"Indubitably, Mr. Bitters, your reprehensible actions have not gone unnoticed. Bullying innocent children, particularly my dear sister and her companion, is an intolerable offense. Your authoritarian behavior towards the youngsters in this community is utterly despicable. I shall not tolerate it any longer!" Kendall exclaims, visibly perturbed.
"How dare you address me in such a manner!" Mr. Bitters retorts.
"You are the one who tormented those two innocent souls. My indignation is completely justified!" Kendall asserts.
"Perhaps, Kendall, it would be wise to escort Katie and Tyler to their quarters to help them regain composure. You must also find solace, my dear. Your distress is palpable," Jo suggests.
Kendall, still fuming, gazes at Jo, then at Katie and Tyler, and his demeanor softens. He embraces his young companions, whom he holds dear.
"You are correct, Jo. His malevolent aura is permeating the air around him like a toxic substance," Kendall remarks.
They all enter the elevator and ascend to Apartment 2J, leaving Mr. Bitters alone in the lobby.
Katie exclaimed, "That was beyond belief. Please tell me you've got a revenge plan brewing, Kendall."
Kendall replied, "What do you expect me to do? Mr. Bitters is a perpetual nuisance. There's no changing him."
Katie persisted, "There has to be something we can do!"
As Carlos, James, Logan, and Camille walked into the room, Carlos inquired, "What's got everyone so worked up?"
Kendall let out a heavy sigh. "Mr. Bitters strikes again," he lamented.
After Katie and Tyler recounted the incident, Camille empathized, "That's truly unforgivable."
"Nothing would make me happier than seeing my Papi strike fear into Mr. Bitters' heart," Carlos declares.
"But what purpose would that serve? Despite Mr. Bitters' disdain for your father, he still holds a level of fear towards him. I think that works to our advantage," Logan responds.
"You're right," Carlos concedes.
"In the midst of all the madness caused by Mr. Bitters, I completely forgot that I had the book my dad gave me," Jo chuckled. "Maybe we should dive into it tomorrow. It is getting late."
"Sounds like a plan. Good night," Kendall replied, watching Jo and Camille walk away.
The next morning, as the sun rose, Andy, Steven, and Tyson arrived for a visit.
"Good morning everyone, including Katie and Tyler! Steven and I were thinking of taking all of you to the new park that just opened up last month. It's inclusive and accessible to everyone, including those with special needs. Steven is thrilled about it and we can't wait to check it out," Andy explained.
"Why haven't you been yet? Is it far?" Kendall inquired.
"No, it's just a short drive from our neighborhood where Steven and I live. But our parents have been swamped with work, too exhausted to drive us anywhere after a long day. We get it though, they work hard to give us a good life. Our only other option is Hannah," Andy explains.
"Does she even have a driver's license?" Logan inquires.
"No, she doesn't even have a learner's permit. But she does have a bus pass. Our neighborhood is within city limits and the bus stop is nearby. But let's be real, Hannah would never agree to take us to the park. She's mean and annoying," Andy adds.
"Agreed," Steven chimes in, with Tyson barking his approval.
Logan inquires, "What's the plan now?"
Andy excitedly responds, "Steven and I did some sleuthing on the way here and discovered that buses regularly transport people to and from various destinations. There's one heading to the park I mentioned in just twenty minutes. Think you'll be prepared by then?"
Kendall swiftly chimes in, "Absolutely. Count us in."
Logan confirms, "Definitely."
James adds, "Logan will likely be ready before all of us, given his punctuality."
Carlos jests, "He'll be ready faster than the Flash."
Logan interjects, "That's a comic book character."
Carlos retorts, "A lightning-fast one."
Logan graciously responds, "I appreciate the comparison. Thank you."
"Oh hey, I totally forgot to mention the incident with Mr. Bitters earlier," Andy chuckles. "He went off on this tangent about dogs not being allowed in the building, calling them filthy and disgusting creatures. Despite my best efforts to explain that Tyson is a service dog with all the proper documentation, Mr. Bitters just wouldn't listen and kept yelling at us."
"So, how did you manage to get up here then?" Carlos asks.
"We didn't. Steven and I had to channel our inner ninjas to sneak past Mr. Bitters while he was preoccupied with a phone call," Andy replies with a smile.
"Nice strategy," Katie says, giving Andy a high-five.
"Thanks," Andy responds, feeling relieved.
After descending to the lobby to board the bus, Mr. Bitters resumes his tirade.
"Didn't I explicitly mention that wretched creature is not welcome here?!" He exclaims.
"Actually, I distinctly recall informing you that he is indeed allowed here. And for the record, he is far from being a wretched creature," Andy retorts, clearly vexed by his lack of respect.
"Your listening skills are abysmal!" Mr. Bitters retorts.
"The same could be said about you!" Katie fires back.
"Isn't that dog meant for that disabled child?" Mr. Bitters inquires.
"My brother is not disabled. That term is derogatory. He possesses a unique ability. His perspective on the world is different. His brain functions in a more intricate manner than others, but that does not warrant any disrespect or categorization as a special needs child. He is so much more than that. If you weren't so biased against him, you would realize he is a compassionate individual, and Tyson is an equally affectionate dog. Did you know that pets often mirror their owners? Because Steven treats Tyson with love and respect, Tyson reciprocates with loyalty and protection," Andy explains.
"I couldn't care less. Your brother is mentally challenged, and that's a fact," Mr. Bitters insists.
Upon hearing the derogatory term, Steven breaks down in tears, crying out in anguish.
"What is the matter with you?!" Andy exclaims angrily, consoling his brother.
Tyson emits a low growl directed at Mr. Bitters.
"I knew it! That dog is going to attack me!" Mr. Bitters exclaims.
"No, he won't. He is simply upset because you upset Steven. His reaction is completely justified at the moment," Katie interjects.
Observing the arrival of the bus, Logan remarks, "Ah, at last, the bus has arrived. Let us depart from this place so we can soothe Steven during our journey to the park."
The group ventures outside to embark upon the luxurious bus awaiting their arrival. As they glide through the scenic route, Steven's turbulent emotions begin to subside, thanks to the gentle touch of Tyson's paw upon his chest, coaxing his breathing and heartbeat back to a harmonious rhythm.
"Every time I witness Tyson's remarkable abilities, I am left in awe," Camille exclaims, her voice filled with admiration. "To think that he is trained to be a therapist for Steven is simply incredible. Dogs possess an extraordinary intelligence, capable of discerning their owner's distress signals and knowing precisely how to provide solace."
Andy interjects, sharing the fascinating backstory of Tyson's journey. "Tyson didn't start off as a service dog. Unlike most service dogs, he wasn't specifically bred for this purpose. Initially, he was just a beloved pet to Steven. However, as he matured, we discovered his potential to assist Steven with his emotional well-being. At around four months old, Tyson astounded me with an act of compassion. Without any prompting, he managed to calm Steven, who had endured a difficult day at school."
Andy continues, recounting the distressing incident that unfolded. "Steven returned home in tears after an older student at our school callously destroyed his meticulously crafted art project. It was a masterpiece he had dedicated an entire month to. Steven was eager to showcase it to his teacher, who had awarded him an A. However, the jealous and manic rage of the bully led to the complete annihilation of Steven's creation. The entire class, even those who typically ignored Steven, were appalled by the extent of the bullying. They refused to condone such behavior, and the teacher, rightfully furious, promptly sent the bully to the principal's office."
Andy's voice softens as he recalls the profound impact Tyson had on that fateful day. "In the midst of Steven's inconsolable state, even I struggled to bring him solace. It was then that Tyson emerged from his sanctuary, approached Steven on the couch, and gently placed his adorable little paw upon his chest. Instantly, Steven's turmoil subsided, and a sense of tranquility washed over him. It was at that moment I realized the immense potential Tyson possessed to assist Steven not only in school but also in various social situations."
Camille, captivated by the heartwarming tale, expresses her admiration. "Wow, that's truly remarkable," she exclaims, her voice filled with genuine awe.