It was a typical Brisbane weekend morning; Lyon was sitting at the dining table eating oat cereal, and toast with peanut butter and jam. Rad was sitting at the table as well eating his omelet and protein shake scrolling through his phone reading the news.
"So, when are we heading off to go to Mackenzie's house," asked Lyon. Rad looked up at his son; "We should be ready to go after breaky, sport," he replied. "You ready to have some fun today?"
Lyon nodded yes, hoping today will be a good first-time experience; he never really had a friend before so he is unsure of what'll today be like. He hopes he made a good impression on Mackenzie since they first met on his first week at Glasshouse.
"Bluey said she's coming along as well, and Bingo too," mentioned Lyon.
"Well, they are friends with Mackenzie, and it'll be nice inviting your cousins along," said Rad. "We're also going to their house first. They live closer to Mackenzie's house, so we'll be able to walk there."
The two finished their breakfast and headed straight out of the door into the vehicle. The morning was a cool breeze that ran through Lyon's fur. They drove along the streets to reach Bluey's house. Rad thought it would be a good time to converse with his son while on the road.
"So did you enjoy the week at your new school?"
Lyon turned his head to his adoptive father. "Yeah, it was good. I've learned quite a lot at school. We learned how to make paper puppets. I'm still working on mines."
"I'm sure it'll turn out great. You are very creative," praised Rad. "Did you make any more friends?"
"Well, me and Mackenzie did play with Rusty and Jack yesterday. They taught me a bit of army. Like how to make hand signals to communicate with paws, and some terms like a dust off, rendezvous point, and no dog's land."
"Wow, that must have been fun," mentioned Rad.
"Yeah, it is." Lyon looked at the window to the rest of the neighborhood. As they passed by one street, he noticed a familiar looking house through the passenger's window. He saw his old house; the same two-story Queensland home he was born in. His eyes widened when he saw a sign next to the entrance.
"Wait, stop," he pleaded. Rad then slowed down near the curbside. "Something the matter," he asked. Lyon stared at the old house he grew up in without saying a word. Rad noticed the six year old's silence. "Everything alright kid?"
Not a single word came out of Lyon. When Rad was unsure of why Lyon was quiet, he took a quick glance of what he was staring out of the window. The house where the Laurents used to reside in. "Oh, that's what you were looking at," muttered Rad. Lyon couldn't help but see the white sign that said For Sale.
"Do you want to get off and see," asked Rad, wondering if the young one wanted to see what's left of his house. While the young wolf dog did not say anything, he sighed, and wanted to get off to see one last look of his house. The two got off the ute to walk around the front lawn. Rad examined the sign near the entrance of the house while Lyon looked through the front glass window of the living room. From there, he saw nothing but an empty room. It looked like everything in the house was taken away since he moved to the foster home. Nothing but a large empty room. He then rushed towards the right side of the building to see the kitchen window. Again, the kitchen was empty as well except for the fridge. Rad catches up with his son to get a view of the house's interior. "It looks like this place was cleared out since you left. Looks like it has been emptied for ages now," said Rad.
"Yeah, it seems so," said Lyon.
"I'm sorry, Lyon. That's what happens to houses when nobody lives there anymore," said Rad comforting the boy. Yet again, Lyon did not say a thing. He felt the empty void in his heart that his childhood home was completely changed. It wasn't the same loving environment where he had been raised in since he was an infant.
"Let's go," he said quietly. The six year old walked slowly back to the ute. Rad showed a concerned face to his son. It seems he took it hard that the house was placed on sale for a future homeowner. The two got back on Rad's ute and continued to drive to Bluey's place.
Finally, they arrived to Bluey's house. Lyon got off with a dejected face; Rad noticed how sad his son was. He keeled to his level to comfort him. "Hey, I know it must be hard to see what happened back there, but you should try to move forward now. Nothing lasts forever. I promise things will get better," he said. Lyon didn't say much. The two stepped up to the front porch and pushed the doorbell.
Bluey and Bingo rushed downstairs to see their cousin and uncle with Bandit and Chili following them. They opened the door and saw a depressed-looking Lyon. The couple were surprised to see Lyon saddened.
"Everything alright, Lyon," asked Bandit. Lyon simply looked up at his uncle. "Yeah, I'm good," he said with a low tone voice.
"Why don't you two come inside? We can talk about it," said Chili. The father and son went inside the living room and sat down. Bluey and Bingo were worried about their cousin's issue.
Rad decided it was best to explain the reason behind Lyon's mood. "When we were passing by the neighborhood, we just saw Lyon's old home. It was put up on sale. We looked inside the windows, and everything was cleared away."
"I see," said Chili. "I'm sorry sweetheart. It must be hard to see that. I know you must have loved that home."
"Thank you kindly," said Lyon to Chili while looking down. "But it won't bring back everything that I've lost."
"Things come and go, kiddo. There will always be another house, but there will never be another you. You've got to keep your head up high, and look forward," encouraged Bandit.
"Exactly what I said," added Rad. "You have me, your aunts, uncles, your grandparents, and your cousins. We're your family now, and we won't leave you alone."
"You promise," asked Lyon looking up at his adoptive father.
"Yes, I promise," said Rad while hugging his son.
Bingo walked towards her cousin. "Everything will be okay. We'll always be there with you," said Bingo. Lyon looked at his cousins, and smiled a little, appreciating her sympathy. Bluey stood there quietly sensing Lyon's sadness. She could understand what Lyon was still going through, seeing his old life gone. She recalled what Chili had explained to her about how some things in life cannot be controlled, and this is one of them.
Bandit then remembered the real reason why both father and son visited them today. "Today we're visiting Mackenzie today, remember," said Bandit to Lyon cheering him up. Lyon then recalled that and tried to forget what transpired on the way to the Heeler household. Bandit, Rad, and their children soon walked out of the house, and said their goodbyes to Chili. All five were walking on the sidewalk chatting; Lyon, however, silently walked behind his adoptive father. It was not long before Bluey took note of Lyon's silence. She approaches him to check up on him. "Are you okay," she asks.
Lyon saw Bluey's concern, and simply nodded yes. "It's nothing to worry about," he reassured. But Bluey can tell he's lying. Bluey can tell he's still disturbed when he sees his old childhood home. She then thought of a good idea. She then tugged her dad's arm; "What's up mate," asked Bandit. "I think I have an idea on what we can do today," said Bluey. She whispered into her dad's ear to tell her the plan. Bandit understood what Bluey had in mind to make today a good one. "That's sounds like a great plan," he praised.
"What about," asked Rad wanting to know what the blue heeler girl had in mind. Bandit whispered back to his eldest brother on Bluey's plan. He also understood and shook his head in agreement. Lyon raised his brow in confusion, not knowing what these three had in mind. "What plan," asked Bingo.
"You'll have to wait and see," said Bluey with a playful grin. The group finally arrived at Mackenzie's home. It was a one-story Queensland home with a yellow exterior and red slated roof. There was a driveway connected to the house's garage door. They pushed the doorbell to see if anyone was home; the door was opened, and it was an adult black and white border collie who bears a similar appearance to Mackenzie but with grey spots near his muzzle. "Ah, g'day Bandit," said the adult collie.
"Hey, Scott," said Bandit. "Mackenzie, you've got company," said Scott.
"Coming dad," called out Mackenzie rushing to the door. He saw Bluey, Bingo, Lyon, Bandit, and Rad at the door. He greeted them all, recalling his invitation to Lyon during the week.
"Is that your new friend, Mackenzie," asked Mackenzie's father.
"Yeah, we met last week in school. It was his first week," explained Mackenzie.
"Pleasure meeting you. I'm Mackenzie's father," said Scott to Lyon.
"Lyon. Nice to meet you," said Lyon shyly. "I'm his father by the way," said Rad to Scott.
"Is he your older brother, Bandit? I didn't know he became a father," said Scott.
"He recently adopted the boy. He's been part of our family for about a week," added Bandit.
Another adult collie came out to see who was at the door. Unlike Mackenzie and Scott, she was a Red Merle Border Collie with white, brown, and grey fur. "I see we have guests," said the female adult.
"Mum, this is my new friend Lyon, and his father. They're here for the playdate I mentioned to Lyon," said Mackenzie introducing Rad and Lyon to his mother.
"It's nice to meet both of you. My name's Charlotte," said Mackenzie's mom.
"Pleasure to meet both of you," said Rad.
"Oh, dad, remember what I said about my idea," said Bluey, reminding her father on the way here.
"Ah, yeah, we thought we can bring the kids to the park to play if that's alright with both of you," said Bandit.
"Yeah, that's fine by us," said Scott.
"Thanks Mackenzie's parents," said Bluey. Lyon was still not sure what Bluey's intentions were. He's been to the park before so there's little reason why they would go there instead of playing in Mackenzie's home.
"We'd love to come along as well, but we have to do some clean up in the garage," said Mackenzie's mother.
"Aw, are you sure? It'll be fun," pleaded Mackenzie.
"No worries, Mackenzie. You go have fun with your friends," said his father. The group then left Mackenzie's home and went on their way to the park. Lyon then tugged Rad's arm.
"Yes, mate," asked Rad to Lyon.
"So why are we going to the park? Are you hiding something," asked Lyon.
"You'll have to wait and see," said Rad, not wanting to spoil the surprise. Lyon was intrigued to know the reason behind the three's secret. When they arrived at the park, Lyon thought they were just going to play in the playground. However, they went past the playground and headed to a couple of bushes. "Why are we going in there," inquired the wolf dog.
"I told you, this is a surprise," said Rad.
"Come on, Lyon. It'll be fun," said Bluey to her cousin.
"I don't understand. We're just going inside that forest. What's so special inside?"
"You just have to trust us on this," said Bandit. The hesitant wolf dog crossed his arms, not sure what's inside there, but he didn't think he had a choice in this, so he went along with this mysterious plan. As they went inside, the surrounding area was a forest filled with lots of plants, trees, bushes, and a dirt path along the way. The party was exploring the area; Bluey, Bingo, and Mackenzie were interacting with many parts of nature. Lyon was treading behind the three children, pondering where they might be heading. He decided to guess what they'd see.
"Are we just going to keep seeing more trees," asked the wolf dog.
"Close, but not quite," said Rad.
"A cave?"
"Nah," added Bandit.
"Secret spaceship?"
"Nope," replied Bluey.
He had guessed multiple ideas to them. None of them seem to be correct. He decided to ask Mackenzie; "What exactly are we going to see," he asked.
"Something special," said Mackenzie.
"There are sure a lot of critters around here," said Lyon.
"Just watch out for drop bears," teased Bandit.
"Wait, what," asked Lyon.
"Just teasing kiddo. But seriously watch out for snakes," warned Bandit. Lyon felt a sense of dread despite his uncle's humor.
The gang went down a slope path; there were tree roots stuck to the slope dirt path. "That looks a bit unsafe," said Lyon.
"It's not that bad," said Bluey. "Just walk down carefully."
He took one step at a time, but accidentally slipped down. "Whoa, you alright kid," asked Rad.
"I'm not sure. That was quite the slide." Rad examined Lyon to see if he was alright. It didn't seem anything was hurt. "I think you're alright," he reassured. They soon went to a stream with stones on them. The dads were jumping on them, while the kids were following along. "Just make sure to not jump on the slippery ones. They're the green ones," said Bluey to Lyon. Lyon, despite his carefulness, accidentally slipped on one of the mossy rocks, and fell in the water. "I just lost my focus that's all," said Lyon, grumping. Mackenzie held his paw to help Lyon up. "You'll get used to it," said Mackenzie.
"This wouldn't happen to be a creek," asked Lyon.
"Guess he found out, Bandit," said Rad.
"You got quite the perceptive son, Rad," added Bandit. "There's a nicer bit just up this way. Me, your father, and your Uncle Stripe used to play there when we were younger." The group followed the stream heading up towards where they were heading. It is obvious that where the stream leads are a creek. They encountered a small waterfall ridge. Each one of them jumped across the ridge. Lyon, however, was hesitant about the gap between the waters. "I'm not sure if I can make it," he hesitated.
"Come on, Lyon, it's just like jumping from one sheep to another," said Mackenzie while the others gave a confused look at the border collie.
"Wolves don't jump on sheep, Mackenzie," said Lyon with a deadpan expression.
"Huh, I guess they don't," said Mackenzie. "You can do it. We believe in you," said Bingo providing moral support.
Lyon gazed at the gap between him and his companions. He took a deep breath and counted down to three silently. The creek is beautiful, he thought. He leaped to the other side of the waterfall.
The group cheered on Lyon for his efforts. "Nice one, sport," said Rad.
"Thanks," he said. The group made there way to a nicer spot of the creek. It is a waterhole that is connected to the creek's stream. The pristine, clear water was a sight to see as Lyon gazed at the natural sight of the location. Lots of critters such as tadpoles, crayfish, mayflies, and caddisflies were underwater. Several dragonflies were flying around the aquatic plants.
"Wow, this is really something," said Lyon.
"Yeah, the creek is beautiful," said Bluey.
"What are we supposed to do," asked Lyon.
"We just muck around. It's the creek," said Bluey, running towards the water. The rest of the group went inside the water as well. Lyon walked towards the water, touching it. He saw the tadpoles huddling around, and slowly went in the water as well. He felt the ticklish sensation as each of them nibbled his toes.
"Did you really played here when you were my age," he asked looking at Rad and Bandit.
"Yep. We played here in the afternoons," added Rad sitting down in the waterhole.
"It still looks the same as before," said Bandit while lying down.
Lyon grabs a pebble from the water and tries to stone skip his pebble to the water. The pebble immediately sank from the first throw. Mackenzie grabs a pebble as well, but his pebble was able to leap through the water three times. "If you find one with a flat surface, it'll leap much better," said Mackenzie. Lyon took note of his advice and found a flat sized one that is the size of his paw. He tosses the stone horizontally, and the stone leaped five times.
"Nice one," complimented Mackenzie.
"Thank you," said Lyon.
"Let's make barky boats. There's load of bark here," suggested Mackenzie. Bluey, Bingo, Mackenzie, and Lyon scouted for bark pieces around the area, and leaves for the sails. They were making their barky boats while chatting.
"Mine's going to be a faster one," said Mackenzie.
"Well, mine's going to be an even faster one," said Bluey.
"I'm making a very small one," added Bingo. "What about you, Lyon?"
"Um, I'm not sure. Maybe somewhere in the middle between small and fast," he added.
The four kids brought their finished boats to the water, racing their boats to the waterhole. Mackenzie's boat was in the lead while Bluey's was tied with Lyon's boat. Bingo's boat was behind the rest of the other barky boats.
"Looks like I win," said Mackenzie. "Bluey and Lyon tied for second. Bingo is third place."
"Aw, not fair," said Bingo.
"Well, ours is a bit faster Bingo," said Bluey. "Let's play something else. How about setting up a spa? Dad and Uncle Rad can be the customers." The kids agreed and decided to make the adult men their spa customers. The two dads were sitting down in the waterhole while the kids were bringing several twigs, leaves, and mud with them. They added leaves around their heads in wreath headbands. Lyon and Mackenzie were with Rad, pretending the twigs were nail files. Bluey and Bingo were with Bandit, applying mud to his face.
"How are you enjoying our day spa," asked Bluey.
"It's definitely relaxing," said Bandit.
"It feels like heaven," added Rad.
"Do you like your nails, Lyon's Dad," asked Mackenzie to Rad.
"Oh, definitely. They're great."
"How about some mud pack," asked Lyon.
"That'll be great, thanks." Lyon grabbed some mud and lathered it around Rad's face. He seems to be enjoying himself at the creek with his new friends. He was able to forget what is saw this morning at his old vacant home. Thinking back on it, the creek seems to have been a good distraction from his sadness. He was grateful for being able to see a serene place with his friends and family.
"You know what? This is fun," added Lyon.
"You really think so? That's great, kiddo," said Rad.
"I do. I've never been this far from the playground before."
"It's better than the swings," exclaimed Bingo.
"Have you ever seen any creatures around here," asked Lyon.
"I actually saw a wallaby one time," explained Bluey. "The last time we were here with dad, we played spa. When I was getting mud, it was drinking water. It looked right at me and went away."
Everyone was impressed by Bluey's discovery. "Do they usually come here," asked Lyon.
"Not often. Usually when no one is around," explained Bandit.
As the day was almost over, the group went back to the playground area. Tired, yet content, they enjoyed their afternoon. They headed home along the sidewalk, conversing to one another.
"Uncle Bandit, you weren't really serious about the drop bears, were you," asked Lyon.
"Nah, mate. I was just mucking around with you," he said with a sly smile.
"He tends to do that sometimes, Lyon. He's quite the teaser back in our day," said Rad.
"No. Really?"
"Oh, come on. I wasn't that bad," said Bandit.
The two brothers chuckled while Lyon with a puzzled look.