Sue Ellen lies in bed in the evening, writing in her diary narrator): "Dear diary. Last week, I received the most amazing package.
(Flashback: A town in the Himalayan mountains. Tenzin is packing a parcel in his room.)
Sue Ellen (narrator It traveled halfway around the world, all the way from Dharamsala, India. The package was sent to me by my pen pal, Tenzin Wangdu. He's Tibetan, and even though I've never met him, I think he's really cool.
(Flashback: Sue Ellen opens the parcel.)
Sue Ellen (narrator Inside was a sweater made by his mom of real yak wool. Yaks are a kind of shaggy cow that only lives in the Himalayas. It was so soft. I put it on right away.
Flashback: Sue Ellen stands in front of the mirror.
Sue Ellen (narrator It was a little big, but I didn't care. It was instantly my favorite sweater. It felt magical, like I could almost feel the snow from the Himalayas around me.
In her imagination, snowy mountains appear behind her mirror image. The flashbacks end. Sue Ellen is still writing. The sweater lies on a chair.
Sue Ellen (narrator But a lot can change in a week. Now when I look at that sweater, I don't think of Tenzin, or the Himalayas, or the yak that the wool came from. I only think about how mean people can be."
She closes her eyes disappointedly.
Binky viover So Funny I Forgot to Laugh )
Lakewood Elementary School Hallway, Several days before the introduction, it is a wintery day and Francine walks into Lakewood Elementary.
Francine said Brrr! Man, is it cold out there!
She joins Buster at his locker.
Buster said I know! My ears are still frozen. He taps his ear which makes a metallic sound. Sue Ellen joins them wearing her yak sweater.
Sue Ellen said What you need is a pair of genuine yak wool earmuffs.
Buster said Where would I get those?
Sue Ellen said From a Tibetan pen pal, if you're lucky enough to have one. My friend Tenzin just sent me this. It's the warmest thing I've ever worn!
Francine feels the sweater.
Francine said It's so soft, too.
Arthur joins them, still in winter clothes.
Arthur said Wow! What is that you're wearing?
Sue Ellen said My new sweater.
Buster said And it's made from a yak.
Arthur puts his books in his locker.
Arthur said You mean yaks. They must have used a couple of them! It's pretty big on you.
Sue Ellen said My mom says it'll shrink when we wash it.
Arthur said Hey! You know what? It kind of makes you look like a big sheepdog.
Buster+Francine laugh)
Buster said That's true! But you still need a tail.
Sue Ellen said Alright, so I look like a sheepdog. But at least I'm a warm and cozy sheepdog. Arroooo!
Buster+Francine laugh)
Arthur notices Sue Ellen's backpack. He carries it after her.
Arthur said Hey! You left your backpack behind. Bad dog!
Buster laughs) Good one!
Lakewood Elementary School Cafeteria
Sue Ellen walks into the cafeteria. Arthur waves from a table where he sits with Buster, Francine and Muffy.
Arthur said Hey! Over here! Come here, girl! Over here!
Sue Ellen's smile fades and she rolls her eyes.
Arthur said Who's a good sheep doggy? You're a good sheep doggy! Yes you are!
He pats his knees as if calling a dog. Sue Ellen walks over looking miffed.
Buster+Francine giggle)
Sue Ellen said Okay, okay, you can stop now. This dog might just get angry and bite you!
Arthur said Aw, you wouldn't do that. He pets her. Sheepdogs have a very gentle nature.
Muffy said I thought I would never say this, but I actually think you look très chic!
Sue Ellen said Really?
Muffy said Uh-huh! I saw Capri di Vapida wearing something just like that at a fashion show.
Arthur said Are you sure it was a fashion show and not a... dog show?! (laughs)
Sue Ellen looks annoyed, the other give Arthur blank looks.
Arthur said Okay, okay, I'll stop. I don't know why, it just cracks me up! Here. Why don't you have my... biscuit?! He hands her a cookie. (laughs)
Sue Ellen: (sighs)
Lakewood Elementary School Hallway
The kids arrive at school on another snowy day. Sue Ellen walks down a corridor wearing the yak sweater.
Sue Ellen gasps) A sign is stuck to the locker which reads "Happy Sheepdog Appreciation Day!" with a drawing of a sheepdog with Sue Ellen's head. Sue Ellen rips the poster off her locker.
Sue Ellen said "Happy Sheepdog Appreciation Day"?!
Sue Ellen notices Arthur's face peeking out from behind the corner suppressing a laugh. She walks up to him.
Arthur snickers)
Sue Ellen holds out the sign.
Sue Ellen said Did you do this?!
Arthur said Um, well...b She glares at him. ...it was just a joke.
Sue Ellen said Well, I don't think it's funny! She walks off. Arthur looks at the drawing.
Arthur giggles)
Binky rips the sign out of Arthur's hands and waves it in the air.
Binky said Ha! Oh, that's great. Look, everyone! It's a picture of Fern as a goat!
Arthur said No, it isn't. It's Sue Ellen as a sheepdog!
Binky examines the sign.
Binky said Really? That doesn't look a thing like Sue Ellen. Or a dog. You didn't even give it a tail!
Binky pushes the sign into Arthur's chest and walks off.
Mr. Ratburn's Classroom explains a chart on the blackboard.
Mr. Ratburn said And that, in short, is how iron ore is smelted. Class dismissed.
He sits down. The bell rings and the students walk out. Mr. Ratburn said Arthur, would you stay behind, please?
While the last students leave, Arthur stands beside Mr. Ratburn's desk.
Arthur said A bully? Me? I didn't bully Sue Ellen!
Mr. Ratburn said I was surprised too, Arthur. It doesn't seem like you. But when you continue to tease someone, even after they have asked you to stop, that's bullying.
Arthur said But it was just a joke!
Mr. Ratburn said Maybe to you, but imagine if someone made you feel bad for what you wore. We have no tolerance for that kind of behavior here. You must treat everyone with respect.
Arthur said But... Fine. I promise not to do it again.
Mr. Ratburn said I'm glad to hear that. Arthur starts to leave. Arthur? We're not quite finished yet.
The Sugar Bowl That afternoon, Arthur and Buster sit in the Sugar Bowl with bowls of chili con carne in front of them.
Arthur said I have to write Sue Ellen a letter apologizing for what I did. By tomorrow! And we have that history test. I'll probably fail!
He crunches a cracker over his chili.
Buster said Well, don't take it out on the crackers! It's not their fault!
Arthur said I think she should be the one apologizing to me!
Buster said How do you figure that?
Arthur said She didn't have to go to Mr. Ratburn. She could have just told me to stop.
Buster said She DID tell you to stop. I was there!
Arthur said Okay, but I didn't think she meant it. Come on! She was being oversensitive, right?
Buster said I don't know. Sue Ellen's never seemed oversensitive to me. I'm the oversensitive one.
Arthur said No, you're not. You're just the weird one!
Buster jumps up from his seat and points angrily at Arthur.
Buster gasps) YOU TAKE THAT BACK!
Arthur said Okay, okay! I'm sorry.
Buster sits down as if nothing happened.
Buster said See? Saying you're sorry isn't that hard. You'll be finished with that letter in no time. He starts eating.
Arthur's Room
That evening, Arthur sits at his desk and writes the letter.
Arthur: said "Dear Sue Ellen, I'm sorry I upset you. I didn't mean to. It was really just a joke. I thought you could take a joke, but I guess I was wrong. I've been teased before about wearing glasses..."
Lakewood Elementary School Playground
Francine sits at a table on the school playground with Sue Ellen and Muffy and reads Arthur's letter aloud.
Francine read "...but I never felt I had to tell the teacher about it and get someone else in trouble. Maybe you're just... overreacting? "
Sue Ellen said It goes on like that for the whole page.
Francine said He isn't sorry at all!
Muffy said If I hurt someone's feelings, I'd write from the bottom of my heart. And include a gift certificate to Crosswire Motors.
Francine gives Sue Ellen the letter back.
Francine said What are you gonna do?
Sue Ellen said I don't know.
Francine said Well, until he gives you a real apology, I'm not speaking to him!
Muffy said Me too!
Lakewood Elementary School Cafeteria
Francine, Buster, and Muffy are eating lunch. Arthur approaches the table.
Arthur said Hey, guys! How about that history test? Pretty hard, right? he looks around the table. Francine, Buster, and Muffy act oblivious ignoring Arthur.
Arthur said What's going on?
Buster: We're not speaking to you, that's what's going on!
Francine said Buster! You just ruined it!
Buster said I did?! He facepalms. Oh!
Arthur said Why aren't you speaking to me?
Buster said I'd tell you, but I'm not speaking.
Muffy said You just did it again! UGH! C'mon, Francine. Let's sit at a table that doesn't have any bullies at it!
She glares at Arthur and walks away. Arthur calls after her.
Arthur said I'm not a bully! to Buster: What did I do wrong?
Buster holds up his finger and opens his mouth, then makes a lip-zipping motion. He takes a notepad and pencil out of his pocket and writes a note to Arthur. He holds the note up to Arthur's face.
Arthur: read "Your letter to Sue Ellen." What about it?
Buster said IT WAS TERRIBLE! That's why I'm not speaking to you. Which... I'm clearly not very good at!
He leaves.
Arthur gasps)
Lakewood Elementary School Parking Lot After school, Arthur runs out of the building and looks around for Sue Ellen. He sees her walking away and waves.
Arthur said Sue Ellen! Wait up!
Sue Ellen stops. Arthur runs up to her.
Arthur said Look, I'm really sorry, okay? I never meant to hurt your feelings. Can we please just forget it and be friends?
Sue Ellen said Do you still think I overreacted?
Arthur said Umm... well...
Sue Ellen sighs) Sorry. She sadly turns and walks away, ignoring Arthur's outstretched hand and refuses to forgive him. Arthur gapes at her, then he puts his hands on his hips in anger.
Living Room, Arthur's House
Arthur watches TV on the living room couch.
Announcer (on TV): Tune in next week when Bionic Bunny faces Shrub Man!
Arthur switches off the TV. He smiles and looks at the phone. He walks over and dials Buster's number.
Buster said Hello?
Arthur said Hey, Buster! What are you doing?
A split screen shows both boys. Buster is about to speak when he remembers and claps his hand over the receiver.
Arthur said annoyed sigh) Buster, I know you're there! You just said hello!
Buster speaks with a robotic voice like an answering machine.
Buster said "You've reached the Baxter residence. Leave your message at the beep." Bye, Arthur! Oh, I mean... Aw, forget it! He angrily hangs up slamming the phone down on the receiver.
Arthur said This is so unfair! He walks off.
Living Room, Arthur's House
Arthur sits at the computer. He opens images of a bobtail dog and a headless Sue Ellen. He crops the dog's head, puts it on Sue Ellen's body, and expands it. Then he sends the image as an email to Sue Ellen.
Arthur chuckles) Right after sending the email, he looks unsure.
Sue Ellen's Bedroom
Sue Ellen sits at her desk wearing the yak sweater and working on a report. She opens the email with the dog-head image and tears fill her eyes. She closes the email feeling very downhearted.
Sue Ellen's Bedroom, Right after Introduction
The story continues where the introduction left off. Sue Ellen lies in her bed and writes in her diary.
Sue Ellen (narrator) "...now, when I look at that sweater, I don't think of Tenzin, or the Himalayas, or the yak that the wool came from. I only think about how mean people can be.
She walks to the desk and takes the yak sweater of the chair. She stuffs it into a paper bag and walks out of the room.
Sue Ellen said Mom? I have to talk to you about something.
Lakewood Elementary School Hallway
The next day, Arthur is putting cans into the "Clothing & Food Drive" bins in a Lakewood corridor. Sue Ellen walks up and places the bag with the sweater on top of the clothes bin.
Arthur said Ooh! There you are! I tried to call you this morning. I'm really sorry I sent you that picture. I felt bad as soon as I hit send! But I was just upset because...
Sue Ellen said ...you thought I overreacted. I know. You've told me. She walks away.
Arthur sighs)
Lakewood Elementary School Cafeteria
At lunch, Arthur sits at a cafeteria table with Binky, Rattles and Slink. His food is untouched. Binky points at his tray.
Binky said You gonna eat those beans?
Arthur gives the beans to Binky, who pours them down his throat. Muffy and Francine walk up to the table, both looking very angry.
Francine said Well! I hope you're satisfied, Arthur Read!
Arthur said Look, I said I was really sorry for sending Sue Ellen that email. But she didn't...
Francine said What email?!
Arthur said The one I... Isn't that what you came to yell at me about?
Muffy said No! We came to yell at you for making Sue Ellen ask to switch classes!
Arthur said What?! Because of me?!
Francine said Of course! She doesn't want to be in a class with a bully!
Arthur said I have to talk to her! Where is she?
Muffy said She was in the hall a few minutes ago! But haven't you done enough damage already?!
Arthur leaps up from his seat and runs out of the cafeteria.
Lakewood Elementary School Parking Lot
Outside the school, Sue Ellen is just getting into her father's car. Arthur bursts out of the school in his sweater.
Arthur said Sue Ellen? Sue Ellen angrily slams the door and the car drives off. Sue Ellen! Wait!
Lakewood Elementary School Hallway
Arthur walks past the clothing drive bin.
Arthur said She can't be changing classes because of me!
Arthur notices the bag with Sue Ellen's sweater on top of the bin. He picks it up, and looking at the sweater,
has a flashback of all the mean things he did to Sue Ellen. Arthur Hey! You left your backpack behind. Bad dog! Arthur Who's a good sheep doggy? You're a good sheep doggy! Yes, you are! Arthur Are you sure it was a fashion show and not a... dog show?! (laughs) Arthur It was just a joke.
The flashbacks end. Arthur stares at the sweater and shakes his head sadly.
Late that Night after Dinner
Jane said Arthur I want to have a talk with you.
Arthur said What is it?
Jane: said Arthur I am so angry and disappointed in you I just got off the phone with Sue Ellen's mother and she told me that you kept on bullying Sue Ellen by making fun of her sweater and saying that it looks like Sue Ellen as a sheepdog and you repeatedly made fun of her sweater all week long. Not only that, but she also told me that Mr. Ratburn assigned you to write a letter of you apologizing to Sue Ellen the other night. But that wasn't an apology at all it made things even worse and that's why Buster, Muffy, and Francine won't talk to you nor they will laugh at your jokes anymore because when you keep teasing somebody even after they've asked you to stop, that's bullying.
Arthur said I know mom that's the same exact thing that Mr. Ratburn told me I've got other friends besides Buster, Muffy, and Francine I also have Binky, the Brain, and George.
Jane said Well George, Binky, and the Brain agree with Muffy, Francine, and Buster about the jokes getting out of control and they have given you the silent treatment.
Arthur said You see during lunch today, Muffy and Francine glared at me that Sue Ellen wanted to switch classes all because of me.
Jane said Well for whatever reason that Sue Ellen would want to switch classes, you've been bullying her all week long and you repeatedly made fun of her sweater nobody wants to be in a class with a bully like you Arthur. You remember when the kids used to make fun of your glasses?
Arthur said Yes I do remember.
Jane said And how did that make you feel?
Arthur said Embarrassed, sad, angry, and frustrated.
Jane said That's right Sue Ellen feels the same way about her sweater at least she didn't make fun of your glasses but you have really crossed the line when it comes to photoshopping a picture of Sue Ellen's head on a sheepdog's body that's considered cyberbullying. When you go to school tomorrow, I want you to tell Sue Ellen you're sorry for what you did to her all week. Do you understand?
Arthur said Yes mom I understand.
Jane said Good now you better get some sleep and don't forget to apologize to Sue Ellen at school tomorrow.
Arthur said I won't Mom i have a Better ideas" Mom
Lakewood Elementary School Parking Lot
The next day, Mr. Armstrong drops off Sue Ellen in front of the school. Arthur approaches her.
Sue Ellen gasps)
Arthur said I'm not going to say anything mean, I swear. Just... Please listen to what I have to say?
Sue Ellen angrily crosses her arms.
Sue Ellen said Well?
Arthur said You didn't overreact. I have been a bully. I just didn't realize how hurt you were. But now I do. Please don't switch classes. Sue Ellen uncrosses her arms. You're one of my best friends! And if you stay in our class, I promise to never treat you like that again. And I promise to wear this... He opens his jacket revealing the yak sweater. ...every day for the rest of the year. Deal?
He holds out his hand. Sue Ellen smiles and shakes it.
Sue Ellen said Deal. But I think I'll take my sweater back.
Arthur said It really is the warmest thing I've ever worn!
Sue Ellen puts a hand on Arthur's shoulder and the two walk up the school steps.
Sue Ellen said And soft, right? Although it does kind of make you look like a big mouse. Squeak squeak, squeak!
Arthur Laught