The next day started grim. It was early in the morning and it was raining and thundering loudly. Hail fell from the sky and crashed onto the bedroom roof. MacKenzie had gone to bed early yesterday and was now already awake while the rest of the house was still sleeping. He wondered how they could sleep through all of this?

He wasn't looking forward to this day. Because today was the day…the day he had to say goodbye to his parents and bury them. His uncle told him that today would be the end of a life chapter and a new one would start after this. And while the last chapter was maybe black and dark, the next ones would be white and bright. But MacKenzie did not wanted the chapter to end. He wished he could turn back some pages and change the story so his parents would not have been killed off characters in his life's story. He wanted to rewrite his story, but he couldn't.

The day before he had spoken to the funeral director. A old big black mastino napoletano dog who the entire time looked bored and mostly only spoke with his aunt and uncle to discuss and arrange the funeral. His aunt already took care of a venue and plot. There was a small discussion at first between the siblings if they bodies should been brought back to New-Zealand for funeral, but they eventually decided that they should been buried in Australia.
MacKenzie did not listen to the details and shut himself off. Only when the funeral director directly approached him with questions he would listen and answer them. He would give him details on the kind of music his parents would loved and gave him pictures to use.

After that he along with Bandit, Mabel and Footrot went back to his parent's house where they searched for memories and personal items. MacKenzie was the only and sole heir to his parents will and Bandit made sure his family didn't took advantage of his young age and would just grab and take items from the house without permission or the boy's knowledge. It was not that Bandit didn't trust Mabel or Footrot, but he had seen enough family drama to know that deaths in families could mean to nasty situations and he just wanted to protect MacKenzie from it. Luckily everything went alright.
Mabel and Footrot asked permission for everything they wanted to have and it were just a few personal items as a remembrance of their sister and some of their brother-in-law (pictures, old memories she had kept from her youth) and some family items and gifts they had given her in the past. They did not took important items, valuable items or money. They also took some important and private documents that were concerning their family.
After searching they sat on the couch discussing the funeral and when MacKenzie went to his own bedroom or in the garden they talked with Bandit quickly about his future so he wouldn't hear it.

At the end of the day Mabel and Footrot went back to the funeral home. The bodies of MacKenzie's parents were released from the hospital mortuary a day earlier and had been refurbished and restored. Mabel tried to convince MacKenzie to go with them to see his parents for a last time, but he refused. He did not wanted to see them in the morgue of a funeral home lying dead. He didn't wanted to be there. He wanted to remember them alive. He had pleaded with the funeral director to bring them home. He was incensed when he learned earlier that day that their bodies were kept in a freezer the last three and half weeks. Although they were together the thought of it made MacKenzie angry. The funeral director told him straight to his face that it was his own fault as he as the heir could have gottten them earlier. This led to a heated argument between the funeral director and Mabel and Footrot who were not happy about the accusation and the way he talked to their nephew.
As a way to apologize the funeral director had arranged that his parents wouldn't have to stay their final night above the ground at the funeral home, but rather in their own home.

Bandit and Footrot had moved the couch and stored away the coffee table so that both coffins could stand in the living room. MacKenzie was spending the rest of the day with his cousins at the park and showed them his favourite place there: the creek, while Bandit, Footrot and Mabel stayed at the house waiting for the hearses to arrive and bring in the caskets.
Mabel decided she wanted to spend the night at the house. Once again she invited MacKenzie to stay there also so he also could spend a final night with his parents, but he again refused. He wanted them to be home on last time, but he didn't want to be near them. MacKenzie tried to hide it as a 'I just don't want to be there' case, but deep inside he wanted to be with them. But not in the state they were in.

Now it was 6:30am in the morning. He was awake in the guest room in the Heeler residence. He tried to fall back to sleep but he couldn't. So he gave up and got out of bed to start the day. He walked to his desk and started reading the papers that were lying on it. It was the final version of the farewell speech he had to give today for his parents. He looked at the corner of the room. A big pile of crumpled paper wads was lying there, mocking him it felt. He had re-written the speech like a hundred times.
Every time he was not happy with the result. It felt like he was forgetting things, or did not gave his parents the praise they deserved, or he got struck with writers block. After reading the final one he had written before he went to sleep, he also crumpled this one and threw it away. Again it was not perfect and good enough according to himself.

He was dreading this day and now it was here. He regretted not spending the last night with them as he knew he now would only see them in the cemetery auditorium. And not them really, just closed coffins. He hadn't seen them in almost four weeks. Would they look different now? He looked at the wedding picture that was standing on his desk as tears started to roll down his cheecks again. He started to howl a bit.

This woke Bandit. He looked at his alarm clock and grunted. He got out of bed and left the room quietly so not to wake up Chili. He went to Bingo's room, but discovered the sound did not came from her. Then to Bluey's room but she was only snorring. Then he realised it was MacKenzie. As he carefully opened the door he noticed the pup sitting behind his desk with the picture in his hand.

''Goodmorning MacKenzie…'' he said.

MacKenzie was startled because he didn't hear the door open.

''Good morning Bluey's dad'' he said soft and sad.

Bandit walked further into the room and sat on the bed. ''Couldn't you sleep'' he asked worriedly.

MacKenzie shook his head. ''I woke up about ten or twenty minutes ago. But i did not sleep good'' he answered.

Bandit sat down on the bed. ''Look mate. Today is not going to be easy for you. It's going to eat up a lot of energy out of you. Maybe it's for the best if you tried to get some rest''.

''But i can't sleep. And if i sleep, time will creep up on me. When i wake up it will be sooner to the time of the funeral. So the longer i'm awake, the longer it will take to get to the moment. If you now what i mean?''

''uuhh..i think so?'' Bandit said a bit confused.

MacKenzie sighed and crashed face down on the bed. ''I tried writing a speech for today. But i suck. I can't think of anything that's good enough for them''.

''Listen MacKenzie, do you want to know what i think?'' MacKenzie turned his head and looked at Bandit with a questioning face. ''I think that you don't need to worry to much about that speech. Even if you don't say anything at all, I know your mum and dad would just be happy to know that you are there for them.
MacKenzie was a bit reassured after hearing this.

''I thought about it Bluey's dad and..i think I want to see them before I never can't again''. He said to Bandit.

Bandit nodded and understood. They went downstairs for some breakfast and then went to MacKenzie's house.

Bandit pulled over at MacKenzie's house about a hour and a half later. They get out of the car and walk to the front door and rang the bell. After a couple of minutes the door openend and Mabel, still a bit sleepy, stood in the door opening. Her face looks surprised when she sees Bandit, but even more surprised when she sees her nephew.

''Goodmorning MacKenzie. Change of mind?'' she smiles. MacKenzie only nods. ''Come in. Well ofcourse, it's your house. You can come in whenever you want.'' She says as she opens the door further.
MacKenzie stands in the hallway. The door to the living room is closed. ''Whenever you're ready MacKenzie. Take your time'' his aunt calmly says. She looks at Bandit and signals him to leave MacKenzie alone as they both walk outside. MacKenzie closes his eyes, inhales deeply, sighs and then walks at the door and opens it.

The room is dark as the curtains are closed. He opens his and let them get used to the dark environment. When his eyes are adapted to the dark he immediately spots the two coffins standing in the middle of the room. His gulps and his hearth sinks. He immediately regrets his decision, but his body is not planning on turning around.
The coffins rest on carts. In between the coffins is a table with flowers and burning candles. MacKenzie turns his head. In the kitchen he sees the lids of the coffins resting on the dinner table. He turns his head back again. As he looks closer he suddenly notice that he can see the underside of their snouts sticking out.
Hesitating he slowly comes closer and sits on the couch. He takes a moment to take it all in and calm his self.

After about five minutes he sighs. Although he is not comfortable, he has getting used to the situation.

''..hhi..iii..hi Mum. Dad. It's me'' he says, his voice shaking.

-silence, except for the humming of the cooling plates-

''Ssss..ssoorry that i did not st.. here last night. It's not that i didn't wanted to see you guys…but..but..but i couldn't. Hope you understand'' He constantly looks down as tears are falling from his eyes.
''I miss you both, you know?...i..i..i don't know what to do without you. Mum…Dad…why did you have to leave? Why couldn't you stay?''.

-silence-

''I don't know if you know what happened. But after our day out, which I still think was a great day, apparently someone rode against our car and we crashed. I survived and now I'm alone. You know, because you did not survive. But.. I think you had figured that one out he..he.. sorry.''

-silence-

This is the last time ever in my life that I see you guys and talk to you. I know you won't answer but could you answer something for me somehow, what going to come of me now? I have Bluey's dad and Calpyso, my teacher, looking out for me. They are now my caretakers. Isn't that weird? Aunt Mabel and Uncle Footrot are here so i probably have to move with aunty to New-Zealand…i don't even know anything about living there! What am I suppose to do there?'''

-silence-

MacKenzie got angry and stood up. He let his rage overtake him and walked around the coffins. Red face, dark red eyes and tears falling. He started yapping and ask anything that was on his mind for the last couple of weeks.

''Why couldn't we leave earlier or later to avoid what happened? Why did we have to go in the first place? We could have stayed home? Why did you take the highway instead of a other way. I mean hack there are plenty of other roads! What am i supposed to do now? With the house, with school, with family, WITH. MY. LIFE?! Why am i a only child and don't i have a sibling so you wouldn't leave me alone?... (yelling:) WHY ARE YOU TWO LEAVING ME BEHIND! WHY DID YOU HAD TO SAVE ME MUM! WHY DID YOU NOT LET ME DIE WITH YOU!'' He punched the side of one of the coffins with his fist. It did hurt, but he couldn't care anymore. He had finally said what he wanted to say to them personally. The things he didn't wanted to share with either Bandit, Calypso, Chili, Mabel or even Bluey. The frustrations he build up inside of him.

He felt on his knees and started sobbing. The depth of his sorrow finally started to show. After a couple of minutes he got back up and rubbed the coffin he punched. ''i..i..am sorry. I didn't mean to punch your…wooden jacket''. He hugged the coffin in convulsive an passionate grief.

After some time he let go and walked to the kitchen and picked up a stool. He took it with him to the living room and placed in behind the coffins. He closed his eyes and stepped up on it. When he opened his eyes, shivers ran down his spine.

There they were. He now saw them clearly in all their glory. His dad was in the coffin he punched. His mother in the other one. They both looked pale. The black fur of his father was more greyish then usual and the brown of his mother had turned more lighter as well. They lay very still. It reminded him of dolls from a clothing store. The looks on their faces showed calm and tranquillity. He swore he saw his mother even smiling. They had their hands folded together.

''Hi…..hi. Mum. Hi Dad. It's me'' he stammered. ''Sorry for what i did and said just yet. I didn't mean it. I..i just didn't know what to say..and…and…i was..i am frustrated. Bluey's dad and Calypso are very good to me, just to let you know I'm safe. But i miss you. I really do. I just wished this was all a dream''

He slowly moved his hand to his mum and touched her head. She felt cold and it startled him. But he didn't took his hand of. Instead he stroked her head. Then he did the same with his father.

-
In the hallway Bandit felt worried about MacKenzie and wanted to enter, but Mabel forbid him to do so. She said that MacKenzie needed this alone time with them to grieve. Only when he gave a clear signal they would enter. This to the frustration of Bandit.

-
MacKenzie stood down from the stool and walked to a cabinet. He took out a photoalbum. In the album were pictures of the family portrait they made two years ago and he knew his mum had some copies left in a small 10x15 format. It was a picture of the three of them. He got two pictures, stood on the stool and placed a picture between his mums hands and then the other between the hands of his father. He then walked to their bedroom. There he picked his mums favourite parfum and his fathers cologne. Back on the stool he sprayed it over them so they would smell like themselves.
He got off and walked to a magnetic notice board in the kitchen. On it were a drawing he made when he was seven for his father on father's day, and a other he made for his mum for her birthday. He took those drawings and placed them with his parents. He kept filling the coffins with some more items. He gave his father a can of beer from his favourite brand and a copy of his favourite car magazine.
And his mum a other picture of her with her sister and brother and one of her bracelets she received from her husband as a gift a long time ago.
He also threw in some candy and a clay statue of a kiwi bird that he had once made for her. After filling the caskets he looked satisfied.

''There. Now you don't have to go empty handed. I know I made a mess now of your…boxes…but it's the least I can do''.

He then bended for over and kissed his mum on her forehead. ''Thank you mum for… you know. Saving me. I wouldn't be here if you did not do that. I wish you knew….how much it means for me even though it meant I lost you. I wish you had survived to.'' MacKenzie's tears fell on his mum's fur.

He looked at both of them one last time before leaving.

''Mum… dad. Thank you for everything. I will never, ever forget you. But I will try to remember you as you were… alive. Not like this. I just wish I could hear your voices again. But I'm glad I have seen you again. It was a while and not it will be for the last. Thank you for always being there for me. I promise you I will do my best in life!''.

He stepped down, looked back one more time and then left the living room that didn't feel alive really.

It was just a hour before the funeral would start and guests would arrive. MacKenzie, Bandit, Calypso and aunt Mabel were already at the cemetery. At the entrance stood a building with an auditorium where funeral services would be held, including this one.

It was still freezing cold outside. It was strange weather for this time of the year. MacKenzie was holding Mabel's hand as they all waited outside at the gates on the hearses. After a while they arrived. A black hearse, followed by a white one. The funeral director explained that they only had these two available, otherwise he would have gotten them two black ones. Mabel told him it was no problem as she saw a beautiful coincidence that they had a black and white hearse as it was the typical colour of border collies, and that of their son.

The coffins were lifted out of the hearses by a group of porters, all of them dalmatians, and were brought inside the building. They were put side by side at the very end of the hall, next to a lectern.
MacKenzie and his aunt walked behind the coffins. He looked around him to absorb the building. It was an old building with dark wooden beams in the ceiling, the four front rows consisted of wooden benches and the rest of the room was filled with folding chairs. The room was lit by glass and stained glass windows and the walls were painted in a very light blue/greenish colour.
Mabel then helped the funeral director with placing the flowers and lighten up the candles surrounding the coffins.
MacKenzie walked up front and Bandit helped him placing the wedding photo he brought with him on the edges of both coffins, as they were standing next to each other.

A Irish Terrier with light brown fur and stylish glasses walked in and greeted the funeral director. He then sat in a booth near the entrance. He would be in charge of the music. ''That guy seems to be everywhere where music is needed'' Bandit thought when he noticed Busker.

He turned around and saw MacKenzie standing in front of the stage staring at the coffins. He walked up to him and laid his hands on his shoulders. ''Are you okay?'' he said with a carrying voice.
MacKenzie sighed. ''I..i don't know''. He stared at the ceiling. ''I said everything I wanted to say to them, and I have peace with it. It felt good. I already had a change to say goodbye, and this feels a bit double. And weird. That they are now here and in some time…not but under the ground''. Mackenzie tried his best to make sense of himself and the situation.

The funeral director walked towards MacKenzie.
''So.. just a question I forgot to ask. Are you guys going to do a haka after the service?''

MacKenzie looked confused. ''A what-a?"' he said with a frown.

''You know, surely you must know. The traditional dance that you New-Zealanders do at funerals, weddings, sport events, etc.''

''I never done that. I'm not even that much of a New-Zealander'' MacKenzie said somehow being offended.

''Well, I think it would be great if you would try. I heard your uncle has arranged a group to come.'' the funeral director said.

''I..i don't want to really'' MacKenzie said.

''I think you should'' the director said back.

''Listen mate. He is not comfortable doing it and clearly doesn't know it and doesn't want to do it. He decided if he wants to or not. So don't push pal! Clear?'' Bandit said in defence of MacKenzie with a bit of anger towards the funeral director.
The funeral director just nodded and walked away. MacKenzie looked ashamed and his ear drooped.

''Am I doing something wrong? Should I have known about that and prepare that?'' he asked Bandit. Bandit shook his head. ''No kiddo. He just thought that. Let him talk. You just be yourself and do what your comfortable with. You don't have to anything or say anything you don't want to.'' Bandit said. MacKenzie thanked him and was glad to hear that.

A hour later the building was filled with the family, friends and relations. To his delight a lot of Mackenzie's classmates and their parents were attending in support of him in these times. He spoke with a lot of them for the first time in weeks. Even Stripe and Trixie, without the children, showed up.

One of the last persons to arrive where Frisky, Rad and a guy with a camera.

''Hey Bandit, how are you?'' Rad asked.

''We are doing fine. Today is the hardest bit of the whole ordeal. But we'll get through''. Bandit looked at the man with the camera who sat down on the last row.

''Who is your friend?'' Bandit asked.

''Dunno. He's not with me. I thought he belonged here''. Rad answered.

Both brothers walked to the beige/grey gazehound who was preparing a camera.

Bandit coughed in his fist. ''Excuse me mate, can we help you?'' Bandit said.

''Hi. I'm Toby Hare. Reporter of the Brisbane gazette. Just here to snap some pictures.'' the dog said without even looking up.

''Well Toby. This is a private event. You are not invited so I kindly ask you to leave'' Bandit said with a strict voice and annoyed face.

''Sorry mate, can't do. I'm with the press. I have written about the deadso's in the coffins there in the newspaper and it got me a lot of views and new subscribers to our newspaper as people were taking in the drama of a family dying and leaving behind a child. Oh readers just love drama.'' the gazehound said with some amusement in his voice.

''Excuse you. Are you mental or something? We told you kindly to fuck off'' Rad said angry.

''Look mate. I'm only here to take a snapshot of the son that has survived for tomorrow's frontpage. Hope he cries a lot. That would make a great picture. You know…crying children sell. So go to the front and cry a little. Would make my job easier.''.

Rad and Bandit looked at each other and nodded. They were thinking the same. Without a warning they both grabbed the gazehound who was stunned by this and dragged him outside the venue. Rad took him by the arms and Bandit by the legs. The gazehound was protesting and demanded to let go. They ignored him. They walked to the wall of the cemetery, swung him and then tossed him to the other side.
In his fall his camera broke into many pieces. He cursed and yelled while picking himself up and then walked away angrily. Rad and Bandit gave each other a high five and walked back.

About ten minutes later it started. Between every piece of music everyone talked. First aunt Mabel wo gave an emotional speech to her sister and brother-in-law, followed by uncle Footrot who's speech was more light hearted and humorous, followed by Bandit who would say something about MacKenzie's dad and how he had learn to know him and how he was a good friend and father.
Everyone was listening attentively, except Bingo who found it just boring. Not strange for someone her age.
She poked Bandit in his side.

''Dad?''

''Yes Bingo?''

''Why do they call it a funeral? This is no fun at all!'' she complained.

Bandit was thinking of a asnwer but kept staring with his eyes wide opened. He didn't know what to answer.

Then to everyone's surprise, and to Bandit's aid as he could tryo to ignore answering the question, a letter from MacKenzie's dads brother had arrived at the funeral director and he began to read the letter.

''Dear brother. I'm a man of short words so I won't make this long. I shall always remember the days we grew up in New-Zealand and all the fun we had together.
I will never forget how proud I was when you married to the love of your life and when you showed me proudly your firstborn son.
Now i know we didn't got along for a very long time in recent years. And for a good amount of time I have realised that it was for no good reason.
A silly one we never shouldn't had fighting over. And the last couple of years I procrastinated to make an apology towards you. Now it's to late.
Words can't describe how mad I am at myself for waiting all these years, but madness won't get me you back.
Just know that whenever the day comes that we''ll meet again, I will look for you and then ask you for forgiveness. For now, say hi to mum and dad for me.
And to my nephew, MacKenzie. Boy, know that if you ever want to know me or need a place to stay in the states; Our door in Texas will always be open for you''.

''I'm surprised the simpleton could even write. What an embarrassing, meaningless note. He had every change to phone Josh and make up for it al those years. Waiting until your brother dies to avoid the confrontation, what a Jackass'' Footrot growled and snorted as he said that to his sister.

MacKenzie didn't really think much of the letter and was surprised by it. He was looking at the clock hoping it would be over soon. He was sitting next to his aunt Mabel who was sitting next to him to support him. But I did not work as she was crying the whole time. On his other side sat Bluey. She decided to sit next to him to also support him. She had tears also because the whole ceremony was very emotional and this was the first time ever she attended a funeral. But in between her tears, she hold on to MacKenzie's hand and gave him a handkerchief every time his emotions got the better of him. He was grateful for that.

Suddenly his name was being said. He looked up, snapped back to reality and looked at the funeral director who invited him to say something.
He would be the last speaker. Bluey wished him the best as MacKenzie in a numbed state slowly got up and walked to the lectern.

He nervously grabs the microphone attached to it and stares in the room. He once again saw how many people there were.
He did not have a piece of paper with him. He was not prepared.
''Whenever you ready boy, Take your time.'' The funeral director said kindly as he gave MacKenzie a glass of water. MacKenzie gulped it down, sighed and started speaking. He decided to just say what he felt was right to say and to say what he was thinking. He rememberd the advice given to him not to care what others would think of it.

''Mum… dad.. I have been remembering our times together for the few past days and I have found some things I want to say..''.

He looked up and looked to the people in the room. Everyone was looking at him and it made him nervous. He noticed Calypso smiling reassuring to him and then looked at Bluey who in support stuck a thumbs up. He swallows before he continues and tries to ignore the many people listening to him.

''I just want to say..i miss you. I will miss you both. I'm sorry for all the times I was stubborn or arguing with you. Sometimes I thought you were to strict with me. But I forgive you. I am thankful for it now even. I'm thanking you for the laughter and fun we had together. The many trips we made. The many laughs we shared when whe were watching movies, tellig jokes and stories or pranking each other. And I'm thanking you for the lessons you learned me and all the wisdom I will carry on with me.
Sometimes I just stare off at the hills and think of the times we hiked together. Dad, I will keep your army knife with me because it reminds me of you and may come in handy one day as you teached me. Mum, I will be careful with it, I promise.
I think you both were the smartest persons in the world. You both always told me you were proud of me. But..''

MacKenzie saw how a tear fell from his eye on top of the lectern. He swallowed, took a sip of water and continued.
''But.. I think I never told you both that. How proud I was on you. On your jobs, on your hobbies, cooking skills and how you were my parents. I was proud of calling you mum and dad. How you moved with me from a other country to start a new life. To give my a opportunity in life. And I'm sorry for never saying that. I hope you both knew you proud I was and am.

It's so sad that you had to die. That you won't be there with me. It's so unfair. I can't thank you enough mum for saving my life. I wish that you both will know that I won't take that sacrifice lightly. I promise I'll do my best in life and always will try my best. I had a change to talk with you this morning and I will never forget that. That was our private conversation. For now..know that I love you. And I will miss you. Goodbye daddy. Goodbye mummy.''

He stopped and sighed. During his talk his voice trembled and stuttered. He did not care. It was his speech to his parents, and if the rest did not understood, then too bad for them, he thought.

But MacKenzie heard everyone standing up and giving a big round of applause to him. He kept looking down at the floor. He couldn't see the tiles on the floors as the tears were blocking his view. He suddenly felt arms around him. Aunt Mabel hugged and comforted him. Soon his uncle and cousins followed as they all stood there grieving and crying together.

''That was a bloody wonderful speech bro'' Footrot said.

''So very mature for your age and straight from the hearth. Your parents would be proud. Know that'' Mabel said to him.

After a while they stood up as the carriers picked up the coffins and walked down outside. MacKenzie walked with his family in front of the caskets outside. When he past the first row Bluey gave him a quick hug. ''That was wonderful. Be strong'' she said.

''Nice speech kiddo. You did wel'' Bandit said with proud. Calypso and Chili nodded.

When he walked down the last isle, Rad gave him a pet on the shoulder. ''You did wel mate. Your folks couldn't have raised a better child''.

MacKenzie was feeling bittersweet and apricated the comments.

Outside he had the scare of his life when some dogs were starting to yell. The funeral director was right before. A traditional Haka dance was being held. His aunt and uncle arranged for that to happen and as they walked by it did. MacKenzie was fascinated by it but also a bit weirded out by it. It was his first time seeing something like this. They walked further untill MacKenzie saw two big holes in the ground waiting for them.

MacKenzie did not stay for the burial itself. That was too much for him. He did not want to witness that. He was sitting alone outside the cemetery on a bench, waiting for it to be over. he was sad and thougt about his parents. He just wipped away a tear and some snot when he heard someone coming closer.

''Hey kiddo. How do you feel?'' he suddenly heard. MacKenzie turned around and saw Rad who sat down next to him.

''I…I don't know. I'm glad I got to say goodbye, and that it's over, and that I had the change to talk to them. But…but what now..they are really gone now aren't they?"' he sobbed.

Rad embraced him. ''Hey, it's ok. Everything will be alright. They are gone, but the rest of us are not gone. We are here for you.''.

''But how can I grow up without them? Who will help me? What will happen to me?'' MacKenzie sobbed.

''Listen. I promise that I for once will never let you feel alone. You will be fine. My brother will make sure of that. You will be safe. Your folks made sure of that too.'' Rad said full of confident, making MacKenzie feel better.

''Thank you mr. Heeler'' he said.

''No worries''.

They sat a while next to each other.
Rad thought and came up with a idea. ''Say. Your arm is no longer in a cast. How about you and me playing some footy? You know, doing something fun on a day like this. Forgetting the sadness''.

MacKenzie thought about it. It would be a welcome distraction and he would to get to do something else and a bit of exercise.

''Yeah…yeah okay. Why not.'' He said with a light smile .The first smile on that day.

Rad walked to his car, got a football that was lying in there and together they played a little game of football. Rad made sure to be careful and they laughed and had some fun together as the parked cars of Bandit and Stripe were used as goals. MacKenzie realised while playing that the first paragraph of a new chapter of his life had been written.