.

Bernard is the first to admit this when he says, "I...You're right, mommy. I'm sorry for thinking I was an accident..." (Lowers his head in shame and sorrow)

Heather: "It's alright, Bernard. You were angry, and we all say things we don't mean when we're angry. I knew you would realize the truth once we four explained to you three some more about this topic."

Realizing that the source of her misery has not yet been addressed, Mary asks, "What did you mean that day when you said there's more to life than having children, daddy? I've been feeling so terrible lately about being sterile, even after Elroy said he doesn't want to have kids, because I know that if I had any with him I could teach him to love raising kids. Isn't it impossible to experience full happiness unless you have kids to raise?"

RJ: "No Mary. I was going to say that you can still live a happy and full life by falling in love and marrying Elroy, if the two of you are truly in love. Finding your soul mate, the one who will love you even past the day you die, is what really matters in life. Even single folks can live a happy and full life, but my experiences of living the life of a drifter before meeting your mommy and this family make me believe that in order to live a full and happy life, you need to find your one true love. Kids are just a bonus, not a necessity to be happy in life. If it ever turned out that Heather and I were unable to have children because of our species' genetics, then we'd still be in love with each other the same way we are in love now."

Mary's eyes widen and her face makes the expression of someone experiencing a life-changing epiphany as she understands what her father is telling her.

Heather: "You're dad's right, sweetie. Only you have an idea of what makes you happy, and before that day's talk you seemed to be doing an amazing job at it. Remember what makes you who you are, and don't ever lose hope that you will one day be as happy as any other animal who has kids."

RJ: "That goes for all of you, kids. Do you understand, now?"

Bernard and De'Ausha shed tears of joy and say "Yes," with a happy nod and smile.

Mary doesn't respond, but instead looks at RJ in the eyes. A few seconds later, she takes three sharp inhales, explodes into tears, runs up and wraps her arms around her father, and hugs him like never before.

Mary (while sobbing): "I'm so sorry, daddy!"

RJ (pats Mary's head lovingly): "I know..."

Mary (while sobbing): "I'm SO SORRY for EVERYTHING I HAVE SAID!"

RJ: "I know...And I forgive you"

Mary (while sobbing): "I DON'T hate you or mommy!"

RJ: "I know..."

Mary (while sobbing): "I'm GLAD that you had me and Bernard!"

RJ: "There, there..." (Kisses Mary's head)

Mary (while sobbing): "It's NOT you or mommy's fault that I'm sterile!"

RJ: "It's alright now..."

Mary (while sobbing): "You DIDN'T doom me to a life of unhappiness!"

RJ: "It's over now, Mary. You are forgiven."

Mary (while sobbing): "I—"

RJ: "Mary..."

RJ kisses her on the cheek and nuzzles her head lovingly while gently stroking her back with his right paw. He doesn't let up until Mary stops crying about a minute later.

RJ: "Mary...look at me."

Mary's eyes are red and puffy, and the fur below her lower eyelids is wet and slightly sunken in from the tear-streaming marks.

RJ (while gently stoking the left side of her face): "No matter what you say or do to me, I will always love you...with all my heart. I never stopped loving you, even though you stopped loving me for a time."

Mary: "I'll always love you, daddy! And I'll never stop loving you for a second anymore! I promise!"

As RJ and Mary continue to embrace, the onlookers don't just see it, they feel the father-daughter bond these two share. Although she can't top off what Mary and RJ just did, De'Ausha decides why not?

De'Ausha: "Mama and baba...I'm sorry for bein' mad at y'all, too."

Stella and Tiger hug their daughter tightly.

Stella: "It's alright now."

Tiger: "We will always love you, for you are our daughter."

Still feeling guilty for what she and the twin hybrids have said to their parents, De'Ausha asks, "How do you and baba do it? How can you put up with me when I make yo lives such a wreck? Not to mention I can be a wreak myself from time to time."

Stella: "Because you're my wreak, De'Ausha."

Tiger: "Mine too, Princess."

While that's been going on, the only creature who feels left out is Bernard. He can't help but feel jealous at how close Mary is to RJ, which once again reinforces how much more of a raccoon she is despite her more opossum appearance. Now he knows how Mary must feel whenever he had hogged all his parents' attention away from her with his fears, which now seem petty considering the reason Mary needs her father to embrace her.

Remembering what Kale had told him the night before the Quinceañera heist, Bernard solemnly muses, "Use this to fuel your determination to become more like a raccoon."

Seeing that Bernard has no one to hug, Heather says, "Bernard. Come here. Let me hug you."

Bernard: "Won't it hurt you?"

Heather: "I'm hurting all over anyway, so what more harm can a hug bring?"

Bernard smiles, runs up to Heather, climbs into the baby doll stroller with her and embraces his mother. He has never felt more loved now than in any moment in his life. The same goes for Mary and De'Ausha.

Once everyone has finished hugging, RJ wants to ensure that his daughter, son, and De'Ausha never has another relapse of sorrow for their sterility.

RJ: "Always remember kids, that you can't let your sterility prevent you from having a life full of love and happiness. And Mary, if it's really bothering you and you and your future mate want to have children, then you can always adopt."

Mary: "But...it wouldn't really be my child..."

RJ: "Remember what your Uncle Verne likes to tell us? Family has nothing to do with blood or genetics, it's the love we give to one another."

Connecting some dots, Mary adds, "Like with Kale."

Stella: "Exactly. And like with me."

Tiger: "And me."

Heather: "And me."

RJ: "And me."

Stella: "A skunk, raccoon, cat, and opossum...four animals, each of a different species, not related through blood in any way, have joined a family that consists of a turtle, bats, porcupines, and a wolf, solely from the love we have for each other."

Heather: "And there is no such thing as a family without conflict. Every family on the planet—human or animal—is going to disagree, argue, and make each other's lives miserable in some form or another, and that's when things are going perfect. But our love for each other will always outshine those hardships."

Bernard: "I'll never forget that, mommy."

De'Ausha: "Or me."

Mary: "Or me."

RJ: "Is there anything else you three want to mention?"

Bernard: "No sir."

De'Ausha: "I've got nothin'."

Mary: "I just want to go home and sleep beside you, daddy."

RJ: "Sounds like a great idea."

Bernard: "You're still not well enough for me to sleep in your pouch, are you mommy?"

Heather shakes her head no and says, "Not yet. But I can huddle close to your sister and daddy, and have you sleep as close to me as possible."

Bernard: "That'll work!"

Stella: "Then let's go home."

Everyone nods and does just that. And when they fall asleep that night they take comfort that a huge crisis has finally been resolved.

But others have yet to be fixed, and new ones are just on the horizon.

Phew! Another chapter done in record timing (for me)! Similar to what the characters were saying, the odds were stacked against me making this update as well, but I have prevailed once again!

And if you thought this chapter was a tear-jerker, then save up your kleenexes for Chapter 11! But don't worry, there will be more lighthearted moments too—to go along with more conflict!

See you next time!