The Easter Festival was a time for hard-working citizens to take some time off and enjoy the day with their families. And that included the 'First Family' of Animalia. Though Clara was a little late in getting around to joining her family for their picnic. Though Robert's family was also sharing their picnic. The cubs were tumbling around on the grass together, though Robert and Martha had to watch to make sure the cougar cubs didn't get too rough with the smaller fox cubs.
"Motherhood suits you," said Rick to Martha.
"Thanks," said Martha, "You know, it seems so long ago I thought I'd never be a mother because no one would look at me, let alone marry me, because of my fat."
"They just couldn't see the person inside," said Robert.
"You mean the vixen inside," said Martha, snuggling up to Robert.
"You think you were always meant to be a vixen?" asked Robert teasingly.
"Maybe not," said Martha, "But I'm glad things turned out the way they did. By the way, Robert, I've been thinking. Since I missed out on the Egyptican photoshoot, you think we could take a vacation to New Zerzura at some point?"
"Well, I don't know," said Robert, "There is still a lot of things to do for the IAC and the other events. We may have to wait until after all that."
"It might not be a good idea to go during the middle of the summer anyways," said Martha, "Rick, would you and Clara want to go to New Zerzura."
When Rick didn't reply, the two foxes looked at him. Richard was frozen in place, a look of terror on his face. "Richard, Richard!" called Robert.
Rick blinked and snapped out of it. "Sorry," said Richard, "I don't think I'd be comfortable with going to the Middle East. I have...bad history there." He had thought he was over the shell shock that came from being nearly blown up by a bomb and having most of his bones broken. But that had triggered a memory that shook him.
"You know Egypt is a relatively peaceful place," said Martha.
"Maybe, but you can never be certain. What if some extremists tried to attack?" asked Richard.
"I think New Zerzura is protected enough," said Robert, "You know, maybe you should see Dr. Jones about this."
"I've already been through therapy," said Richard defensively.
"Sometimes people need a checkup every once and a while," said Martha, "It's no different than a normal doctor."
"Well, we'll see," said Richard, "This might just be a one-time reaction."
Not long afterwards, Clara arrived. "Sorry I took so long," said Clara, "Was taking care of some upcoming stuff, like WSA's prom."
"Why would you be interested in that?" asked Richard, "It's not like it'll be WSA's first prom.
"But it will be Animalia Ambassadoria's first prom," said Clara, "I'm trying to be impartial, but I'm pretty sure some online people are going to want to know about it."
"Probably," agreed Martha, "And even more people will want to know about their senior prom."
"I'm just focusing on this coming prom," said Clara. She sat down on the blanket and her cubs were soon coming to her.
"You'll probably be thinking about Mother's Day too," said Richard.
"Well, that goes without saying," said Clara.