Fox and the Motorcycle
I want to thank my betas for all of their help with this story.
Main characters: Fox Mulder Skinner, Walter Skinner, Jr., Rachel and Walter Skinner, Sr. (Gram and Gran), Joe and Mike Skinner
Setting: Danville Take 2 Universe during Spring Break in the Danville
area.
It's Spring Break and Fox is staying with his grandparents in Danville. He has just turned 14 years old and is in a fiery discussion with his
grandfather on why he can't ride or drive his cousin Mike's motorcycle.
"But Gran, Uncle Joe doesn't think it's dangerous or he wouldn't have let Mike have the motorcycle to begin with," pleaded Fox.
"Fox, how many times do I have to tell you...what Joe allows Mike to do or not to do has no consequence on what you are allowed to do? Mike is his son and not my responsibility at the moment. Your father isn't here to make the decision but I am and I say 'NO' you aren't allowed anywhere near that motorcycle when it is running," Gran replied sternly.
"It's not fair. Dad would let me, I know he would," muttered Fox.
"Fox you are 14 years old and you do not even have a driver's license...you are too young for one," admonished Gran.
"But we weren't going to ride on the highway only the dirt trails on or near your property. In fact there is an old dry riverbed that they all go to ride, so a driver's license isn't needed. They all do it," pleaded Fox.
"NO! I don't want you on that bike not even if it is only idling in the driveway. My mind is made up and if you want to continue this whining attitude your bottom will bear the consequence. Am I making myself clear, young man?" Asked Gran.
Fox nodded sullenly and slammed the door as he left the room. He ran from the house with his dog, Yoda, following behind. Rachel came around the side of the house before she realized what was happening. Fox expressed his anger by throwing stones at the house. Rachel heard the loud crack as the pane of glass was broken, which was followed by her husband bellowing, "FOX!! COME IN HERE AT ONCE and leave Yoda outside!!"
Fox came in slowly with his head down and steps dragging, "I'm sorry Gran, I didn't mean to break the window I was just angry about not being allowed to ride or drive the motorcycle."
"I know it was an accident, boy but it was avoidable; you didn't have to
take out your temper by throwing rocks at the house. Now, if you would have heeded my advice and forgotten about the motorcycle, you wouldn't be in trouble now." Fox just gave his Gran a sullen look. Gran was looking at Fox with exasperation but held onto his temper as he continued, "I want you to go to your room and I'll be up in a moment."
Fox fled upstairs and threw himself on his bed cussing, "Damn, if he had only let me ride the motorcycle, I wouldn't be in trouble now." Fox was prone to passing the blame until he was persuaded otherwise by one of the adults of his family. The more he thought about it the madder he became until he glared at his grandfather as he entered the room carrying a very worn paddle.
Gran knew the look and was prepared to take immediate action to squelch it. He sat at the desk chair and said, "Fox come over to your desk and lower your pants. I want you to position yourself over my lap for your spanking."
Fox glared at him and said, "NO!! I'm to old to be spanked like some little baby," and refused to move.
Gran looked calmly at his rebellious grandson and said, "OK, no spanking." Fox's face lit up for only a moment sensing victory but then fell just as quickly as his grandfather continued, "Come over and lean over your desk for a paddling."
"NO!! I DON'T WANT ANY DAMN PADDLING, EITHER. NONE OF MY FRIENDS AT SCHOOL ARE PUNISHED LIKE THIS. THEY ARE GROUNDED...I WANT THE SAME TYPE OF PUNISHMENT!!!" Shouted Fox.
Fox was prepared to continue his monologue but his grandfather didn't give him the chance. As soon as Fox had paused for the next breath, Gran sprang forward and caught Fox by the arm and forcefully pulled him to his feet and to the desk. With one hand holding him over his desk and the other pulling down his pants and then briefs he was prepared to blister his grandson's bottom but good.
As soon as he felt a cool breeze on his backside Fox screamed, "Noooo",
but it was too late. The next thing he heard was, "Fox William, why are you getting this paddling?" Fox shook his head and wouldn't answer. He soon found his voice as his bottom burst into flames as Walter placed the first four licks to the sit spot on his right buttock.
"Owwwwwwhhhlllll," cried Fox as the left buttock burst into flames from four identical licks on its sit spot.
"Now I ask again...Fox William why are you getting this paddling?"
"For breaking the window out of anger," cried Fox. Gran added only two more before stopping and Fox thinking that it was over made to get up. He was surprised to be pulled over his grandfather's lap and for his sore bottom to be spanked. "Nooooo, you said you weren't spank me for breaking the window."
"This spanking isn't for the window it is for your childish behavior just
now," and preceded to give his grandson a spanking he hope he would remember for some time. He didn't stop until the backside over his lap was scarlet and his grandson was sobbing. He pulled him up and engulfed him the all-forgiving hug before pushing him to his bed. Fox went willingly and laid face down still sobbing.
"Fox, I want you to stay in your room until I say otherwise. You can
re-think your actions and reflect on how not put your bottom in jeopardy again," instructed Walter before leaving.
Fox continued to cry into the pillows before falling asleep. He slept for
only an hour before waking. As he accidentally turned on his backside he cried out in pain and vowed that he would ride the motorcycle. In his mind he deserved it for the paddling and spanking he had just received. He would have to be very careful though as not to receive a repeat performance to his backside.
He pulled his pants back up and lay carefully on his side to wait for his
Gran to give him permission to leave the room. It was only a few minutes more before Yoda nosed his way in with Gran following behind. "Okay, Fox you can get up now...please don't put me in this position again," and with a twinkle in his eyes added, "at least not any time soon." Fox nodded and carefully made his way out of the room wincing as he went down the stairs. He stopped at the bottom of the stairs and asked respectfully, "Can I leave the house? I just want to walk around outside...please."
"Sure son, but not too long. Supper will be ready in a couple of hours."
With permission given Fox and Yoda left the house happy to be with each other. While they were walking Fox poured his heart out to his dog and Yoda listened intently as only your best friend can. They walked out to the highway just as Mike was roaring up.
Mike pulled over as he saw his cousin walking by the side of the ride.
"Hi Fox...hey boy," bending over to pet Yoda. "Hey Fox, want to go for a ride?"
Fox thought fast...he didn't want to admit to his cousin about the paddling and spanking he had received to day or that he didn't have permission to even ride on the back of the motorcycle. "I can't...supper is about to be served and I got to be home. How about tomorrow?"
Mike shook his head, "Can't tomorrow; got to go to town with Dad. I
know the day after. We can ride near the dry streambed down the road. It's fun riding up and down the bank. I'll show you how and then you can do it yourself, OK?"
Fox nodded, his eyes shining. "That would be better he thought," the
soreness would be gone from his backside by then. "It's a date. I'll meet
you here by 1 p.m., okay, so not to worry Gram."
"Fox, you did get permission from Gran or your father, didn't you?"
"Oh, yeah, it's just that Gram wasn't happy with the decision. Dad said it would be okay as long as I took precautions, like wear an helmet," lied Fox with ease.
"Hop on and I'll give you a ride back to Gram's," offered Mike.
"No, that's okay. I rather walk back. I have Yoda with me, remember?" "Okay, see you Wednesday afternoon after lunch around here," pointing to the trees near the road, and with that Mike roared home.
Fox was a much happier boy by the time he returned for supper. He went to wash up and when he returned he was carrying the fluffiest pillow he could find upstairs. At his Gram's look he explained with a smile, "I want to be able to enjoy my supper, Gram," and enjoy it he did. He had double helpings of everything, which shocked his grandparents to no end when some of what he had seconds of were vegetables. He also had seconds of the chocolate cake, which surprised no one.
Fox had decided not to give his grandparents any cause to add injury to his sore bottom. He had a motorcycle to enjoy in two days and he wanted to be sure he would be able to ride it in relative comfort.
The next two days flew by and soon he was waiting for his cousin Mike at the appointed place. He was careful to leave Yoda in the house so he wouldn't follow him and maybe get hurt on the road. He heard the roar of a motorcycle and looked up to see his cousin Mike roaring down the road.
Mike pulled up and after stopping threw an extra helmet at Fox. "Here this one belongs to Dad, but he won't mind."
Fox caught the helmet and eagerly strapped it on. He then gingerly got on behind Mike. He gave a sigh of relief when there was no pain in his
backside. "I'm ready...let's go," said Fox and they were away.
Unknown to Fox Yoda had sniffed him out and was following behind. (Gram had noticed that Yoda was inside and innocently let him out.) The boys rode off leaving Yoda way behind and eventually came upon the dry streambed they were to ride in. Fox got off and watched as Mike rode up and down the streambed. He was so good and Fox watched him like a hawk so he would be able to do the same when it came to be his turn.
Mike came to a stop beside Fox and took the time to show him exactly what to do to drive his motorcycle. When he thought Fox had it down pat he hopped off and Fox got on in his place. "Fox, I want you to just ride slowly up and down the streambed before you try anything fancy. It's just a cautionary measure to be sure you are ready...okay?" Instructed Mike. Fox eagerly nodded and did as he was told until Mike waved him on. It was during this time that Yoda finally caught up and ran in front of Fox as he was roaring away.
Fox just had a minute's notice before pulling the wheel to one side in his
attempt to miss hitting his dog. He was partial successful and managed to only side striped him instead of running him down. The last thing Fox heard was the cry of pain Yoda gave before falling to one side.
"Noooooooooooooo...Yoda...Mike, come quickly, Yoda's hurt," screamed Fox as he hopped from the bike and ran to his dog.
Fox lifted his dog's head and began to sob at the blood flowing from his
side. The dog was unconscious, but Fox thought he had killed him. "Yoda, Yoda...He's dead, he's dead. I've killed him. I'm sorry Yoda, I'm sorry...I should have minded Gran and not gotten on that bike," cried Fox.
Mike ran up to his cousin and began to examine the dog. He discovered the dog was still breathing and said, "No, Fox. He's still alive. I'm going for help...you stay with him," and jumped on his bike and roared off.
Fox sat next to Yoda and laid his head down and sobbed uncontrollably while he waited for Mike's return. It seemed like it was hours before he heard a truck drive up but it had only been minutes. Fox stood up as he saw his Gran approach.
"Fox, stand back while I lift him into the truck bed," and carefully picked the dog up and put him in the back of the truck on an old blanket.
"Now you jump up with him while I drive to the vet's."
Soon Fox; Gran and Mike were in the waiting area as the vet was working on his dog. Gran had one arm around his grandson in an effort to comfort him. He didn't know the details yet, that would come later. He knew that Fox needed him for comfort now. He had finally stopped crying a few minutes ago and had drifted off to an exhausted sleep. Gran carefully lowered Fox's head to a nearby seat and got up. He motioned for Mike to follow him. When they were out of the earshot of Fox, Gran asked the all-important question. "Now Mike, what happened?"
Mike began in an even voice and said, "Yoda had run out in front of the
motorcycle and had been given a glancing blow. He had crumbled by the side with a cry of pain. It was an accident, Gran. I thought he had been left at home so something like this wouldn't have happened."
Gran nodded and they returned in time to see the Vet come out from behind the door. "Tom, how is the dog," asked Walter? He wanted to be prepared if the news was bad.
Tom shook his head and said, "He's okay, or will be in a few days. He's got a few bruised ribs and a cut on his side. I've wrapped his ribs and sewn up the cut on his side. Overall he's very lucky...what happened?"
"He was given a glancing blow from a motorcycle. The way I understand it is that the dog ran in front of the motorcycle and the driver barely missed running him down."
The vet nodded and said, "Well, the dog is lucky...it could have been worse. By the way, I would like to keep him here overnight. You can pick him up tomorrow."
"Thanks, Tom. Would you mind waiting while I tell Fox?" Tom nodded and watched as Walter returned to Fox's side and gently woke him. Although he couldn't hear the words he had no trouble recognizing the boy's relief. Fox ran to him and asked, "He'll be okay?" and when the vet nodded asked, "Can I see him?"
"The dog is sleeping. I gave him an sedative, but if you still want to I'll
take you to him."
"Please...I got to see him," pleaded Fox. The vet nodded and Fox followed him to the back of the office with Gran following slowly behind. The vet left him with his dog. Fox just looked at him and in one fluid motion dropped to his knees and cried, "Thank you God for saving him." He returned to Yoda's side and gently stroke his head and said, "Yoda, I'm so sorry I caused your pain" and once again laid his head on his dog and cried. It was a few minutes later that he was lifted up and pulled away from his dog. It was his Gran.
"Come on Fox...let's go home now. You have to give Yoda time to recover," he said as he led Fox away from the room and eventually out of the vet's office.
Fox wasn't even conscious of getting into the cab of the truck or the
journey back home. He only knew that he was soon in the arms of his
grandmother as she led him to his room. She sat him on his bed and left him to the administrations of his grandfather who undressed him down to his briefs. Rachel returned soon afterwards with a wet cloth, which she used to wash the blood from his face, saying, "Baby, I want you to lie down and try and get some sleep."
Fox nodded and turned over on his side and was asleep in minutes.
His grandparents left him to return downstairs. Mike was waiting anxiously and said, "Is he all right?"
Gran nodded and said, "He will be soon. Mike, come with me I have a few questions to ask you." Gran motioned for Mike to follow him into the den where he turned and asked, ""Mike, who was driving at the time of the accident?"
Mike, in his attempt to protect his cousin said, "I was, Gran...it was an
accident. Yoda appeared out of nowhere and jumped in front of the bike. I swerved to miss hitting him head on and only gave him a glancing blow...thank goodness."
"Mike, that isn't entirely the truth, is it?"
Mike looked startled at being caught in the lie and hung his head and nodded, "No, sir," he whispered.
"Mike I want the complete truth now. You are in enough trouble for lying to me, just now. I don't think you want to make it worse."
"I'm sorry Gran, I just didn't want to get Fox in more trouble. He was doing the driving. Everything else that I told you is the truth, though. Yoda ran out in front of the motorcycle and if it wasn't for Fox's quick reflexes he would have run the dog down."
"Mike, why did you allow him to ride your bike when I didn't give him permission to ride in the first place. I told him I didn't want him anywhere near the bike while it was running."
Mike looked scared and said, "I didn't know that. I asked him if he had Uncle Walter's or your permission to ride the bike and he said that Uncle Walter said it was okay as long as he wore a helmet. Gran, you got to believe me, I wouldn't have let him on the bike if I knew he didn't have permission," Mike said frantically.
Gran went over to Mike and hugged him before pulling away and saying, "Calm down Mike and thank you, for telling me the truth."
"Gran, how did you know I was lying just now," Mike blurted out curiously.
"Fox told Yoda he was sorry at causing his pain and I put 2 and 2 together and figured out that the main reason that he was so devastated was due to being the one to cause the accident. Now I want you to call your father and tell him what happened with Yoda and what you did. I have to call Walter and tell him what happened. I'll be in with Rachel while you make your call," Gran said as he walked out of the room.
Gran found Rachel in the kitchen and sat down to inform her on everything he suspected and had just learned from Mike. Rachel listened in silence as Walter told her of his suspicions. "Rachel, Fox was driving the motorcycle and not Mike and that is why he is so devastated over the accident. I overheard him tell Yoda that he was sorry for causing his pain. I think that both of my grandsons are due for a session with the Persuader...Fox for disobedience and Mike for lying about whom was responsible."
"You would think that both boys would have learned by now the folly of lying and disobeying you. You going to tell Joe and Walter?"
"Mike is calling his father and telling him everything. When he gets off the phone I'm going to have to call Walter and explain what happened."
After Mike said good-bye to his father, Walter, Sr. called his first born, Fox's father. He heard the phone ring a couple of times before Walter's secretary Kim picked up. After identifying himself he asked to speak to Walter.
"Dad?" Walter asked, "What's wrong?"
"Walter, there has been an accident and before you ask Fox and the family are all right. The causality is Yoda; a motorcycle has hit him. It's only a glancing blow, a gash to his side and some bruised ribs."
"Yoda's hurt; Fox must be devastated. There isn't much on my schedule that can't be rescheduled next week. I'll be there by night fall," Walter said in a relieved voice.
"Walter, I would like for you to be here. Fox was the one driving the motorcycle and he disobeyed me by doing so. I didn't give him permission to be near that bike when it was on. In fact he had already being punished once for arguing with me about it. Mike covered up the fact that Fox was driving by telling me a bold face lie about who was responsible."
"It sounds like you have your hands full, but I know you will sort things
out. I'll be there as soon as I can. Can you hold off on any punishment
until I get there?"
"I'll be waiting for you son and together we will handle Fox...goodbye."
Walter joined his wife and filled her up on all of the details before
accepting a welcomed cup of coffee from her. They drank their coffee in silence until they heard a truck drive into the driveway. Rachel got up to look. "It's Joe," and went to let him in.
After accepting a hug from her son she lead him into the kitchen where Joe said, "After talking with Mike about the incident with the motorcycle, I felt I had better come by."
"Mike," called Gran, "come into the kitchen. Your father is here."
Mike came running in and after taking a look at his grandfather and father he asked, "Gran, are you going to punish me?"
"Boy, you lied to me...what do you think?"
Mike nodded and turned away. He could feel the tears forming. He was so sorry he even thought about lying to his grandfather; it always led to a paddling or worse. Mike didn't get very far before being pulled into a hug by his grandfather. "Mike, you made a mistake and you will be punished for it, but I will always love you," and kissed the top of his head before turning him over to his dad for more comfort.
"Joe, Walter is on his way and he asked that we hold up on punishing the boys. I told him that it could wait. Why don't you and Mike go on home? I'll call you when he arrives." Joe nodded and he and Mike left.
Fox slept the sleep of the emotionally exhausted and his grandparents wisely allowed him. When Fox finally woke up he was surprised to see his Dad sitting in the rocking chair next to his bed. "Hello, Son," said Walter. Fox rushed into his arms before the words were out of his mouth seeking comfort in his father's embrace. "Dad, Yoda was hurt today," sobbed Fox as the tears freely came.
Walter rubbed his son's back and made soothing sounds as Fox cried his distress out. Once the crying came to an end, Walter pulled back and surveyed his son's face. His eyes were red and puffy from all of the crying he had done that day. "Son, I want you to go and wash your face and then join the rest of the family downstairs. We have a lot to discuss."
They walked out of the room together pausing at the bathroom door when Walter kissed the top of his head and then pushed him gently into the room. "I'll be waiting downstairs, son and remember, I love you."
When Walter walked into the front room he wasn't surprised to find Joe and Mike waiting. He knew that his folks had called as soon as he had arrived. He had only been waiting a few minutes before Fox had awakened. He greeted his brother and nephew warmly but noticed right a way that Mike was nervously squirming in his seat and guessed that he knew that his punishment was on the way.
"Joe can you come outside with me until Fox makes his appearance?"
Joe nodded and followed his big brother from the house. They settled in the chairs on the porch. Walter asked, "So what happened today?"
Joe replied, "Well, in a nutshell this is what happened: Fox disobeyed Dad and rode Mike's motorcycle. Yoda jumped in front of the bike and Fox swerved to miss the dog. Although he didn't hit the dog head on he did give him a glancing blow. Yoda has a gash to the side and bruised ribs; all in all he got off light. If it wasn't for Fox's quick reflexes Yoda might have been killed."
Walter pondered the statement and asked, "Did Mike also disobey Dad by allowing Fox to ride? I noticed that he isn't happy in there," pointing with his chin towards the house.
"Oh, you mean is the reason Mike is sitting nervously due to his disobeying Dad and the answer is no. He didn't disobey Dad he lied to him instead. He's nervous now because he knows he's going to be punished soon. He must have found out about Fox not having permission after the accident since he took the blame for hurting Yoda. Dad caught him in that lie and that is why he's going to be punished.
He swears that Fox told him that you had given him permission to ride the bike but not to mention it around the folks due their displeasure about the decision."
"So both boys are in trouble with Dad. One disobeyed him and the other lied to him. You know what that means, don't you?"
"Yep, a session with the Persuader...it will be Fox's first time, won't it?" Asked Joe, Walter nodded. "The same thing goes with Mike. I know two boys that will rule their misbehavior tonight. Prayfully after a session with the Persuader they will learn not to do it again."
"Boys?" Called Rachel.
"Yes, ma'am," Walter and Joe answered simultaneously.
"Fox is waiting for you in the front room."
"Thanks Mom," replied Walter before turning back to Joe.
"Joe, don't mention our conversation with Fox. I want to see what he admits to about the whole incident."
"Okay, Walter," answered Joe as they went back in. They walked in to find everyone already sitting, with Fox on the sofa with his grandmother.
Joe sat in the chair next to his son and Walter took the one next to his
Dad. He addressed Fox and said, "Son, I want you to tell me how Yoda got hurt. I want the whole story."
Fox took a deep breath before blurting out, "I don't know how Yoda got out but he jumped in front of the motorcycle and was given a glancing blow to his side. Gran came and took him to the vet's and he'll be okay. He can come home tomorrow."
Walter noticed at once how Fox skirted the fact on who was riding the bike at the time and said, "Yoda was left in the house?"
"Yes, sir. I locked him into the bedroom and went to meet with Mike and the old riverbed to watch him ride the motorcycle. Gran wouldn't let me ride but didn't say anything about watching. I locked Yoda in my room to keep him from following and maybe getting hurt. I don't know how he got loose."
"Oh, dear...I let Yoda out. He was making such a ruckus that I opened the door and he rushed out. I'm so sorry, Fox, " cried Rachel.
When Fox heard that he turned his accusing eyes towards his grandmother but before he could utter a word of accusation his father cried out, "Fox, don't say it...you know who's to blame for hurting Yoda and it isn't your grandmother. Admit it to yourself, boy. If you hadn't disobeyed your grandfather there would have been no need to lock Yoda up. Yoda followed you and was hurt by you as you were riding the motorcycle."
That took all of the steam out of Fox and he seemed to collapse on the sofa crying miserably. Rachel could stand it no longer and gathered him into her arms and held him as he cried out his despair at finally coming to terms that he was to blame for Yoda's injury.
Walter, Sr. cleared his voice and said, "Joe, I want you and Mike to meet me outside. You two go first," and watched as Joe lead Mike out of the room. As they were leaving the room Walter spoke to his oldest in hush tones, "Walter, once Fox is over his tears bring him out to the woodshed, I'll be waiting with the Persuader."
Walter nodded and watched as Joe, his father and a very nervous Mike left the room. He sympathized with Mike, this was his first encounter with the Persuader and it was nothing to take lightly. He remembered his first time and winced in sympathy.
Fox stayed in his grandmother's arms a few minutes longer before pulling away. "Thanks Gran. I'm sorry I was going to blame you for my own actions," apologized Fox.
"Are you okay, son," asked Walter? Fox nodded as he wiped away his tears.
"Then come with me, it's time for your punishment for disobeying your
grandfather. He's waiting for you at the woodshed."
Fox started to follow until he heard about where his grandfather was waiting and he said, "the w-woodshed-d-d-d, Dad? Not the
P-per-s-sua-d-der-r?"
"I'm sorry, son, but your misbehavior dictates that you experience the
Persuader, now; and since it was your Gran that you disobeyed he is going to be the one that straps you," Walter explained as he reached back to pull Fox along.
It was a few minutes later that Fox and Walter finally arrive at the
woodshed and entered. Mike and Joe were waiting inside. Mike was lying over the bench there with his pants and briefs at his ankles. "Fox, I want you to lower your jeans and briefs and join Mike on the bench, Walter help him, please."
With trembling hands Fox managed to unsnap his jeans. He fumbled at the zipper before finally getting it down. He pushed down his jeans and briefs and stumbled over to the bench. His father helped him to get into position. Walter stayed by his head and grabbed his hands. "Son, I want you to hold on to me and remember you are being punished because we love you and want you to grow up to be an honorable man who does the right thing." Fox noticed that Uncle Joe was there with Mike like his father was with him.
Fox grabbed on for support as his grandfather took up position behind him and asked the traditional question, "Fox William, why are you being punished?"
In a shaky voice Fox answered, "F-for dis-o-obeying-g-g y-you, Gran. I'm s-sorryyyy."
"Michael Alexei, why are you being punished?"
In an equally shaky voice Mike stumbled over his words, "F-for ly-ing-g-g to y-you, G-gran."
Gran lifted the Persuader and struck Mike first and then Fox. It had the desired effect for both grandsons who screamed as a burning stripe appeared on the middle of both buttocks.
"Yeooowwwwwwww," screamed Mike and then seconds later by Fox as lines of fire visited the middle of their backsides. They started crying from the beginning and as each lick was given. His grandfather made sure that each lick counted. Fox's backside felt like it was on fire and his grandfather had only given them 6 licks. When his father helped him up he was sobbing. He was engulfed in the all-forgiving hug from his Dad and he cried on his shoulders until he was all cried out.
The same thing was going on with Mike only Fox's focus was on his own burning bottom. Gran first went to Mike to give him his hug and then moved on to Fox. The fathers took over helping their sons with Joe helping Mike to redress while Walter did the same for Fox.
Joe and Walter knew the importance to get their sons to bed as soon as possible and Joe and Mike left posthaste with Fox and Walter closely behind. Fox winced with each step as they returned to the house.
All of the crying plus the final strapping had exhausted Fox so. Walter took matters in his own hands and picked his son up and with his own Dad leading the way carried Fox into the house and deposited him on his own bed.
Gran had preceded him and had the bed turned down. Together they stripped Fox and redressed him an old pair of Walter's boxers and put him on his stomach. Fox was so tired that he didn't even protest this treatment and put his head on his pillow and went to sleep. He slept the whole night and didn't wake until the next morning. He was quite surprised to see Yoda on the bed with him.
"Yoda," he cried excitedly as he scrambled across the bed to greet his best friend. Yoda whined and wagged his tail.
Gran, Gram and Walter peaked through the door at the happy reunion between boy and dog and smiled at the happy ending to a bad situation.
The End