Reply To: PTSD
Topsy’s outburst with Mr. Thicknose, while uncalled for, was understandable. The threehorn still has insecurities that he hasn’t gotten over yet. To make matters worse, his appetite was almost non-existent, and he has been experiencing shortness of breath along with recurring headaches due to the repressed emotions within him. However, he still continued to live life as normally as possible.
“I gotta eat something,” Topsy told himself.
He then started nibbling on a ground star plant since he didn’t have his usual energy to ram some treestars from a tree. It took more effort to swallow them since he felt like his stomach was tied in knots due to all the stress he’s going through. The food tasted bitter to him; after looking at the bush of sweet bubbles next to the ground star plant, they didn’t seem appetizing to him at all.
“Ah, well, my loss is Kosh’s gain; the extra food and extra weight,” Topsy stated.
Unbeknownst to the threehorn, Kosh was listening and heard everything. However, he decided not to make a big deal out of in for fear that it might cause another outburst from Topsy.
“Ugh! Maybe some water will help,” Topsy claimed.
Upon reaching the Thundering Falls, Topsy stood at the edge of the watering hole and took a few gulps of water. Then, he realized his mistake; he then rushed to some bushes off-screen just in time before his stomach emptied its contents. After a few minutes, he wandered back over to the watering hole and took another drink. However, he was caught off guard by Grandpa Longneck. The elder had been the one to notice him throwing up in the bushes.
“Are you sure you’re all right?” Grandpa asked.
Topsy crouched down in a pouncing position; he was getting tired of being asked if he was all right. However, since Grandpa was much bigger, he could take him on. The elder took it upon himself to keep Topsy from attacking him out of anger.
“I’m sorry, I can’t help myself; I’m just worried about you,” Grandpa added.
Topsy was still clenching his jaws; his horns were still at the ready to charge. However, he finally relented and sat down. Grandpa was happy that he was able to get Topsy to calm down.
“You saw me, huh? I guess I just ate something that didn’t agree with me,” Topsy stated.
Grandpa shrugged.
“I appreciate you looking out for me; but, I don’t feel ready to talk about my feelings yet,” Topsy continued.
Grandpa nodded.
Soon enough, both males went their separate ways. Grandpa decided to drop the subject for now; however, he couldn’t help but worry about the threehorn. As if on cue, Grandma showed up at Grandpa’s side.
“Did you get him to open up, yet?” Grandma asked.
“Eh, he’s not quite ready to open up yet,” Grandpa answered.
“I understand; and I can see that he’d be insecure about opening up to you if I’m around; since even males need to have one-on-one conversations; there are times when I have one-on-one conversations with females,” Grandma explained.
Grandpa nodded.
“That’s a good point; I think that a one-on-one conversation with me is what Topsy needs to let go of any repressed emotions; and then when he feels ready, he could be more open about it with the others; until then, whenever he decides to take me aside to talk, it’ll be just between me and him; you understand that like with females, males need to have the odd private conversation,” Grandpa stated.
Grandma nodded.
Meanwhile, the eight kids were wading in the watering hole. The weather was pretty warm since the sun was at the highest point in the sky.
“It is hot out; I am just glad that all the green food is back in full bloom again,” Ducky commented.
The other seven nodded in agreement.
A little while later, a meeting was being held at the Rock Circle. Once again, a few of the grown ups were having a discussion without Topsy.
“What are we gonna do with him?” Kosh asked.
“We aren’t gonna do anything,” Grandpa answered.
Kosh glanced up at the elder.
“He went off on Mr. Thicknose; although, he just yelled at him, and he almost lost it again earlier after I once again asked him if he was all right; I know something is bothering him; but, until he feels ready to talk about it in front of everybody, he might only want to talk about it if it’s with just me,” Grandpa continued.
Just then, Ducky’s mother cut in.
“You don’t have to tell me twice; Kosh, on the other hand-”
“Shut it, Ariel,” Kosh grumbled.
And with that, Kosh walked away.
“What’s with him? He seems really bummed about this; or maybe he’s taking his frustrations of being left out of important discussions on me; personally, I don’t see how he could be of any help in this situation; I’m not saying this because he’s stupid-”
“Maybe because he has a big mouth and, even though Topsy doesn’t exactly hate him; he still doesn’t think he’s trustworthy enough to confide in him; I also think that he couldn’t trust his own father with an issue that personal,” Grandpa told her.
Ariel sighed.
“Wow, I had no idea it was this serious; I sure hope he gets better soon,” Ariel commented.
“I do, too, Ariel,” Grandpa said.
And with that, the meeting had finished and the grown ups left the Rock Circle.
