Initially intended as a family portrait for the Fourth of July, I realized this would work fine for Father's Day. (Even though that's bending a few definitions...but hey, it's Pride Month too.) Artwork by  coyzoi who I believe has a book for sale! Check it out!




The fireworks show was slowing down. Having hatched in a village that liked to call itself "The City of Independence" I had grown up admiring fireworks shows and found it hard to pass one up, especially if I didn't have take more than 13 steps out the front of the sett. I'd seen better shows and I'd seen worse. I reclined in a small inflatable pool next to the three viable eggs I'd managed to produce after quite a few fun nights with Bruce. "I'll take you to a better show next year, kiddos." I told them. "But let's wait for the end of this one."

I cursed my luck that it hadn't ended sooner when a familiar vehicle rolled slowly past and parked itself within spitting distance. I licked over my fangs and poison glands and smiled to myself...I hadn't taken any of my antidotes today, so spitting distance was a dangerous place to be. For my own mental health, I hoped it wouldn't be Frank Skunk who jumped out; it would be...

"Don't tell me," said Shelia, the matriarch of the skunks next door, as she got out of her carriage in front of the shabby den her stupid husband had dug out for them. "Pre-natal experiences for those..." she trailed off and gestured at Cleetus, Bruce Jr. and Celeste. "Those....youngsters. Charming."

"Pre-whata? They're eggs. Not 'natals'. Is that some mammal thing?" I looked down at the floating ring where they were positioned close to me, and noticed the sharpie marking "Ce" was wearing off into just "C". I'd have to touch that up later. Heaven forbid Cletus and Celeste would switch names!

"Pre-natal care. I myself listened to many operatic scores and other great works while awaiting the birth of our little Jenny, Jeremy, Bently and Titus. No doubt that contributed greatly to their musical talents."

I censored the first thought of "I thought they all wriggled around helplessly for a few weeks and couldn't even see after they were born." A lot of Bruce's attitudes towards skunks had rubbed off on me. Even without his influence, I naturally had a bit of a prejudice against her just like I did foxes, weasels and rats: notorious egg thieves. But they were neighbors.

"Of course," I said. "Well, it's proven that as they develop, most chicks are aware of voices of their parents." I splashed the water with the end of my tail. "Being snaky just gives them an even larger head start! As you know, most serpents don't stay with their families at all, they're ready to go off on their own before you know it."

I didn't bring up the fact that they were also part badger. I wondered if they'd break out of their shells and be essentially helpless. Could they even properly get out of their own eggshells when the time came? I think every expectant parent suffers these sudden daggers piercing their confidence.

Rays from an explosion sprayed out in more directions than I could immediately count, followed by a soft boom. "Yup, they may already recognize my voice. And sitting out with me for fireworks...I'm just trying to give them a little dose of patriotism," I added. See, Shelia? We can pretend to be more like you than you'd like to think! You miserable coop-raiding stinker, you.

I saw her mentally challenge my exaggerations. It was interesting to watch her expression switch as different trains of thought arrived and departed.

"How...inspiring," Shelia finally exclaimed. Let's keep up appearances, by all means. I can work with that too, Shelia. She turned to the den and whistled, which made me do a double take. "You're going to miss the end of the show, children. Quickly! Quickly now."

Her family (sans spouse, thank goodness) scurried out and surrounded her. I glanced over at them surreptitiously, protected from discovery by the glasses that protected them from me. Maybe we did have some things in common after all. If not, maybe the next generation will do better than we did.

The finale began; explosions and lights and flashes galore. Happy Independence Day; even if you don't remember this, Cletus and Bruce and Celeste, I hope you'll remember your dads' voices and go forth to do even better than we did.