Chapter 4: Back to school
Brisbane, February 2018
The lingering warmth of summer filled the air as Biscuit prepared for his second year at Glass Mountain Elementary. With a year of adventures and friendships already made, returning to school felt more like coming home to a beloved routine.
Downstairs, the smell of pancakes wafted through the air as Bluey helped set the table with her usual cheerful energy. Bingo gurgled happily in her highchair, reaching for colorful toys with curious fingers.
"Big day back at school, eh?" Bandit asked, peering over his newspaper with a warm smile.
"Yeah! I can't wait to see all my friends, Dad," Biscuit replied, already envisioning the schoolyard reunion.
As they finished breakfast and gathered their things, Chili reminded him, "Remember, Lucas and Roy might feel a bit nervous today. It's their first day at our school, and even though you know them from hockey, it's a big change."
Biscuit nodded enthusiastically. He had met the red merle Border Collie twins during hockey training over the summer. Though they had adapted smoothly to their new life in Brisbane, today was their first day at a new school, and Biscuit was keen to help them feel at home.
Arriving at Glass Mountain Elementary, Biscuit spotted Lucas and Roy standing near the entrance, their usual confidence tinged with apprehension. Biscuit hurried over, aiming to ease their nerves.
"Biscuit!" Lucas called out with relief, his eyes lighting up at the sight of a familiar friend.
"Hey, you guys made it!" Biscuit grinned, joining them with an excited bounce in his step. "Ready for your first day?"
"A bit nervous," Roy admitted, glancing around at the bustling schoolyard. "It's different from our school in the Netherlands."
"Don't worry. You'll get used to it in no time. Remember how well you did at hockey? It's just like that," Biscuit reassured them, channeling his own excitement to boost their spirits.
The morning flew by with introductions and getting to know the new classroom environment. As the lunch bell rang, Biscuit invited Lucas and Roy to explore the small patch of forest next to the school—a favorite spot for adventurous play.
"This place is awesome," Roy exclaimed as they navigated through ferns and towering trees.
"Yeah! There are great spots for hide-and-seek," Biscuit agreed, already envisioning the games they could enjoy here.
As they ran through sun-dappled clearings, shouting "ready or not" and laughing, Biscuit felt a familiar thrill of excitement. Yet, amid the joyful chase, he began to notice a slight tightness in his chest—a sensation not unfamiliar but rarely acknowledged outside of these intense moments of play.
"Are you okay, Biscuit?" Lucas asked, pausing when he noticed Biscuit slowing down, breathing a bit heavier.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Biscuit replied, waving off any concern. "Just catching my breath. It's probably just from all the fun."
The twins nodded, accepting the explanation as they continued to play. Biscuit shrugged off the discomfort, attributing it solely to the day's excitement and the joy of sharing this hidden gem with friends.
Back at home, while preparing dinner with Bandit, Chili decided to check on Lucas and Roy's transition by calling their mom, Sarah. "I think I'll give their mum a call," she said, dialing the number. "Moving countries is a huge adjustment."
As the call connected, she heard a friendly voice on the other end. "Hi there, Chili! This is Sarah," Lucas and Roy's mother greeted warmly.
"Hello, Sarah. I just wanted to see how you and the boys are settling in. Moving from the Netherlands must be quite a big transition," Chili said empathetically.
Sarah sighed softly, but there was gratitude in her voice. "It's been both exciting and challenging, Chili. The boys were a bit nervous about starting school, but having Biscuit's support has really helped them. He's been amazing."
"I'm so glad to hear that. How have you and your family been adjusting to life here?" Chili asked, her tone genuinely concerned.
"It's been a whirlwind," Sarah admitted. "We had to deal with the logistics first—getting a house, settling immigration paperwork, and then getting accustomed to the Australian way of life."
Chili nodded, imagining the complexities. "That sounds like a lot to manage. Australia is wonderful, but I can see how it would be quite a shift from the Netherlands."
"Yes, and the weather! We're still getting used to it. Sometimes it feels like perpetual summer. The boys love the outdoor activities, but we miss the cool, crisp Dutch air," Sarah laughed, a bit wistfully.
Chili chuckled warmly. "I can imagine. Brisbane's sunshine does take some adjusting to. How about making connections in the community? Have you met many people?"
"Thankfully, yes," Sarah said, relief evident in her voice. "Through hockey, we've begun to build a network. The support has been heartening, but there are days when it feels overwhelming."
"I'm really glad to hear that there's a network building up. If you ever need anything, we're just a call away," Chili assured.
"Thank you, Chili. Having you and your family here makes a world of difference," Sarah replied, warmth evident in her tone. "It's comforting knowing we have friends like you."
As the conversation wound down, Chili felt reassured, hopeful that the transition would continue to smooth out with support and friendship.
That evening, Biscuit shared stories from the day with his family, recounting his adventures with Lucas and Roy, omitting the momentary chest tightness. He was eager to help them settle into their new surroundings, confident that they would thrive just as they had on the hockey field.
Before heading to bed, Biscuit gazed out his window at the starry sky, contemplating the adventures yet to come. He knew this year would be filled with new challenges and joys, and with friends and family by his side, he was ready for everything that lay ahead. As sleep enveloped him, Biscuit dreamt of shared experiences, new friendships, and the thrill of discovery marking every day at school.
The days slipped into a comfortable routine at Glass Mountain Elementary, where Biscuit, Lucas, and Roy fully immersed themselves in their classes and adventures at recess. Their favorite haunt remained the small patch of forest beside the school, a perfect backdrop for their imaginative games.
Lunchtimes became filled with laughter and dashes through the trees as their games of hide-and-seek turned into epic quests, each day offering new stories and triumphs.
One bright afternoon, as they crafted a new game involving knights and secret kingdoms, Biscuit found himself pausing to catch his breath, a light tightness momentarily squeezing his chest. Instead of concern, he equated it with the thrill and vigorous play of the day.
"You okay, Biscuit?" Lucas asked, tilting his head in curiosity as he watched Biscuit slow down.
"Yeah, just catching my breath. You guys really keep me running!" Biscuit replied cheerfully, waving off any worry.
"Well, we've got a dragon to defeat, so let's keep going!" Roy grinned, pulling Biscuit back into their fantasy world.
Their shared adventures carried them through the fields and woods, their laughter blending with the rustle of leaves. The occasional breathlessness during their games seemed like a small price for the fun and camaraderie they shared.
Back home, the cozy atmosphere enveloped Biscuit as he joined his family for dinner. Conversations shared around the table were lively with stories of the day, each member contributing their own highlights.
Chili and Bandit discussed Sarah and her family's ongoing adaptation to Brisbane. "They seem to be settling in really well," Bandit mentioned as he served dishes.
"Yes, Sarah told me it's been a big change, but she's grateful for the warmth and openness she's found here," Chili replied warmly. "It's wonderful to see them starting to feel at home."
Throughout dinner, Biscuit enthusiastically recounted his forest adventures with Lucas and Roy, filling the room with his vivid tales. The breathlessness from earlier was absent from his thoughts, as he attributed it entirely to the excitement and exertions of play.
As the evening settled, Biscuit felt cocooned by the love of his family, the promise of new adventures always lingering on the horizon. His dreams that night were vivid tapestries of imagined lands and quests, buoyed by the friendships he held dear.
Little did Biscuit know that the next chapter of his adventure would bring a more daunting challenge—one that would test his courage and the bonds of friendship. Yet, for now, he embraced each day with the unbridled joy and boundless zeal that only childhood could hold.
Brisbane, a sunlit Saturday morning
The weekend brought with it the promise of adventure as Biscuit excitedly prepared for an outing to the local playground with Lucas, Roy, and their mother. The plan had been made early on, and Biscuit's joy was barely contained as he bounced around, eager to play with his friends.
"Remember, have fun and listen to her!" Chili reminded Biscuit as he gathered his things. Her smile was warm, infused with parental encouragement that wrapped around Biscuit like a comforting blanket.
"I will, Mum!" Biscuit exclaimed, his excitement radiating through him. Soon after, their mother arrived to pick him up, her welcoming presence instantly putting Biscuit at ease.
"Ready for some fun, Biscuit?" she asked, matching the children's enthusiasm.
"Absolutely!" Biscuit replied, leaping into the car where Lucas and Roy greeted him with high spirits.
The playground was a vibrant hub of activity, laughter drifting through the air from every corner. Biscuit felt the familiar thrill of exploration and play coursing through him as they arrived.
"Let's try the big slide!" Roy suggested, and without hesitation, the trio raced toward the towering structures, their imaginations transforming the playground into a land of fantastic adventures.
The morning passed in a joyous blur of swings and slides, each moment an opportunity for Biscuit to immerse himself in friendship and shared adventures. Yet, amid the animated play, he felt a light tightness in his chest—fleeting, he pushed it aside as just another side effect of the exuberant exercise.
During a game of tag, Biscuit suddenly found himself struggling to catch his breath. The tightness intensified, and an unexpected wheeze crept into his breaths. Still, he pressed on, convinced that excitement was the only culprit.
"Biscuit, you're it!" Lucas shouted, tapping him lightly before darting away with a laugh.
But Biscuit's laughter caught somewhere between a wheeze and a gasp as the playground seemed to spin slightly around him. Panic edged into his senses, and he felt his legs falter, unsure of what to do.
Everything cascaded quickly from there. The tightness became overwhelming, his breath shortening desperately, and with it, an unexpected surge of fear—he couldn't catch his breath, couldn't call out.
Overcome, Biscuit slowly went to his knees, the world suddenly too large, filled with air he couldn't quite grasp.
Roy turned just in time to see Biscuit falter, his playful grin turning to worry. "Biscuit!" he called, rushing back over with Lucas. They quickly gathered at Biscuit's side.
"Hey! We need help!" Lucas shouted, his voice tight with concern.
Their mother, having watched from a bench, sprang into action. She hurried over, quickly assessing the situation. Biscuit's condition was clear, the severity dawning on her as she knelt beside him.
"Biscuit, try to take deep breaths," she instructed gently, her voice calm and focused as she navigated the swirling panic around them.
With her expertise, she recognized the signs of an asthma attack and instinctively worked to soothe Biscuit, enveloping him in a sense of reassurance amid the storm of worry.
Recognizing that more help was needed, she scanned the park for assistance and spotted a fellow parent who quickly offered a phone. With urgency, she contacted paramedics, her steady presence acting as a lifeline for the increasingly frightened Biscuit.
As the paramedics arrived, they quickly attuned to the situation, efficiently assessing Biscuit's condition. Their calmness provided a semblance of comfort as they prepared to transport him.
"Biscuit, you're going to be okay," she reassured him as they placed him on the stretcher. With Lucas and Roy by her side, she followed the paramedics to the ambulance, calling Biscuit's parents on the way.
At the hospital, Chili and Bandit rushed into the waiting area, their faces filled with worry as they saw Lucas and Roy visibly stressed and anxious.
"What happened?" Chili asked, kneeling beside the boys.
"We were at the playground, and Biscuit couldn't breathe!" Lucas exclaimed, his voice quavering.
Chili's expression shifted to one of concern as she spotted the urgency around them. "Is he okay? Where is he?"
As they spoke, Biscuit was wheeled into the hospital, still struggling but receiving attentive care from the medical staff.
"I—I don't know!" Roy stammered, glancing at his mother, who had already begun to pace, her worry palpable.
As Biscuit was taken into a treatment room, both Chili and Bandit hurried after him, unable to shake off their instincts to be by his side.
Moments later, in the treatment room, Biscuit caught sight of his family, their anxious faces filling him with a mix of warmth and apprehension. As he lay on the examination bed, the medical team worked quickly around him, hooking him up to monitors and asking him questions.
"Biscuit, how are you feeling?" one of the nurses asked, her voice soothing as she checked his pulse.
"I...I've had some tightness in my chest for a few weeks," he admitted, his voice trembling slightly. "But I thought it was just from playing too hard. I didn't think it was anything serious."
Chili's heart sank as she heard his confession. "Why didn't you tell us?" she asked gently, concern etched in her features.
"I didn't want to worry anyone," Biscuit replied, his gaze dropping to the bed. "I thought it would just go away."
As the doctors continued their examination and high-tech tests, Bandit entered the room, having just spoken with a doctor outside. His expression was serious but determined as he approached his son.
"Biscuit, we're going to get to the bottom of this," he said, bending down to meet Biscuit's gaze. "Just hang in there, okay?"
Through the examination, Biscuit could feel the support of his family beside him, but the overwhelming tightness remained, making it hard to concentrate. The medical team began running tests, connecting him to an inhaler while they prepared for a quick evaluation.
As the minutes stretched on, the doctor returned with results, her expression professional yet compassionate. "Biscuit, we've determined that you're experiencing exercise-induced asthma," she explained. "It's not uncommon, especially in active kids. We're going to help you with this—there are medications that can help manage it."
Biscuit listened closely, relief washing over him. "So, I can still play and have fun?"
"Absolutely," the doctor assured him, a reassuring smile creeping into her demeanor. "You'll just need to take precautions, like using your inhaler before engaging in vigorous activities. We can work together on a plan."
Chili and Bandit exchanged glances, a mixture of worry and gratitude flowing through them. They understood that this news could have been much worse.
As the doctor continued explaining the management plan, Lucas and Roy joined them in the room, looking anxious but steadfast.
"Is he going to be okay?" Lucas asked, his voice laced with concern.
"He's going to be just fine," Bandit reassured them, placing a comforting hand on Biscuit's shoulder. "We're all going to make sure of it."
Biscuit managed a small smile, encouraged by his parents' support and the love of his friends. "I'm sorry I didn't say anything before," he said to Lucas and Roy, who immediately shook their heads.
"You don't have to apologize! We're just glad you're okay!" Roy replied, relief evident in his voice.
With the medical tests complete and a treatment plan in place, Biscuit felt a weight slowly lifting off his chest. He realized he wasn't alone in this fight; he had the unwavering support of his family and friends.
As they all settled in for a brief wait, talking about their summer plans and the new things they'd do together once Biscuit was back to playing, he felt grateful. He was surrounded by love, understanding, and new knowledge about taking care of himself.
In that hospital room, Biscuit learned the importance of listening to his body, not just in play but in life. With the ongoing support of his family and the promise of brighter days ahead, he knew he would tackle this new challenge with his usual determination and the love surrounding him.