That night, Lenny woke up sniffling from his sore bottom. He knew he shouldn't be up or out of his room because his dad had grounded him. Lenny swam out of the ship and kept swimming; he was going to prove to his dad that he wasn't a disgrace.
Lenny swam and then saw a much larger fish than himself. He knew not to mess with such a large fish, as it was twice his size. However, he wanted to prove to his father and brother that he wasn't a disgrace. Determined, Lenny charged at the massive fish. To his surprise, the huge fish slapped him in the face with its fin. Undeterred, Lenny charged again; however, this time, the enormous fish slapped him in the stomach. Annoyed, the giant fish grabbed Lenny by his neck and swiftly swam to the bottom of the ocean.
"Leonard!!!" Don yelled as he swam towards his son. Lenny gulped when he saw his father approaching.
Flashback!
"Lenny!" Pops voice called from downstairs. "Lenny, I know you're in there, don't ignore your father." His voice trailed off as he walked upstairs. Don sighed, knocked on Lenny's door, but received no answer. He tried again, still no answer. Growing frustrated, he opened the door only to find Lenny had disappeared.
End of flashback.
Don stopped the big fish from hurting Lenny, but Lenny saw his father's angry yet relieved face. The big fish looked at Don and Don grabbed Lenny, pulling him close to him.
My son is sorry he bothered you, sir," said Don. "It won't happen again. I'm going home to punish him. Tell the nice fish you're sorry, Leonard. You're in so much trouble." Don looked at the big fish and then at Lenny with a you're in so much trouble look.
"I...I'm sorry sir," Lenny said, looking at Don and then lowering his eyes.
The big fish nodded and swam away. Don grabbed Lenny by his fin and swam him back to the ship. Don was furious; his son had done something so stupid and left the ship when he knew he was grounded. Don brought Lenny to his study and shut the door behind them.
"What the hell were you thinking!? Huh? What were you doing? You could have gotten killed!" Don said angrily, and Lenny looked at him with tears in his eyes.
Lenny said, "I hate you," looking at Don, who looked shocked and hurt.
Don stared at Lenny for a long time; neither of them spoke. The three words that had been spoken hung in the air between them, like a knife. Don's expression shifted from hurt to anger, and he grabbed Lenny by the collar.
"I hate you too," Don said. "Know what I wish? You were never my son. You vegetarian freak!" Don said as Lenny gasped and Don's eyes widened at what he just said. "Lenny, I..." Don tried to say, but Lenny shook his head.
No, Pops. You said it. Lenny whispered through tears, swimming away as he cried. Don blinked back his own tears in surprise.
Don looked at the door his son had swum out of and sat back down in his seat.
What have I done? whispered Don with tears as he covered his face.
He hurt his son by saying hateful words to him. He was only trying to get back at his son, but he went too far, calling his son a freak, telling him that he hated him and wished Lenny weren't his son. The blows Lenny took were hard for Don to watch, so he went to Lenny's room.
Leonard...son?" Don spoke gently as he heard his youngest son crying and Don swam over to Lenny then hugged him. "I'm sorry son, I'm so sorry I didn't mean those words. I was scared you were going to die, when you said you hated me I snapped and took it too far. I'm sorry, please forgive me." Don said, looking at Lenny who looked at Don slowly.
I'm sorry, Pops. I didn't mean to scare you or say I hate you. I love you, Pops. I was just angry…you…you can punish me; I deserve it." Lenny said, looking at Don. Don looked at Lenny with a smile.
Don gently got Lenny across his lap and Don began to spank Lenny for scaring him. The spanking didn't last long because Don brought Lenny into a hug, holding him as he trembled and sobbed.
Don't you ever scare me like that again, son. I'm sorry for hurting your feelings; I love you too damn much for you to go off and try to get yourself killed. Don said, looking at Lenny who sniffled.
I love you, Pops. I'm sorry," Lenny said as he snuggled into Don's embrace.
His boy, his son, and his baby. Lenny was his baby boy, and no one was going to hurt him as long as he was around.