The Integrity of Joey’s Circle

She felt a chill run up her spine. As it reached her neck, her hair felt like it stood on end. She had the feeling she was being watched. She turned her head, looking over her shoulder. Her eyes went wide and her chewing gum fell out of her mouth.

A thousand pairs of yellow eyes stared back at her, unblinking. They peered from gardens, drains, even darkened windows. Cold sweat misted her neck. They were toads, fat, warty, grey-bodied. They did not move, just stared. Then, in unison they all croaked the word, "Integrity."

She felt panic in her veins, was this real or was her pressure changing her vision? She had no answers, she just had a confusion living in her consciousness.

She couldn't stop thinking about Joey. What if he hurt himself again? he nearly cut himself buttering his toast this morning. She knelt down and stroked the carpet and pondered how she could help him get out of this situation. "Oh what am I thinking? he's all grown up now"

Now Joey was a full grown Kangaroo. Mama Kangaroo couldn’t be prouder. She really needed to stop worrying about her boy, but it had already become an old habit. She still remembered those days when she would change his diapers… how time flies.

Joe is now in his thirties and working at a tire factory. His days as a bouncing Joey forever gone. He is married to his high school love, Lurleen, and is looking forward to having his own joeys soon. Mama Kangaroo will become Nana Kangaroo. The circle of life will be complete.