The Teddy Bears' Picnic

"Looking forward to the picnic today?" Rupert's mum asked Rupert's dad.

Rupert was excited. It was the event of the year when every bear that ever there was will gather there for certain because today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic. Rupert hummed the tune in his head.

"Well, yes, but I am concerned about this plus one invitation they've introduced this year," Rupert heard his dad say.

Rupert didn't know what a plus one was. What did Dad mean? Did people get more than one invitation?

"How so?" Rupert's mum asked. "I think it's a nice idea."

Rupert sensed the implied criticism in his father's subsequent reply, in its tone and delivery.

"You would."

Rupert's mum shot him a sharp look. Rupert hoped they weren't going to argue, not on the day of the picnic!

Rupert's dad hastily backtracked. "What I mean is I liked that it was just for bears. Bears of all kinds, all backgrounds, all gathered together, doing bear stuff."

Rupert's mum was starting to pack the basket which Rupert thought was a good sign.

"Well, I think it's nice that others can invite their friends. I think it leads to greater understanding and when you get everyone together and we all have a good time, it gives everyone a sense of community running forward."

Rupert's dad mumbled under his breath: "You can tell you're running for mayor of Nutwood."

"What was that, my love?"

Rupert sensed the challenge in his mother's voice, then was distracted when he saw she was packing the best lemonade. Scrumptious!

"Nothing!" Rupert's dad sighed. "It's just sometimes I wish there was still something just for us bears. Pooh will bring that melancholy donkey and Mama, Papa and Baby that nosey Goldilocks - I just think it changes the dynamic, you know?"

Rupert's mum had to concede that she knew what he meant. But the world wasn't made up of just bears.

"Does this mean I can bring Bill Badger?" Rupert shouted.

Rupert's parents looked at each other and Rupert's dad smiled and said,

"Sure."

And then added:

"You know what this means though? Someone's going to have to rewrite the lyrics."

***

366 words