The turtle, the wolf and the frog

Slow isn’t always better. Fast isn’t always faster. He was a combination of many things but it was the wolf that made him who he was. It was the wolf that got things done when nothing else would.

Of course this makes no sense. It shouldn’t, at this point. However, it’s true, every letter. The turtle, the wolf and the frog, and this is what happened.

Part 1

Buddy was tired. It had been a really long day and he was tired, but everything was so fun he couldn’t stop. Well, he couldn’t come out of the other place yet. It was a process.

Tim was waiting patiently, but they were already late. It was Monday and they had the usual Monday backlog at the shop. If he didn’t get started soon they would be losing money like a sieve.

He tries again with an even softer voice this time. Remembering that Buddy is only five and everything was monumental at this stage.

“Buddy we need to get in the car now, we can put the story on in the car, you can even watch it on the tablet, but we need to go to the car right away.” Tim watches Buddy closely to see if the words are sinking in.

At last Buddy looks at Tim and smiles and asks his question, “will we be riding in a car in the rain?” He watches Tim now, looking for his answer and anticipating the event.

Tim smiles, this is progress, he is getting through now. “Yes we will be in the rain in the car, and Buddy will have his tablet, for his story!” They begin walking slowly toward the garage.

A few minutes later, they are pulling from the driveway onto the road. Buddy has picked up where he left off in his movie and is engrossed and quite relaxed. This was good. It meant that Julie would have a much better time today.

Part 2

Buddy knew he would be at Happy Kids. Tim half suspected that Buddy was suffering a slight crush on Julie. He was not so amicable with anyone else.

They were traveling along one of Buddy’s favorite roads. Buddy was not only aware of where they were going, but also familiar with the route. Tim had been quite stunned, and proud, when he had discovered this.

Once they are on the interstate it takes less than ten minutes for them to reach Happy Kids. Buddy is noticeably more alert to his surroundings, and this isn’t unexpected. He is always more alert around Julie. Julie is his trusted friend.

Happy Kids is a daycare center for special needs children. Tim had researched and found Happy Kids over a year ago. It was the only place Buddy had interacted with, in any noticeable way. And even then, it had been Julie, more than anything.

Buddy had bonded with her almost immediately, when they had been interviewing for the daycare. It had taken Tim by surprise because Buddy usually trusted no one. This had been the deciding factor in Tim’s decision for Happy Kids daycare.

As they turn off the interstate Tim hears a pronouncement from Buddy. “Julie is scared, will she run to us?” Tim starts a bit and quickly looks at Buddy in the rearview mirror.

The Wolf

“What do you mean Buddy? Julie is ok and waiting for you to show up.” Tim hits the turn signal, they are arriving at Happy Kids. As Tim pulls into the parking lot, he notices Julie running toward them in a fast sprint, a terrified sprint. Then she slams against the vehicle and throws open the door.

Julie leaps into the front seat and fairly well screams at Tim to drive away, fast! Tim floors the accelerator taking them away from Happy Kids, while from the back seat Buddy turns up the volume of his movie. (to be continued)