29. HAKUNA MATATA

Sofia told Bastian about Olimpia’s bad behaviour. It was hard for him to believe it. There had to be some normal explanation for why Ollie acted that way. Maybe it was just an accident. Obviously, Bas didn’t want to listen to any talk about some imaginary horse-like friend being a bad influence.

He decided to talk to his daughter himself.

Bas: So, Ollie, your mom told me you two had a little misunderstanding recently.

Olimpia: She told you?! But I apologized and cleaned everything up.

Bas: Mom has to tell me things like that, sweetheart. But I’d like to hear the story again from you and understand.

Olimpia: It wasn’t my fault, I just wanted it to look nicer. I just… went a bit overboard. Then we went outside with Shreeky, and then we wanted to dance… and I forgot about the mud…

Bas: Shreeky is your friend?

Olimpia: Well, yeah. We were just playing. I didn’t mean to cause Mom any trouble.

Bas: I believe you, sweetheart. But in the future please remember, different games can end differently. Remember when you knocked your tooth out while ice skating? Exactly. This time the outcome was different, but just as unpleasant.

Bas: And this Shreekt, is it the same kind of friendship you had with Snuggly Buggly?

Olimpia: Oh, better, Dad! Shreeky is so funny! And when she doesn’t play for a long time, she gets grumpy in a silly way, that’s why she’s named that!

Bas: I see. All right, Ollie. You probably need to get going to school.

Olimpia: Yes, Dad. See you after school.

Maybe Sofia was overreacting. She had always been oversensitive about these things with her psychology background. Nothing suggested Bastian had any reason to worry about Ollie’s behavior. Just normal children’s play. That’s all.

Olimpia: Look, an amusement park. It must be so fun there. Too bad we have to go to school.

Shreeky: We have to? Who said that? Come on, it’ll be fun.

Olimpia: But they’ll notice at school that we’re gone!

Shreeky: Oh, please! There are so many kids, no one will notice anything. No worries!

Hakuna Matata, what a wonderful phrase

Hakuna Matata, ain't no passing craze

It means no worries for the rest of your days

It's our problem free philosophy, Hakuna Matata!

They were having so much fun that time flew by quickly. Ollie didn’t even notice it was getting late and she should be heading home.

Shreeky: See? Good thing we didn’t go to school! A whole day of fun, that’s something!

Olimpia: You’re right! It was awesome!

Someone joined their play.

Girl: Hey, I think we’re in the same class. I’m Elena.

Olimpia: And I’m Ollie.

Elena: But you weren’t at school today.

Olimpia: Today Shreeky and I took a break from school and played all day!

Elena: Who’s Shreeky?

Olimpia: My friend, she’s right here!

Elena: Umm… I don’t see anyone.

Olimpia: She only shows herself to me, she’s invisible to others.

Elena: That sounds like an imaginery friend… Sorry, but I don’t believe in that stuff.

Elena: And you’re kind of too big for that anyway.

Olimpia: Your loss. Shreeky taught me tons of funny things. For example, this!

Elena: That wasn’t funny at all. I don’t want to play with you anymore. You’re not nice.

Olimpia: Fine! Me and Shreeky don’t need you anyway!

At home, Bas was waiting for Ollie and starting to worry, so at the sound of footsteps by the door he sprang up immediately. But it wasn’t Ollie.

Woman: ¡Buenas tardes! We’re neighbors! I just moved in next door with my daughter. I’m Guadelupe Benítez.

Bas: Bastian Drozd, nice to meet you.

Guadelupe: Sorry for barging in. I just wanted to say hello. And forgive my curiosity, but I think you have a daughter around my Carmen’s age. Maybe girls could play together sometime and we can talk over coffee?

Bas: Sounds good.

Guadelupe: Muy bien. Then we’re set.

Bas: You’re finally back! Where were you, Ollie?

Olimpia: I’m sorry, Daddy. I lost track of time while playing.

Bas: It’s already late! I was really worried. Don’t do that to me again. Eh, I’m just glad you’re okay. Now go to bed, or you won’t get up for school tomorrow.

Shreeky: What a day! And you lie so well now, I almost believed that “I’m sorry, Daddy,” hehe.

Olimpia: And did you see the prank I played on Elena? She’s such a stiff, she didn’t laugh at all!

Shreeky: What matters is that we can laugh, Ollie.

Early morning.

Bas: Good morning, Ollie. You’re not ready yet? What’s with the bear costume?

Olimpia: Dad, today is a bad day. I had a nightmare. And my tooth is loose. And I’m soooo sad, Daddy. Can I skip school today? Please, please, please?

Bas: Oh dear… all right. But only today.

In the afternoon Guadelupe came to visit with her daughter.

Guadelupe: This is Carmen. Hija, preciosa, say hello.

Carmen: A dog? You didn’t say there was a dog!

Bas: Don’t worry, he won’t bite. I’m Bas.

Carmen: Encantada.

Guadelupe: Carmen couldn’t wait to meet Ollie, verdad, hija?

Carmen: Why are you a bear?

Olimpia: Because I like it. Want to meet my frog?

Carmen: Um, no, thanks. That’s gross.

Olimpia: Then I’ll show you how I pull out my tooth.

Carmen: Ay, ¡qué asco! You’re disgusting!

Olimpia: Take it back, arrrr…

Carmen: What’s wrong with you??

Olimpia: With me? You’re the weird one.

Carmen: ¡Ya verás! Aaaaaa!

Olimpia: Haha, I won! If you don't know how to fight, don’t start!

Guadelupe: I’m so glad the girls can play together. Carmen was worried about the new place, that there’d be no kids her age here. She’s very sensitive and squeamish, pobrecita. Especially since her father passed away. It’s so nice to have you as neighbors.

Guadelupe: But tell me, Bastian, what do you do besides raising Ollie?

Bas: I’m the lead mechanic at SimTech Industries.

Guadelupe: Sounds very ambitious and serious. Ollie is lucky to have such a resourceful dad.

Guadelupe: And what do you like doing in your free time? I love cooking. Do you like Mexican cuisine? Am I asking too many questions? Sorry, I just really want to get to know you. I’m probably too much right now.

Bas: It’s fine, you can keep asking. And yes, I like Mexican cuisine.