15 Forgiving

CHAPTER FIFTEEN Forgiving OK, I've been told 1 have to come up with a 'funny bit' after that last chapter because it was officially SO EMOTIONAL. But what about my feelings? I'm not a machine! I'm not some kind of 'performing woodlouse. You are, actually. Excuse me?

该页暂无翻译

Who are you talking to? Willow was sitting by the Small Pond, moping. 'Stupid long-lost brother,' she grumbled. 'QUAAAACK,' quacked Ingrid. 'Why so glum, Willow? Where is Ted?' 'Hmph,' said Willow, yanking up some straggly weeds and flinging them into the water. 'He's with his new big brother, Rufus,' she huffed. 'Frank says I have to "give him space" or something boring like that.' 'Ah,' said Ingrid. 'Well, I suppose Frank is right. He'll be back soon enough.' Willow sighed. 'Yeah, I spose so. I just miss him.' 'And what about the ferocious sister?' asked Ingrid. 'Oh, Nancy won't have anything to do with Rufus,' said Willow. 'She's been sitting with Titus and Frank for the last two days. It's all so BORING and GLOOMY.' Ingrid waddled up to Willow and nestled next to her.

'Now, listen, young bunny. I have been thinking about a new show for the Grimwood Players,' she said. 'Sometimes it feels like this forest has forgotten about its cutting-edge drama group.' Willow's ears perked up. 'Oh, Ingrid!' she said. 'Me and Ted would love to get the Grimwood Players going again!' 'I need help writing a new show,' said Ingrid. 'And I know just the bunny to help me.' 'Who?' said Willow. 'You, you idiot!' quacked Ingrid, whacking Willow gently on the head. 'Sir Charles and I have been having creative differences. When Ted calms down with all his family drama, we can start rehearsals. Deal?' Willow leapt to her feet and started to bounce up and down. 'Yes, Ingrid! A gazillion yesses!' And Ingrid blinked slowly, which was the closest she got to smiling.

Ted jumped out of bed and started flinging things into his rucksack: blankets, a dry towel, half a bar of soap. 'You ain't going back to see that… loser again are you?' snapped Nancy. 'Yes, I am, Nance,' said Ted. 'He's our brother. And you should come too.' He stomped out of the den. Nancy followed. 'Ah!' said Frank. 'Just the foxes I was looking for.' He handed Nancy some coffee. 'When are you gonna come and meet Rufus, Frank?' said Ted. 'You'd like him, I know it!' Frank nodded and glanced at Nancy. 'All in good time, son,' he said. 'I've seen him from high up in the trees, anyway.' Nancy hadn't been able to stop Ted from visiting Rufus. But she'd asked Frank to keep watch, just for her peace of mind. Frank handed Ted a warm loaf of bread. 'It's for your brother,' said Frank sheepishly, trying not to catch Nancy's stink-eye. 'From Titus.' 'Aw, that's so kind of him,' said Ted with a grin. 'Roofy needs fattening up. Got a message for him, Nance?' asked Ted. And Nancy said something which was far too rude for these pages. Then she stalked off, her tail wagging angrily. Still, Ted wasn't going to let her ruin his mood. He plucked a fistful of feverfew flowers and skipped merrily towards the monster pit. Rufus had stayed put, refusing to venture further into Grimwood. Instead, he had tied some tatty old blankets between the branches of the oak tree. When Ted arrived, he was warming his paws next to the smouldering fire.

'Morning!' chirruped Ted. 'Titus gave me a loaf of bread for you. And I've got you some soap!' 'Ah, thanks, mate,' said Rufus. He tried to glance around casually. 'Nancy's still not feeling well,' said Ted. 'But I'm sure she'll come and visit you soon. Anyway, look! I brought you all sorts of things.' He plopped the flowers in a jam jar, and Rufus demolished the bread in seconds. 'Wow!' said Ted. 'You really are hungry. If you come back with me, Titus will cook everything. And you'll meet Wiggy, who's really funny, and you'll meet Willow…' Rufus laughed. 'Your best friend, I know,' he said. 'Oh, I really want to, kid. But I must respect your sister's vibe, you know? I laid some heavy stuff on you two.' Ted plonked himself down by Rufus and took out his notebook. 'I've written down a list of questions about Mum and Dad,' he said. 'And then I've got a list of questions all about you. And then I've got twenty amazing facts to tell you about me, Ted.' 'Woah,' said Rufus. 'Is this, like, speed-bonding?' 'That's exactly what it is,' said Ted. 'We've got to make up for lost time. AND I brought you a comb. I'm gonna groom your fur while you talk, OK?'