Katheryn POV
Thank you all those served and to remember all who lost their lives in WW1
I have been to the principal office before but never because I was in trouble myself. For I followed the rules knowing that was the right thing to do. Also, I didn't want to get into trouble either for I'm a good mammal and only bad mammals get into trouble. Also, I didn't want the Icenhowler's yelling at me for I hated their yelling for they were so loud. I hated hearing loud noises when I was young. Now it doesn't scare me. I just hope that I don't have that anger like the Icenhowler's have. I try to not get mad for I fear I would become like Mrs. Icenhowler. I never want to be like her those I did want to be like Rachel. Most kits do want to be like their parents but kits like me didn't have good ones. I wonder if I would ever have loving parents. Base off how they're like I don't think that's possible. Those such thoughts are for another day.
I knew that this was going to happen someday just not so quickly. Kits will get into trouble rather it's their fault or not. Some will get in trouble simply because they're a fox or raccoon. I hope that isn't the case here. I want to show that I can be firm with parenting. Our kits will go to the same schools as we went to and overall they're good schools. Of course, we had to deal with bigotry and we didn't let that bother us. Things will get better but there will be always bigotry for how is in our broken world. Those I will always believe in good and nothing going to change that.
"Let's hope not too bad," I say
I'm coming in for Danielle and from what I have seen she doesn't act out. Faith and Danielle are well behaved and this the first time I will punish someone. For in the past I was too soft to do so. But today I will prove I can be firm and show our kits maybe our friends but being a parent comes first. Heading over to Bright Stone Middle School and it hasn't changed much. There are some new teachers and we meet a few. Old teachers are happy for us and tell us we're great parents. I park the car and head over to the school. A teacher is waiting near the front door.
"Show me your school parent badge."
"Here," I say
I show my badge to the older teacher and he lets me in. They do this for the safety of the students and those who work here. School shootings are uncommon events unlike what happens in the US. Also, dangerous mammals are the same and I don't have to worry about their safety. I head over to where the principal office is. Close to the entrance and still the same principal and his office has changed little as well. I wonder if Zachary Green has changed for he's a bigot and tries to hide it. He's fifty-seven years old and is a tiger. Wearing a back suit with a red tie. Danielle is sitting on a chair and I take the seat next to it. No matter what I will not yell at her or sure do hope. I don't want to be like Mrs. Icenhowler and recently I have feared that. Becoming a mother has awoken that fear at least I will care and love our kits. That's something Mrs. Icenhowler could never do.
"What happened Mr. Green?" I ask
I always found Mr. Green aright in my book and never put much thought about him. I knew I wouldn't get to know him well and rarely saw him. I was a good kit and didn't cause any trouble but he sure wanted me too. So he could punish me to make himself feel good. I don't like mammals like that. For you don't rein on others to make yourself feel good.
"I figured Mr. Wilde would be here," Zachary said
Yep, he's still an abeilest and I know why he brought up Nick. Like with the Icenhowler's he believes mammals with disabilities are lesser mammals and incapable of doing things. So he labels all of us as the same even when someone was really smart. I remember a few classmates hating that and so did I but there was nothing we could do about it.
"Mr. Forester and he's busy at work and I'm capable." I say "So what happened?"
He's not being sexist when he uses Nick's last name for he isn't like that at least. But it's because I'm autistic and Nick shouldn't have taken my last name. I keep a calm tone and feeling about it. Nick hates that when he does it and firmly tells Mr. Green that he's wrong. He proudly states that he a Forster and that makes me so happy.
"Danielle lost her anger and she lashed out on a student and she made the student cry." Zachary said, "We don't tolerate that behavior."
Well, that's a lie to make the school look good. In cases they care when it comes to certain mammals then they don't when it comes to others. It's why bullying is so bad for schools to do little about it. Nick and I will make sure that our kits won't be bullies. If they do we sure will make sure what they did is wrong. Bullies can come from loving families for some just love the power they hold over others. I have dealt with a bully like that. Looking over at Danielle and I do see that feels guilty. So I'm sure that I don't have to worry about her being a bully. But she still will be punished for she knew better.
"Are you sure about that?" I ask
"I indeed made Beth cry," Danielle said
Danielle knows why I said that for our word most of the time isn't believed. Only because we're foxes and the majority see us shifty and untrustworthy. So all that we say are lies even when that's not true. Mr. Green gives me a cold stare.
"We will leave her with a warning since her life has difficulties in the past month. But next time she will be punished." Zachary said, "Mr. Wilde as a capable father shall deal with it."
"Mr. Forester and I will see to it Danielle punished for her wrongdoings." I say "Since school about to end I will take her home."
"As you wish Mrs. Forster," Zachary said
Danielle has a study hall in her last period and that would be the best time to have one. You can do your homework before going home. I do see homework as a good thing it teaches you to manage your time. I had to learn to do homework before fun and I learned it well. This meeting would have last a few minutes and it was at the end of the period. Once again Mr. Green is being biased towards me. We both get up and head out of his office.
"Why was he calling Nick Mr. Wilde," Danielle asked
"For he thinks Nick shouldn't have taken my last name." I say "He's ableist just like he's a bigot."
"What's an ableist?" Danielle asked
"Like a bigot so an ableist is a normal mammal who is biased with mammals who have disabilities or health issues," I say
"That makes sense," Danielle said
I learned that from Grandmother Forester and it's one of the many things that she taught me. I understood it fairly well just like with bigots and sexist. I always found it silly to judge someone base on who they are instead of my actions. Grandmother Forester told me I was so wise thinking so. The bell rings as we get close to the entrance and we leave before a crowd gathers around to leave. Normally she takes the bus but not today. Today I borrowed his parent's car and soon we will get our own. We get in the car and buckle our seat belts.
"Why did you do it?" I ask
"I don't know I just reacted to her," Danielle said "I was so mad I don't remember what made me mad at her. I guess it was something she said or did."
I have felt like that before rather it was anger, stress, or jealousy. Of course, when I was younger I had a hard time explaining how I felt. Since I was still gasping emotions and social cues. It took time but I did understand it. Now it's time for her punishment and I can do this. I will show that I can be a firm parent that can punish kits for wrongdoings.
"Well we got to learn to control our emotions or we would hurt others. I know you are having it rough and there's a counselor you can talk to." I say "Your punishment starts Wednesday. No desserts and TV for a week.
That's what Grandmother Forester and others taught me. I did have to learn the hard way a few times when I hurt another with my emotions. I always felt bad when I did but it's a part of life we all going to hurt others. That feels nice and it came out how I wanted to. It was firm but not filled with venom as the Icenhowler's had. If others heard me they would call me weak about punishment. It should start today but they don't know the facts.
"That's fair," Danielle said, "just like our father."
That's why her punishment starts Wednesday and why they're currently with us. Don't know why other family members wouldn't take them in. But Nick and I were happy to take them in. Their mother is currently helping their father who currently needs help. Luckily for all of them, he realized that before it was too late. Because he did everything will work out for them. That will take some time hence why they're short term. They can't wait to see their father again and that will be tomorrow. It will be a great day for them.
Today's Veteran's day just like in the US but veterans care treated much better than they would be in the US. Also, it's Armistice Day which is the day WWI came to an end. We had a moment of silence at eleven when WWI finally came to and end. It pains me they would let veterans be homeless and mistreated, How could you do that to mammals who protected your country? Here not perfect for some veterans will get better treatment than others just due to the species that they are. Bigotry is everywhere and in some places like the US, it's worst. We're doing a special where veterans and their families get a discount on their photographs and artwork this whole month. Also, we donate some of the money to charities to help out veterans and their families. That has been going well for us and we have made good money. It's nice knowing that others will be helped with the money that we donated to them. It's always good to help others.
"This is a great business and I can tell why my sister loves it."
Looking up to see Ciar Rai and that's Evie older bother. You can tell that they're related those he just has silver eyes. Having the same fur color as Evie but he has tall muscular built and is tall as Nick. I remember the times Nick has joked about having great muscles. I fire back saying he would look too weird and he's perfect the way he is. Knowing that their age difference is years apart, unlike most siblings. Ciar Rai is thirty-six while Evie is twenty-one. This the first time I have met siblings with such an age gap. Those despite the age gap they're close like Kaia and me. He joined the military and is now a veteran. Their parents died while serving the military and Ciar Rai was the one to raise Evie after their parents died. I find that so sweet and the Icenhowler's wouldn't let me do that. They saw me as incapable of taking care of my sister. Despite them being so wrong about that those they're thoughts for another day.
"Our drive to be the best we can be," I say
Today has been busy even those we're only dealing with veteran clients. Otherwise, we would have been closed today to honor veterans. I'm glad we're making good money to help veterans and their families. We're planning to do a Christmas event for kits and hopefully this time it takes off. Our kit photography has taken a hit and we lost a lot of clients. We knew that was going to have due to us being foxes. But not all lost since another has food, stuff, and a roof under her head. Also, Ms. Wulf is helping out kits so that's always good. Once again we're going to help those in need and we look forward to that.
"That's a great drive." Ciar Rai said, "I have that drive to help my fellow veterans."
"Evie did tell us you're a therapist," I say
Ciar Rai is married and has kits of his own and someday we'll meet them and more friends to add to our group. Evie spoke highly of her older brother and that reminds me of Kaia. She always spoke highly of me and that makes me so happy. Of course, I did the same for her. I know that I would make a good therapist for I love helping others. Maybe in another life, I would be a therapist helping others. Those I feel that would be completely different from what normally mine. I don't know why I would feel like that.
"I wanted to help others after serving and knowing how difficult it can be coming back to a civilian life." Ciar Rai said, "Anyway I'm ready for my pictures."
"Come right this way," I say
Today the backdrop is the Zootopia flag and it's a beautiful flag. All the veterans I have seen have their uniforms on and having medals that they are awarded too. Also having photographs of their fallen soldiers. All wonderful photographs and artwork they can treasure for the rest of their lives. I know that Ciar Rai going to enjoy his just like her sister.
"So what are you going to do after this?" Ciar Rai asked
"Visit and help some more veterans." I say "we're taking care of a veteran's daughter and soon they'll be back with their loving family. After he served to protect us we decided to help back."
"That's so nice of you," Ciar Rai, "what you're doing helping a lot of mammals so I thank you all for that."
"Well, we're happy to help," I say
"Totally," Kami said
We're glad that what we're doing is helping others and that's what matters most to us. We all have been busy today and it has been worth it. Kami and Serenity will close after Nick and I finished. Those they will have a few more clients before heading home for today. Tomorrow will be a normal day and the Christmas season will be busy. We'll be ready for that.
"I may be good in a lot of things but photographic pictures not one of them." Ciar Rai said
"Some mammals are like that," I say "those that's so strange to be. How could mammals be bad at getting photographs of themselves."
I remember finding that so strange growing up and I meet others like Ciar Rai. I was always like you just have to say a word and smile it's so simple. Not difficult like math can be which has numbers and letters that get so confusing. I never thought they were stupid for that was mean and I don't like being called stupid because I can't do math. Setting up my camera and got a lot of photographs to go through. Those that won't be difficult for me to do. Unlike math, I can sort through photographs with my eyes closes. Of course, not really but that's how I feel.
"Spoken like a true photographer." Ciar Rai said
"Right," I say "and are you ready?"
"As ready as I will ever be." Ciar Rai said
I laugh at that and I let him have a few moments to get ready. I have seen a lot of military poses today and that makes sense. I still think I wouldn't have made it as a soldier but still thinking that I could have been a military photographer. That would be an interesting life to have. Nick told me he would have joined the military in another life. I know some of our friends feel the same way. I wonder who I would have ended up with in that life. Or would have I died young due to serving the military.
"Say honor," I say
"Honor," Ciar Rai said
Ciar Rai smiles and a few moments later I take the photograph. It will turn out great and Ciar Rai will love it. I will show him my skills in photography and also see what he means. I have seen different mammals who aren't photographic. Will he be average, bad, or worst. I don't think he would be the worst. Those I have to wait and see to be sure. Setting up my camera again and Ciar Rai will get a few photographs. He's doing a different pose now.
"Say military," I say
"Military." Ciar Rai said
Snapping the next photograph and I get ready for the next photograph. Taking a few of them and time he has a different pose. I know that I'm taking great photographs and we have to see if he's great in them. Setting up my camera for one last photograph and it will be last for today.
"Say Veteran's Day," I say
"Veteran's Day," Ciar Rai said
Snapping the final photograph and I can't wait to see how he turns out. I know my photographs will be great and but I'm unsure about him. I feel weird getting excited to see how he turns out in photographs. Looking over at Nick and see he's finishing up. Artem so handsome when he focuses on art so much.
"I'm envious that have no such artistic talent." Ciar Rai said, "those my artistic talent is music and I do love playing the cello. Oh, we used to do that a family."
"That's so great and currently I can only play Lux Usque in Aeternum with the violin," I say
"Well that's a great one to learn," Ciar Rai said, "I will see you again and I look forward to seeing my photographs."
"I look forward to doing more," I say
Ciar Rai is a great fox and I look forward to seeing him again and I can't wait to meet his family. Knowing that they will be as great as him. Serenity working on her computer and her photographs. After Nick is done we will leave to pick up Faith and Danielle. Who are looking forward to catching up with their father and mother. It will be so great for them and soon they'll be reunited and we will be happy for them. I upload the photographs and I see what he means. Ciar Rai is bad a being in photographs and I laugh. Those overall they're still great photographs and he's going to love it. Saving it and I'll edit them later. I head over to Nick and see he's done with his artwork. It's so great and so lifelike. He signed it and framed it as well.
"Thank you so much and now I'll treasure this forever."
"I'm happy to do it and once again thank you for your service," Nick said
The veteran leaves with a happy step in his walk. I'm so glad that Nick made his day and that we made a great day for a lot of veterans. I know that they'll enjoy the photographs that I took of them. Nick looks up at me and gives me his smirk.
"You're truly talented Artem," I say
"Just like you Shutterbug," Nick said
Moments later we kiss each other and always romantic. Now we will be off to pick up Faith and Danielle and we head over to Home for Heroes. Where we will have more artwork and photographs done for them if they want it. Also they'll get nice treats. We have been looking forward for that. Nick wearing his floral crown while I'm wearing one to honor veterans and he's wearing a tie to do so. We hold paws and head out o speak the rest of Veteran's day honoring veterans.
Home for Heroes is a large home in the Meadowlands. It's easy to tell why the home is here since Meadowlands is a beautiful and peaceful district. Mostly mammals like sheep live in Meadowlands so Dawn lives here. She has a lovely one-bedroom home we have been told. I do love Meadowlands for all the beautiful flowers. We have thanked most of the veterans of this home and most we're glad to hear it from us. Of course, even veterans can be bigots and we won't let this bother us. Heading over to another veteran.
"Thank you for your service," I say
The older tiger looks at me and smiles at me. I paw him a Verbascum and it's a perfect flower for veterans. Since this beautiful flower symbolism courage, protection, and health. We brought them just for veterans and they love it. After I take a photograph and salute him with my left paw. Also, they have been enjoying the cupcakes that Faith and Danielle made for all of them. Of course, their father got the best one. They put a lot of heart and hard work into their cupcakes.
"We all make mistakes and I know you'll learn from yours."
Looking over at the wonderful family and Rogan is their brave father and Lin is their loyal mother. They're a wonderful family and that's so great to see. They'll even be closer after this and we found out the reason why they weren't taken in by his family. They're anti-military and disowned him for joining the military. So they wouldn't help him out after he needed help. I can't understand why they would hate those who protect us. I head over to them and I have a few more flowers to paw out. I give him his Verbascum and take a photograph of him. Pawing it to him once it comes and he smiles and once again I salute with my left paw.
"Thank you for your service," I say
"I'm honored and thank you for taking care of our daughters," Rogan said
"You're welcome and we want to help out as many kits as we can," I say
Looking over at Nick and seeing that he's talking to an older wolf and I do mean older wolf. Too old for the recent wars so he must be a war world veteran. I can see why Nick is so interested in talking to the older wolf he's a fellow artist. I would talk to a stranger who was a photographer. Nick like with Kami and me with photograph love seeing all the emotions of war through art and photographs.
"Wow, that's so amazing and scary," Nick said
"It was and I wouldn't change my decision to service even if I knew the outcome of my life. For that changed my view on life and after I served I lived life to the fullest."
What the older wolf states make perfect sense. Seeing all that would change your life forever and how life can be so short. I would value life after seeing a lot of death and horror. I smile and Nick is enjoying his time. I see that he already paw out his flowers. I'm almost done with mine and I paw out more flowers and take more photographs. Now I have one more flower to give and photograph if he wants it. I discover that he's outside and around the small garden that this home has. It's something wonderful they can focus on to take away the pain they face.
"Don't sneak upon them," I say
That's one of the things that we were told and I know why we were told that. These are veterans with PTSD and we don't want to hurt them just they wouldn't want to hurt us. So Nick and I have been careful about it. It's why I brought my favorite camera and there's no flash to worry about. Seeing that he's around our age and is a Dingo. He has a slim hardy body and tan fur and I see that he has tan eyes. Also has been scarred serving.
"I'm coming over and my name is Katheryn Forester," I say
I make sure that I don't walk up behind him and I would hate mammals walking being me. Having my paws out so I'm not seen as a threat. He looks over at me and I look back at him not staring him down. I see a soul that seen horrors. His face is scarred but that doesn't scare me and he blind in one eye. Seeing that his name is Glen Sanders One side of his body scarred but he's still very handsome. I know many would call scars ugly but I don't for they're beautiful and handsome. They show you that you're a survivor.
"Thank you for your service," I say "would you like a photograph?"
"Thanks and no," Glen said
"Alright, and I will give you a Verbascum for your service," I say
"Flowers are pretty," Glen said
That gets a small smile off him and he has a soft smile that has been hardened. I hope that he finds himself again. He takes the flower gently and I see each has flowers to take care of. This reminds me of our Easter Lilies and how Nick hasn't killed him like he always does. He places his Verbascum next to his flower. I salute him with my left paw and quietly leave him to his own business.
Before I can get back to the house I feel a strong grip on my left arm. I'm too shocked to realize to shout and still too quiet. I feel my heart beating so fast and I control my breathing. What did I do wrong and why is going to hurt me? I feel so scared right now. Mr. Sanders has been his grip and mumbling to himself. It's something I can't catch and it scares me. I want to shot due to being so scared. I see that he drags me and I almost shout but then I realize something. He's not trying to hurt me but protect me. I do know the basics of medic skills and could only do it on dummies. What he's doing is protecting an injured soldier. This what they would call a vivid memory. We take cover by the garden and he still speaks mumbles nonsense. He makes sure I'm sure and he fires like we're under attack. Seeing such a thing makes my heart beat fasting and I take deep breathes and let them out. That lasts for a few minutes until he snaps out of his vivid memory.
"I'm so sorry," Glen said "She's a lefty too and I saved her."
"It's okay." I say "You may have scared me at first but you didn't hurt me."
"Katheryn are you alright?!" Nick asked, "I don't blame you either."
"I'm alright he just saw me like a wounded soldier," I say
Nick runs over to me and hugs me. Right now he needs it and I want it as well. I see Mr. Sanders take a deep breath and I see that his thankful. Others gather around and we're all thankful it turned out alright. This what PTSD looks like for many and just like anyone else with PTSD veterans should get all the help they need. No matter what I will always thank veterans for their service and help out any way I can. They had my back and it's our turn to have veterans backs.
Author note, I hope you enjoyed and I enjoyed writing this. Once again Ciar Rai belongs to a old time reader. Nick muscles tease is about fanart with muscles on him and which doesn't fit him or Judy. This story honor veterans who served. Also as reminder to those who lost their lives during WWI. It's true about the US and its sickening. Veterans deserve the best care after serving and everyone should get help they need. This story honors veterans and the PTSD they face. I wanted to show that side and anyone can get PTSD. More will come from the WWI veteran and the Glen. You found out their family story and there's people out there who are anti military. So until next time readers which is their Thanksgiving. Once gain always remember who lost their lives in WWI and thank you to all veterans who served.