A Case of the Worrys

Daddy John:  A nice day for a change, so I sent Benjamin Roy out to take Annabelle for a walk.  They were both getting a touch of cabin fever.

I was surprised not to see Peter tagging along; usually he and BR are joined at the hip (and he adores Annabelle).  I found him upstairs, sitting in the blue chair and staring out the window.

Daddy John:  Hey buddy, what's going on?

Pete Dakota:  Hi, Daddy John.  I was thinking about some stuff.  Can I ask you something important?

Pete Dakota:  Is a new boy coming to live with us?

Daddy John:  Yes, he is.  How did you know that?

Pete Dakota:  I guessed when you said on the postcard that there was a surprise.  And I overheard you and Daddy Steve talking about him.

Daddy John:  Well, that'll teach me little pitchers have big ears.  I was going to talk with you and BR about him tonight, actually.  Pete, are you worried about the new boy?

Pete Dakota:  A little.

Daddy John:  Why, buddy?

Pete Dakota: (whispering) What if BR likes him better than me?

Daddy John:  Oh, Pete...that's never going to happen.  You and BR are best friends and I doubt anything could separate you two.  I know if you always treat BR with kindness and respect like you always do --and he does the same to you--nothing bad will ever happen.  Yes, things are going to change when Stephen Orange gets here, but only for the better.

Pete Dakota:  That's his name?  Stephen Orange?  Almost like Daddy Steve's.

Daddy John:  That's right, their names are similar.  Remember how nervous BR was when he joined our family?  And how you two got along right away?  I know you will all get along and be friends.

Pete Dakota:  Do you really think so?

Daddy John:  I know it.  In fact, you know what might help break the ice?

Pete Dakota:  What?

Daddy John:  Well, Stephen Orange really likes animals and he especially likes mysterious animals.  I bet if you showed him your book about the Loch Ness Monster, he'd really like that.

Pete Dakota:  Oh, that's a neat idea.  I'd like that, too.

Daddy John: Good.  Feel better?

Pete Dakota:  Yes, I do.  A little.  When does he come?

Daddy John: Not for a couple weeks yet.  Shall we go find BR and Annabelle and tell them about him?

Peter Dakota:  Okay.  Then I'd better find my book and have it ready.