On a warm, breezy afternoon, the sun cast shimmering ripples on the water surrounding the familiar houseboat that the triplets Huey, Dewey, and Louie Duck called home away from home. It was a special day, their high school graduation.
They had already had a party in the mansion, with their entire family - found and otherwise. Most of their friends were also graduating this year, and the Manor had been host to their own personal graduation afterparty.
First had been the ceremony at the school - for the triplets, that had been Duckburg Public Secondary School. Many of their friends had been there, though some - such as Violet, who attended a private school - had their ceremony elsewhere, and others had no proper ceremony at all, due to homeschooling.
The Duck Boys had stayed for the graduation party at their school directly following the ceremonies, but only long enough to talk to some of their friends and teachers, stuff their pockets at the buffet, and get some good photos. Before long, they had piled into Dewey's van and made their way back to McDuck manor, where the real party was happening.
After the graduation, the party, and the McDuck afterparty, the three of them retreated back to the houseboat in the marina. They hadn't truly lived there for years now, but it was still their home away from home, and always would be.
In all honesty, the boys were secretly surprised Donald still had it. They had expected him to sell the old thing and move in with Daisy and her girls, but… he never did. They had dated for years, and been engaged for the most recent few, but there seemed to be a silent understanding that Donald would never leave the sea.
It worked out, because the houseboat remained an island of tranquillity in the otherwise often absurd McDuck lifestyle. The boys were not the only ones who retreated there after a long day, or week, or month. Della crashed there as often as at the Manor, which were both significantly less often then she was off gallivanting across the world. Sometimes with Scrooge, sometimes with Webby or Dewey, sometimes with the whole family, or a more surprising arrangement of travel companions.
Often, May and June could be found spending the weekend here - though May less so, since she had just never been able to find her sea legs, and often ended up looking more green than white.
But tonight, it was just Donald and the boys. And it would remain so for the rest of the summer - they would have plenty of visitors and well wishers stopping in, yes. But the boys were sleeping in the large guest bed in their old bedroom, and had decided unanimously to spend their last summer together here.
And didn't that smart to think about. Let alone to say out loud, which none of them had quite come to do yet. Their last summer together.
The sun was setting over the bay amid their after-after-party. Not the stuffy party in the recycled air of the school gymnasium, not the boisterous party at McDuck manor with all of their friends, family, and friends' families.
This was Huey, Dewey, and Louie standing together on the deck of the houseboat, looking out over the railing in silence as their uncle dragged up a table from below deck, and piled it with a small homemade cake and a pile of mail. They were excited, scared, happy, sad. It was a bittersweet emotion.
As the scent of homemade cake wafted through the air, the brothers gathered around the small table on the deck. The cake was adorned with candles that danced with every gust of wind, a testament to the care that went into its creation. Uncle Donald grinned at the boys, tears in his eyes.
"Alright, you three, gather 'round!" Donald called, his voice a mix of excitement and affection. "Time to celebrate your big achievement!"
Huey, the eldest of the trio, wore a soft smile on his face. "I can't believe we've actually graduated."
Louie snorted. "Really?" He asked. "I can't believe Dewey graduated. You? Not so difficult to believe." He teased.
Huey rolled his eyes as he and Donald sorted the mail out. Majority went to Huey, with a smaller pile going to Louie. The only thing in front of Dewey was cake.
"And look at that, acceptance letters from every school you applied to." Louie grinned, while Huey rolled his eyes.
"You don't know that, Louie. I haven't even opened them yet."
"I know it." Louie smirked.
Dewey lounged back in his chair, grinning as he watched his brothers' banter. The epitome of a free spirit, his eyes sparkled mischievously as he lit a joint under the table, all three brothers laughing at Donald's attempts to look disapproving. "Man, who needs universities? I've got a whole year ahead to explore, learn, and just be, you know?"
The small family laughed together as they talked about their plans. Huey had been too anxious to narrow down his choices, so he had applied to every program he found interesting. The problem with being accepted to all of them - as opening his mail confirmed - was that he still hadn't narrowed down his choices, and had no idea which one he wanted to attend.
Dewey had no such reservations. He had bought himself a van in high school which he had spent the last two years of school renovating. He had grown up traveling with Scrooge, with Della, with his brothers, uncle, and friends. But now he was going to hit the road and travel solo for the first time in his life. No treasure, no destination. His only goal was to see the world he lived in, and maybe find his place in it.
Louie, however, sat in silence, his brow furrowed with worry. He glanced at the acceptance letters scattered across the table, his fingers drumming an anxious rhythm. "I don't know, guys." He finally spoke softly during a lull in the conversation. "I've got these opportunities, but I can't shake this feeling of…" He hesitated, frowning, and trailed off. "Everyone expects me to be this successful businessman, but I'm not sure if that's even what I want."
Huey looked up in surprise. Donald tilted his head. Dewey leaned back in his chair with a knowing expression, taking a slow drag on his joint and holding it, waiting for Louie to explain himself.
"I mean, it's just - I've done that before, you know? Sure, I was a kid , but I still remember what it was like. I hated it. I don't want to sit in stuffy offices. I don't want to spend my life drowning in paperwork. My whole life, everyone said I'd make a great businessman, or I'd be such a good lawyer, ugh. " He made a face. "And sure, they're probably right . I could be the best damn lawyer this country has seen. But god, I don't want to. I don't know. Is that bad? I could be super successful, great at what I do, I know that. Am I throwing that all away just because I hate the idea of hard work? I don't know. I don't want to let everyone down - I don't want to let myself down. I don't want to waste my potential, but man - I think about my future, and I just hate it already."
Huey placed a solemn hand on Louie's shoulder and squeezed. "Hey, Louie, success isn't just defined by a traditional path. You'll find your own way, just like Dewey is doing."
Dewey nodded in agreement, a puff of smoke escaping his lips. "Yeah, Louie. You've got to follow your heart. If you're not feeling it, then don't force it."
Louie's shoulders eased slightly, and he offered a faint smile. "Thanks, guys. It's just... I don't want to disappoint anyone."
Donald leaned forward, his voice steady. "Listen, boys. Life isn't about livin' up to others' expectations. It's about finding what makes you happy, what makes you passionate. And it's okay not to have it all figured out right now."
Louie shook his head softly. "I don't know, Uncle Donald. Everyone else has, and I'm kind of running out of time to waste, y'know?" He laughed awkwardly, trying and failing to hide his nerves.
Dewey leaned even further back, tipping his chair onto its back two legs. "We're 18. How are you running out of time?"
Louie made a pained expression.
Huey looked at Louie with understanding eyes. "Louie, we've already spent our whole lives adventuring - probably living more than most people will in their lifetimes. Life's an adventure, and even I can't plan every step of it. Sometimes you just have to take a leap."
Dewey's gaze turned thoughtful as he took another drag. "Totally, man. Look at my van. I bought it in high school, fixed it up myself. It's not everyone's idea of success, but it's my freedom."
Louie let out a sigh, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "I know, but it's hard. I want a stable future. I always thought stability was what would make me happy. Security. But… I don't know. Huey's right - we've spent our whole lives adventuring. We've seen and done so much. You'd think… you'd think I'd have put things in perspective by now. But I just haven't . Am I supposed to follow success, like Huey? Or do what makes me happy, like Dewey?"
His older brothers both exchanged an odd look, and leaned forward with their elbows on the table.
"But Louie, I'm not going to school to be successful." Huey argued. "Sure, I probably will be," (and it wasn't arrogant, he simply knew his own worth) - "But I'm doing it because it makes me happy."
Dewey nodded along. "And in my opinion, if I'm happy with my life, then that's a success."
Louie only looked even more lost.
Uncle Donald leaned in, his voice softer. "Life's about trial and error, Louie. You won't find your passion by stressing about it. Sometimes you gotta try things, make mistakes, and learn from 'em."
Huey chimed in, his voice warm. "And you've got support, no matter what you choose. Remember, we're family. We've got your back, Louie."
Louie sighed reluctantly. "So, I guess I just need to give myself permission to explore, even if it means taking the wrong path?"
Dewey shook his head, a small smile playing on his bill. "There is no wrong path, Lou. You'll figure it out."
The weekend after their graduation parties found the houseboat buzzing with a sense of purpose. The brothers were each deep in their own world, contemplating the paths that lay before them.
Huey sat cross-legged at the small table in their shared living space, surrounded by stacks of letters and brochures. His laptop was open in front of him, various tabs displaying different university programs. He ran a hand through his feathery bangs, his brows furrowing as he tried to weigh the pros and cons of each option. Nuclear physics, robotics and engineering, or quantum mechanics? It was a decision that would shape his future.
Not to mention, his growing passion for ecology. Earth sciences might not be taken as seriously as some of the other programs, but ever since his great uncle had first shown him the world, he'd had a growing desire to protect it.
There were just too many choices, all of them so good . He muttered to himself about summer classes, post-grad programs, dual majors. He chewed the back of his pencil to splinters as he flipped between tabs on his laptop, muttering and grumbling in growing disgruntlement.
Outside on the boat slip, the back doors of Dewey's van were swung wide open, revealing Dewey amidst a flurry of gear and supplies. He had a map spread out on the bed, marking potential destinations with colourful pins. Solar panels were stacked in one corner, ready to be installed, and his surfboard was leaning against a wall. A trail of clothes led from the van to the dock, revealing Dewey's unique approach to packing: disorganized chaos.
Meanwhile, Louie wandered aimlessly along the boardwalk, his mind a whirlwind of uncertainty. He had spent hours the previous night scrolling through the various programs he had been accepted into, only to feel a growing sense of detachment from each one. He felt like a puzzle piece that didn't quite fit anywhere. He stared at the water, deep in thought, until he finally decided he needed some guidance.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped back onto the houseboat and found Huey engrossed in his laptop. "Hey, Huey," Louie began tentatively. "Mind if I talk to you for a bit?"
Huey looked up, his face lighting up when he saw Louie. "Of course, Louie. What's on your mind?"
Louie took a seat opposite Huey, his fingers tracing the edge of one of the envelopes. "I'm still so lost, you know? I applied to all these programs I don't really care about, just because I didn't know what else to do. Everyone's telling me business school or law would be perfect for me, but I don't feel it. I don't know what I want."
Huey closed his laptop and leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. "Louie, it's okay not to have all the answers right now. I've been researching universities for days, and I still can't decide. But you shouldn't do something just because others expect it. You need to figure out what resonates with you."
Louie sighed, his shoulders sagging. "Yeah, but how? I feel like I'm disappointing everyone by not having a plan."
Huey placed a reassuring hand on Louie's shoulder. "You're not disappointing anyone, especially not me. Louie, you have talents and interests that are uniquely your own. What makes you excited? What do you enjoy doing? Think about what gives you a sense of purpose."
Louie leaned back, his gaze drifting out the window to the water. "I've always liked… I mean…" He frowned, furrowing his brow. "A sense of purpose? I don't know. I've never really had one."
Huey couldn't hide his surprise. For as long as he could remember, he and Dewey had always been driven by their ambitions and passions. They knew what they wanted to do in life, and they pursued it with unwavering determination. The idea that Louie didn't share this sense of direction was both confusing and, to some extent, alarming to Huey.
"But, Louie," Huey began, choosing his words carefully, "everyone has something they enjoy or a dream they want to chase. Something that gives them a reason to get out of bed in the morning. You've got to have some interests, right?"
Louie scratched his head, struggling to find an answer. "I mean, I enjoy lazing around and taking it easy. Anything that involves not getting out of bed in the morning. Does that count?"
Huey frowned, not entirely sure if Louie was being serious. "Louie, that's not what I mean. I'm talking about a real passion, something that you'd want to do for the rest of your life. Something that makes you happy and gives your life meaning."
Louie sighed, realizing that he couldn't provide a straightforward answer. "I guess I've never really thought about it. I've always been so focused on money that I never stopped to consider what I actually enjoy."
Huey's concern deepened. "Louie, I want you to picture your perfect future, ten years from now. What do you see yourself doing? What makes you happy in that vision?"
Louie closed his eyes, trying to conjure up a mental image of his future self. But the more he tried, the blurrier the picture became. He couldn't see himself in a stable career or pursuing a specific goal. It was as if his mind was a blank canvas, devoid of any aspirations. He could picture the future that other people saw for him, but... he felt completely disconnected from it. Like he was watching somebody else succeed in his minds eye, somebody who was better at being Louie than he was. But none of those visions made him happy. He couldn't picture anything that would.
"I can't, Huey," Louie admitted, frustration and confusion evident in his voice. "I can't imagine it. I don't know what to picture."
Huey's heart sank. He had always been the responsible one, the planner, and Dewey had his adventurous spirit. Louie had always been the wildcard, but Huey never thought it would come to this. Huey furrowed his brow. "You've always cared a lot about money. That drove you a lot as a kid. What changed?"
Louie nodded slowly, acknowledging the truth in Huey's words. "Sure, I'm passionate about it, but it doesn't make me happy. It was always about survival. We grew up poor, Huey. I mean, sure, Uncle Donald did his best, but there were days when we literally couldn't eat. I always had this major fear of… well, that. It's like this constant knot in my stomach. I crave stability and security. Money is... it's not happiness for me; it's anxiety. I'm always scared of losing everything. Money is a means and an end, not a lifestyle. And I don't want to spend my entire life chasing riches, always terrified of losing it all. We have enough, I don't want to lose myself to obsession."
Huey listened carefully, realizing that Louie's relationship with money was much more complicated than he had ever imagined. "So, what do you think would make you happy, Louie? What can we focus on to help you find your purpose?"
Louie leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifting to the ceiling as he searched for an answer. "I honestly don't know, Huey. I've never really thought about it. It's like... I've spent so much time trying to outsmart the world that I haven't had the luxury of thinking about what Louie wants."
Huey leaned back, concern flickering behind his eyes. "Well, I know you're creative, resourceful, and you think outside the box. Maybe a traditional career path isn't for you. What about exploring entrepreneurship? Creating something of your own?"
Louie frowned as he considered the idea. "Entrepreneurship? Like, starting a business?"
Huey nodded. "Exactly. You have the skills to innovate and adapt. And you wouldn't be following someone else's script—you'd be writing your own."
Louie sighed. He didn't want to shoot down his brothers ideas when Huey was just trying to help. He didn't want to sound like a pessimist. So he smiled weakly and nodded slowly, pretending to humour the idea. He already knew he hated business. It wasn't just that it was boring - it was. But it was also… more than a little scary.
Running a business took a lot . Time, focus, skill, effort. You weren't just responsible for yourself, but there were employees, consumers, so much that could go wrong, and so many people who would suffer when he dropped the ball. It was a responsibility that Louie felt he fell short of. Whenever he tried to imagine himself in a position of power - power over employees, decisions, timelines, assets - it always ended in the same. An anxiety attack on the bathroom floor. He was not built to run things, he was not made to be in charge. He spent his whole childhood believing he was slow, lazy, irresponsible. And he couldn't even blame his family - they constantly tried to encourage him, and remind him of his worth. It wasn't their fault. It was something inherent. Something in him. Some integral part that made him Louie.
Louie was a farce. Louie was a facade. Louie crumbled under pressure.
(None of these were true, nor were they things anybody had taught Louie, told him. These were all things he had discovered about himself, insecurities he held close to his chest and didn't let anyone see).
"Yeah…" He agreed without much passion. "Maybe I'll do something like that."
Louie stayed seated for a while longer, observing Huey's furrowed brow and focused demeanour as he pored over the paperwork and university brochures. It was clear that his brother was engrossed in a dilemma of his own, trying to determine the best path for his future. Huey's beak moved slightly, his mutterings revealing his thoughts as he wondered aloud about the feasibility of completing both nuclear physics and robotics programs simultaneously.
"Maybe if I rearrange the schedules and take some summer courses... I wonder if they'd let me do that," Huey muttered to himself, lost in thought.
Louie watched, but he could tell that his presence was more of a distraction than a source of comfort for Huey in that moment. He sighed quietly and decided to give his brother the space he needed to sort through his options. Slowly, he stood up and quietly made his way off the boat.
The sun was now casting long shadows on the dock, and Louie squinted against the golden light as he walked towards where Dewey was working on his van. Dewey had his back to him, engrossed in attaching a surfboard rack to the roof.
"Hey, Dewey," Louie called out, his voice carrying a mix of curiosity and longing.
Dewey straightened up and turned around, a grin spreading across his face when he saw Louie. "Hey, Louie! What brings you out here?"
Louie leaned against a nearby post, his gaze fixed on the van. "Just needed some fresh air and, you know, someone to talk to."
Dewey wiped his hands on a rag and leaned against the van, giving Louie his full attention. "What's on your mind, little bro?"
Louie let out a sigh, his feathers tracing the grain of the wooden post. "I had a chat with Huey about my future, or rather, my lack of plans for it. He gave me some good advice."
Dewey raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? What'd he say?"
"He suggested I consider entrepreneurship, starting something of my own," Louie replied, his tone a mixture of uncertainty and disinterest.
Dewey's eyes lit up. "Hey, that's not a bad idea at all! You've always been the creative one. But… you don't seem super into it."
Louie shrugged. "I don't know. I'm not super into anything . That's the problem. Every time I think of something - going to school, working for Scrooge, starting my own business, it all just feels the same. Miserable. Heck, even the idea of staying home and playing video games all day… it just doesn't do anything for me. I spent a lot of time trying to fix my flaws, you know? I was always selfish, lazy Louie. So I tried to stop being those things. I tried to change. To be better. But I'm kind of burned out. I'm tired of being something I'm not, and now I don't even know what I am ."
Dewey placed a hand on Louie's shoulder, his gaze steady. "Louie, you've got to follow your own path. Don't let other people's expectations dictate your choices. I mean, look at me—I'm hitting the road for six months of exploration. It's not what people expected, but it's what I want."
Louie met Dewey's gaze, amusement dancing in his eyes. "It's exactly what people expected. I mean, maybe not this exactly," he gestured at the van, "But you, travelling? Exploring? Adventuring? I literally can't imagine you doing anything else." The hesitation in his eyes wavered. "You're right, Dewey. I need to figure out what I want."
Dewey grinned and gave Louie a playful shove. "That's the spirit! Life's too short to be anyone but yourself."
Louie sighed, something in those words catching him the wrong way, and his eyes fell back to the wooden dock beneath his feet.
Dewey frowned. "Louie? What's wrong?"
"Well, it's just that. Huey is Huey, and that works because Huey is great . Huey is going to do a double major - a triple major, probably, if I know him." He chuckled dryly. "And he'll be top of his class in all of them. He'll do amazing things and change the world, and everyone will love him because he's just so nice about it. He can be the smartest person in the room without making anyone else feel stupid. God, he's just so good.
"And you? What do you mean, it's not what people expected? Buying a van and going on your own solo adventure? I think the only surprise about it is that you're driving, not flying. This is so unapologetically you . You don't care what people think of you, or how they see it. You want to drop everything and go. You want to have the adventure of a lifetime. You know what you want and you're doing it .
"But me? I can't be myself, Dewey. Louie… Louie is not a good person. Louie doesn't make friends, doesn't make good choices, and doesn't make people happy. Louie was lazy." Scrooge had said so himself. "Louie was selfish." His own mother had driven that point home. "Louie was… just a lot of awful things. I tried to stop being all of those things, but I never filled the empty spaces with anything. I cut out everything bad about Louie, and never put anything new in the holes. So now I'm just..." He gestured vaguely with his hands. "I don't even feel like a person, sometimes." He sighed. "I'm just a mirror, reflecting what everyone wants to see."
"Louie," Dewey began, his voice gentle and solemn and way, way too serious, "You're being way too hard on yourself." His eyes shone in a way that looked suspiciously like tears. "You can't live your life solely to meet other people's expectations. It's not fair to you, and it's not sustainable. What matters most is finding your own path, your own happiness. You know Huey and I - and everyone else - want you to be happy. And frankly, if anyone disagrees, fuck 'em. I don't care what people want from you, or see in you, or expect from you. You're Louie, and you're fantastic , and you deserve to be happy, whatever that looks like for you."
Louie's shoulders relaxed slightly, but he still wore a pained expression. "I appreciate you saying that, Dewey, but it's not that simple. It's not just about not disappointing people, it's about not disappointing myself." Louie sighed again, this time a bit more softly. "I've been so focused on what I'm not that I've lost sight of who I am."
Dewey put a reassuring hand on Louie's shoulder. "That's okay, Louie. Figuring out who you are and what makes you happy is a journey. And you know what? This solo adventure of mine might be exactly what you need. Sometimes, it takes getting away from everything and everyone to discover yourself."
Louie looked up at Dewey, his eyes flickering with uncertainty. "You really think so?"
Dewey smiled warmly. "I do. Listen, if you don't know if you want to go to school this year, don't. If none of the programs speak to you, forget them. There's always next year. You don't want to work a miserable job? Then don't. Come with me. You need a break - not just a break from school, but a break from life, people, expectations. You've been way too hard on yourself. In Dewey's world, there are no expectations. You can't get stuck reflecting the Louie I 'want' to see, because the only Louie I want to see is you. Your real, authentic self."
Louie hummed and glanced past Dewey into the van. "I dunno man… you sure you got room for two in there?" He asked, half-joking.
Dewey grinned back. "It's built to fit three."
The air in the houseboat was filled with the aroma of a homemade dinner, and the brothers were gathered around the table. Huey had his face buried in a notebook, which Dewey kept trying to yank away from him. Huey elbowed his brother in the ribs, getting Dewey to let go with an "oof!" and a wheeze.
"So, Huey, have you finally made a decision about which program you're going to accept?" Donald asked, diverting their attention before they started knocking table settings onto the floor. The question of Huey's major had become a hot topic - and a running joke - over the summer, considering his deadline to choose was coming up fast, and he seemed no closer now than he had been at the start of the summer to reaching any kind of decision about what he wanted to do.
Huey leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I've narrowed it down to nuclear physics or robotics. I'm considering the possibility of trying to combine the two, maybe by taking some summer courses and overlapping schedules."
Dewey raised an eyebrow. "Wait, you're serious about doing both at the same time? That's a lot of work, man."
Huey nodded. "Yeah, it's ambitious, but I'm intrigued by the potential synergy between the two fields. It's a challenge, but I think I'm up for it."
Dewey chuckled. "Well, that's very Huey of you."
As the conversation shifted to Dewey's upcoming solo adventure, Louie remained unusually quiet, stirring his food around on his plate. After a few moments, he took a deep breath and looked up, meeting the curious gazes of his brothers.
"So, Louie, what about you?" Huey asked, a hint of eagerness in his voice. "Have you decided on a program yet?"
Louie hesitated, his fingers tracing the rim of his glass. "Actually... I've decided not to accept any of the university offers."
The room fell silent as Huey and Donald exchanged surprised glances. Donald cleared his throat. "Not accept? But you had such good offers, Louie."
Louie nodded slowly, his gaze steady. "I know, Uncle Donald. But I've been doing a lot of thinking, and I've realized that business or law isn't what I want. And I don't want to work for someone else, making money for them while I do all the hard work."
Huey leaned forward, his expression intrigued. "So, what do you want to do then?"
Louie picked tentatively at his feathers. "I don't have all the answers yet, but I want to explore my own path. I might not know exactly what that is right now, but I'm going to figure it out."
Huey tilted his head. "But… what does that mean?" He pressed gently. "Are you going to take a year off?"
Louie shrugged, and glanced sidelong at Dewey. "I don't know exactly what it means. I just know I don't want to go to school for something I'll hate. I need more time to figure out what's right for me."
Uncle Donald leaned back, a contemplative expression on his face. "Louie, it's important to follow your heart." He acknowledged. "And, well… You don't need to work. You're in a unique situation, you know? If you're following the path you think is expected of you… I don't blame you for feeling lost. Take whatever time you need. You know you're always welcome here." Donald added softly. "There's no rush for you to leave."
And it was true. Louie and his brothers were in a unique situation. Seven years ago, Louie had made sure of that. Seven years ago, as an eleven year old child, Louie very briefly became the richest duck in the world. And seven years ago, Louie gave Scrooge back his company and all of his riches that came with it. And he may have even given Glomgold back his company - having absolutely no desire to run it into the ground. But that didn't mean he gave back all of Glomgold's money, or Mark Beaks', or Ma Beagle's, or anyone elses for that matter.
They had successful companies in their hands - or in Ma Beagle's case, a successful crime ring - and the opportunity to build their fortune back up, lesson learned.
And Louie? Louie had a fatter bank account than he could ever have dreamed of. Scrooge had been upset initially, calling it dirty money, saying Louie didn't work for it, didn't earn it. But Louie was quick to shut him down, with two important facts. One; the money was his fair and square. He worked smart. At eleven years old, he outsmarted Scrooge and his greatest rivals, becoming the lawful owner of all of their fortunes. Why should he hand over something he earned, just because he used his wits over elbow grease? It was 2017, and elbow grease didn't get you very far anymore.
The second reason had been the stronger argument, as far as getting Scrooge to leave him alone went. Louie put most of that fortune away to collect interest, in a dedicated fund for him and his brothers. The rest was invested back into Scrooge's own company, an investment which only kept growing. Louie had made sure he and his brothers would never need to work a day in their lives if they didn't want to. And he was damn proud of that fact.
It paid for Huey's tuition to any Ivy League university he wanted. It paid for Dewey's van, and would continue to pay for his living expenses on the road.
And it left Louie aimless.
What was success? Money? Prestige? Happiness?
Apparently, success looked different depending on who you asked. And Louie was at a point where he was beginning to wonder - was success even a worthy goal? He couldn't even begin to define what it meant to him, but even if he could, what dictated that he should strive for success, of all things?
Louie met his uncle's gaze. "I don't know what I want. I don't even know who I am. And I need to find out."
The day had dawned, a mix of excitement and bittersweet anticipation hanging in the air. The houseboat was bustling with activity, bags being packed, last-minute checks completed, and hugs exchanged. The time had come for Huey to set off for his new university, and Dewey was preparing to embark on his six-month solo adventure on the open road.
The plan was for Dewey to drive Huey to his university in the next state over, drop him off, get him settled into his dorm, and then… just keep driving. Go wherever the road took him.
Louie stood on the dock, his hands in his pockets, watching his brothers as they made their final preparations. Uncle Donald stood beside him, his weathered hand on Louie's shoulder, offering silent support.
Huey adjusted his backpack, double-checking his travel essentials. "I can't believe it's finally here," he said, a mix of excitement and nerves in his voice.
Dewey, who was loading the last of his gear into his van, looked up and grinned. "Yeah, it's a big step, bro."
Louie cleared his throat, his heart pounding in his chest. He had been struggling with a decision all morning, and now, he realized, it was now or never. He turned to Dewey. "Hey, Dewey… can I come with you guys?"
Uncle Donald's eyebrows raised in surprise. "What do ya mean, Louie?"
Louie's gaze shifted to Dewey and Huey. "I mean, I know Dewey was excited about going solo, but... I don't know. I want to be part of this adventure too. I know you offered… I don't know how serious you were." Louie trailed off, pulling absently at his feathers.
Dewey bounced backwards on his heels, pulling out of his van and beaming up at Louie. "I was getting a little worried you wouldn't ask!" He admitted.
Louie blushed slightly, looking embarrassed. "You knew I'd ask, huh?"
Dewey's grin widened, and he walked over to Louie, his arm slung around his brother's shoulders. "Of course I did. I saw the look in your eyes when I suggested it. I'm Dewey Duck! I know the call of adventure when I see it!"
"Uh-huh." Louie agreed dubiously. "You sure about that?"
Dewey leaned in, smirking. "Well, I was right, wasn't I?"
Louie had no argument for that, and turned away, flustered. "Well…" He grumbled. "You're sure I won't be in the way?" He asked, plucking at his feathers.
Dewey slapped his hands away, discouraging the anxious tic. "Stop that. Of course I'm sure."
"Yeah, but you've been going on about this solo trip for months now…"
"You and Huey don't count! There's always room for you! The more the merrier, right?"
Louie's face broke into a relieved smile. "Really? You're sure you're okay with that?"
Dewey chuckled and gave Louie a playful shove. "Of course, Louie. It'll be the ultimate Duck Brothers adventure."
Huey joined them, a grin tugging at his lips. "Yeah, I think it's a great idea. A Duck Brothers road trip!"
Uncle Donald clapped Louie on the back. "Well, it looks like you've got yourself a new adventure, Louie."
Louie beamed at his uncle and brothers - and then his face suddenly fell. "Oh, man. I have to pack! You guys were supposed to be leaving like, now!"
Huey put his hands on his hips as he joined them from where he had just finished fitting his last piece of luggage into the van. "Well, I for one am very disappointed in you, Louie." He said, putting on his most pretentious air, shoving his bill in the air.
Dewey and Louie both watched him with lazy deadpans, waiting for the punchline.
Huey shook his head. "Thinking we didn't see this coming, thinking I wasn't prepared for every outcome!" Huey tsked. "Your bags are packed and accounted for. Duck Brothers roadtrip is a go!"
Donald and Louie stared at the boys in gobsmacked silence as Dewey and Huey high-fived.
There followed a flurry of tearful goodbyes. First, Uncle Donald. Then, a stop at the mansion to say goodbye to their mom, their great uncle, and Webby. Webby, who's future had been no mystery at all, no twisting turning maze of decisions and self-inspection. Some people knew exactly what they wanted. And for Webby and Della, that was the life of nonstop adventure that living with Scrooge offered.
The boys would still adventure with them - some more than others, but they each had their own path to carve out in the world, independently, as well.
The van's engine roared to life, and Duckburg became smaller and smaller in the distance. They hit the open road, the wind in their feathers and the promise of new experiences ahead.
Over the next two weeks, as they journeyed to Huey's university, they shared stories, laughed, and explored together. The road ahead was long and uncertain, but as they drove on, they knew that no matter what challenges they faced, some things would never change.
They were each taking different paths in life, but they would always be brothers.
When the time came for Huey to start his new chapter, they bid him farewell, promising to visit whenever they could. And as Dewey and Louie continued on their road trip, the landscape stretched out before them, a canvas of endless possibilities.
The winding road had taken Dewey and Louie deep into the heart of north western Canada, the landscape evolving from rolling hills to towering mountains as they journeyed further. The van's engine hummed contentedly as they navigated the steep inclines, the air growing crisper with every passing mile.
As they ascended a particularly narrow mountain road, the view gradually opened up to a breathtaking panorama. Dewey brought the van to a halt at the peak, his eyes widening as he took in the vast expanse of untouched wilderness spread out before them.
"Wow," Louie breathed, stepping out of the van to join Dewey. "This is... incredible."
Dewey leaned against the van, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "It's like we're on top of the world, man." Dewey turned to Louie with a mischievous grin, reaching into his pocket to retrieve a small bag. "Hey, speaking of being on top of the world, you wanna elevate your perspective a bit?"
Louie's eyebrows shot up in amusement. "Dewey, are you talking about...?"
Dewey laughed. "Come on Louie, do you have to ask?"
Louie hesitated for a moment before giving a small shrug. "Yeah, why not?" He took a deep breath of the cool mountain air as Dewey fiddled with his lighter behind him, feeling a sense of freedom he had never experienced before. "We're the only ones up here. It's..." He trailed off, seemingly at a rare loss for words. He could feel Dewey grinning at him.
"It's kind of peaceful." He tested the words. They were true, but not quite what he was looking for. He leaned against the hood of the van, looking out at the vast landscape, mountains stretching out far beyond the horizon. A horizon that was filled with boreal forests, glacial lakes, winding mountain roads, and a sky that stretched on forever. And dominating all of it, the expansive mountain range.
Louie had seen sights like this before. He was no stranger to breathtaking vistas.
But something about this was different.
There was no rush, no adventure, no mystery. But that wasn't quite it either.
There was no one else here but them.
"It kind of feels like we're the only people in the world." He realized.
Dewey nodded slowly. "It helps give me perspective." He admitted. "Look how small we are. Look at everything out there. We could spend our whole lives adventuring and never see it all."
Louie shivered. "Doesn't that kind of... freak you out?" He wondered. "Kind of like... what's the point, right? If you'll never finish, why bother?"
Dewey's eyebrows shot up curiously as he looked at Louie. "No way. It makes me feel free. Makes me realize how little all the details matter. I mean, think about it, Louie. All those problems we worry about, all the drama, the stresses of life... They're just tiny blips on the grand canvas of existence. When you see the big picture, it's like, why sweat the small stuff, you know?"
Louie sighed, his gaze still fixed on the distant mountains. "I guess that's where we differ, Dew. I can't help but think about those little details. It's like, what's the point of it all? All this running around, chasing treasures, trying to make a name for ourselves. In the grand scheme of things, do our actions even matter?"
There was the sound of the door sliding open, and Dewey rummaging around for something inside, before he reemerged from the van. He rejoined Louie at the hood, draping Louie's army green bomber jacket over his shoulders, and passing him the joint. Louie hadn't even realized he was shivering. Dewey was looking at him thoughtfully.
"I get what you're saying, but..." Dewey hesitated. "I guess in a way, yeah. You're right. Our individual actions don't really matter in the grand scheme of things. But, I just don't see why they need to. I don't need some greater purpose to stand here, look out there, and see how cool it is." Dewey raised his arms high, the stiff mountain breeze ruffling his feathers. "I feel alive. That's gotta be enough."
Louie watched his brother, his thoughts swirling like the wisps of mist that clung to the mountain peaks. "But doesn't that make life seem... pointless?"
"Why does it need to have a point? Or, no. I thought of something better. The point of life, is to live. That's it. You just gotta enjoy it. What's the point of a roller coaster, or going out for ice cream?" He asked.
Louie frowned, considering, as if he suspected this was a trick question. "I don't know. To have a good time."
Dewey nodded enthusiastically. "Right. Now, imagine that, but-" He gestured wildly with his hands, spreading them wide. "But on a cosmic scale! Life is a roller coaster. Life is a day on the pier. Life is about going out for ice cream. It's all about moments , Louie. You're so good at seeing the big picture, but just this once, try not to. Don't look at your life as this big, elaborate scheme. It doesn't need to have a setup, execution, or payoff. It's all about the moments. We're like tiny drops in a vast ocean, and we can choose to ride the waves or get lost in the currents. I've chosen to ride the waves, man, and it's a wild, beautiful ride."
Louie took a slow drag, gazing out at the mountains again. "Maybe I need to start seeing things your way, Dewey. Embrace the freedom in insignificance."
They found a comfortable spot on the roof of the van, the fading sunlight casting a warm glow over the landscape. Sleeping bags and wool blankets the only thing between them and the cold mountain air. As they passed the joint between them, the tension in their shoulders seemed to melt away.
A sense of tranquility settled over them as they smoked, the starscape above them coming alive. "You know, Dewey, I kind of get why you do this." He admitted, gesturing vaguely at the sky. "I can almost forget about how stressed I am. It's like the world falls away. It'll all come back later, but for now, I can just breathe."
Dewey leaned back, exhaling a plume of smoke. "Yeah. Up here, it's just us and the universe."
Louie gazed up at the night sky, the stars twinkling like diamonds. "You ever wonder why people chase after money and power when moments like this, just being alive, are what really matter?"
Dewey nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I think about it all the time, Louie. Happiness isn't about what you own or how much you earn. It's about feeling alive, experiencing the world, connecting with others."
Louie sighed. "I know I keep saying it, but I've spent so much time worrying about what others expect of me. I know it's time I focus on what makes me happy, what gives my life meaning, I just worry. I've never done that before. What if it's too late? What if I don't know how? "
Dewey's eyes gleamed with understanding. "You don't have to have all the answers right now. Life's a journey of discovery, and every step you take is part of your own unique adventure."
As the night deepend, the stars their companions in the vastness of the universe, they threw down blankets and made a nest between the roof racks. A bundle of blankets, pillows, a bag of all-dressed chips, and a stash of Pep. Dewey and Louie talked for hours, their conversation ranging from philosophy to their dreams and aspirations. Their laughter echoed through the mountain range, a testament to the bond they shared and the wisdom they were gaining. They took turns drifting off and shivering awake, but the beauty of the wide open sky was too compelling for them to retreat back inside the van.
In the deepest part of the night, the two brothers found themselves laying side by side, pressed close together under their heavy blankets, cheeks stinging in the cold, staring up at the infinity above them. They were two souls alone on a mountain top, snow beneath them and a thousand galaxies above.
Under the canvas of stars, Louie couldn't shake off his thoughts about Dewey's easygoing nature. As he lay on the roof of the van, a sense of wonder and envy tugged at him. Dewey had chosen a life of freedom, with no job, no traditional career, and no strings attached. He had distilled his entire existence down to the contents of his van, and he seemed content with the simplicity of it all.
"Dewey," Louie began, his voice soft in the stillness of the night, "how do you do it?"
Dewey turned his head to look at Louie, his eyes half-lidded. "Do what, Louie?"
Louie hesitated, searching for the right words. "How are you so... comfortable with not having any security? No job, no big plans, just your van and the open road."
Dewey's bill curled into a serene smile. "I guess I've just realized that security doesn't always come from material things. It comes from knowing you can adapt and find happiness in different situations."
Louie sighed, his gaze fixed on the stars above. "I wish I had your confidence, Dewey. I want to feel that carefree."
Dewey chuckled softly. "You know I wasn't always like this, right? I used to worry a lot, too."
Louie turned to Dewey, surprise evident in his eyes. "Really? But you've always seemed so... sure of yourself."
Dewey shrugged. "It took time to get here. I used to worry about the future. About what people thought of me, mostly. I cared a lot about that. Validation, I guess. Feeling worthy. I always felt like I was worth less than you and Huey just because I wasn't as smart, and it was only a matter of time before everyone else saw it too. But then I realized that I was letting those worries hold me back from experiencing life."
Louie's brows furrowed. "You thought that?" He wondered softly.
Dewey shrugged, unbothered. "I mean, for a while, yeah. You guys had so much potential, you know? Everyone knew you were going to do great things, and I uh... well." He laughed lightly. "I mean, no one really said I wouldn't, but the expectations definitely weren't there." He took a moment to pause, looking thoughtful. "And I guess that's a bit of a blessing and a curse, isn't it? Because I felt like I was letting everyone down by not having that same potential. People didn't really expect much of me. But that also gave me a lot of freedom to be whatever I wanted. I learned not to let it weigh me down. But I never really thought about how it might feel on your side. Having all these expectations on you, feeling like you had to live up to them."
Louie nodded slowly as he thought about his own life. "I've spent a lot of time chasing after what I thought I should want. Trying to be the person people expected me to be. I definitely felt like the misfit in our family, like I needed to earn my place or something. Prove myself. It never occurred to me that you might have felt the same. Sure, you aren't crazy academic, but that's not really what our family was about. They're these adventurers, treasure hunters, thrill seekers. And you were born for that. You just… fit right in. Man, I never even questioned your place there."
"But you questioned your own."
"All the time."
There was a brief silence, as they mulled each other's words over.
"Do you think Huey ever felt the same?" Louie asked quietly.
"I don't know. But we should probably ask." Dewey replied softly.
They breathed in the silence, losing track of time. Dewey watched the stars, and felt a million thoughts settle in his mind. They didn't overwhelm him. He bathed in them, experiencing them all at once. Thoughts of his mom, his brothers, his childhood and future. The stars. How they belonged to no one. How he belonged to no one. His mother never needed to give him the stars, because he was one. They couldn't be bought or sold, borrowed or owned. They were free. He splayed his hand, reaching out as if to hold them. Everything was connected in a way he would never fully understand, and he was okay with that.
He wished his brother could see what he saw. In himself, in them, in the world.
Louie's voice broke the silence again. Soft, reluctant, constrained. "I've spent so much of myself trying to make everyone else happy, I'm not even sure what makes me happy."
Dewey didn't look away from the stars. "Happiness isn't something you find by ticking off boxes on someone else's list, Lou. It's about discovering what brings you joy, what makes you feel alive."
Louie let out a sigh, his fingers playing with a loose thread on his jacket. "Yeah, but what if you don't even know what that is? I've spent so long trying to fit into the mold of success and wealth, I don't even know what I like."
Dewey smiled softly at the sky. "It's never too late to figure that out. You grew up with a different perspective because of our circumstances. You chased success because you wanted security, right?"
Louie nodded slowly, his eyes also fixed on the stars. "Yeah. We didn't have much when we were kids, and I wanted to change that. I thought success and money would give me the security I craved."
Dewey propped himself up on his elbows, bringing himself back down to earth. He looked at Louie, his voice gentle. "And did it?"
Louie's brow furrowed as he considered the question. "I mean, yeah, I have money now. But I don't feel secure. I feel... lost."
Dewey's gaze softened. "Because you were chasing something that wasn't aligned with what makes you happy."
Louie's voice was quiet, swallowed by the silent expanse beyond the van. "What if I've wasted all this time?"
Dewey's gaze held a mixture of understanding and reassurance. "Louie, you've got your whole life ahead of you."
Louie's bill quirked into a small smile. "Yeah, you've got a point there."
Dewey's smile widened. "And don't forget, our family loves and accepts you for who you are. So no more of this self doubt stuff. None of us are misfits. You've got the freedom to explore your passions without judgement."
Louie looked over at Dewey, a soft glow in his eyes. "I want to live my best life, Dewey. But I don't even know what it looks like."
Dewey turned his gaze back to the stars, his tone gentle. "You'll figure it out, Louie. Just remember that your path doesn't have to look like anyone else's. Find what resonates with you, and go after it. Embrace the journey, and you'll find your way."
As the conversation waned, Louie lay there, surrounded by the quiet wisdom of the mountains and the reassuring presence of his brother. Dewey's words stayed with him, like a promise of possibility, and as he closed his eyes, he felt a glimmer of optimism that he could find his own sense of happiness, even if the path ahead was uncertain.
END