Directy to the Point (for crazyanime)
 

No one ever said being a parent would be easy. It was something Nigel Johnson had been told about since he was old enough to be married. But for him, it was all worth it. Having a little bundle of joy to play with all the time made him feel alive...even if the bundle of joy COULD be a little troublemaker at times.

Today, Nigel was sitting on the couch, reading the newspaper.

Little Connor Johnson was a seven year old boy, and just like every other seven year old, he could be a bit wild and hyper at times. Walking out of the house just hours before, the boy had ventured into the nearby forest to wander. Now, he was coming back into the house. His shoes were muddy due to the slight rain the previous morning.

Tracking mud in with him, the boy walked into the kitchen, looking around for something sweet.

"And where have you been?" came a familiar voice from the doorway, "I don't know, boys these days. Everything about them seems to want to involve mud."

Nigel was a relatively easy-going person, but he had clear rules and boundries set out, and these had consequences.

Connor stopped in his tracks upon hearing his father’s voice. “Oh, hey daddy” he said putting his arms behind his back and turning on his heels.

“I just went outside, in the backyard” he said with a slight, but nervous, smile. Sure he’d been in the forest, but he couldn’t admit that.

Nigel sighed and shook his head.

"You'd better that those shoes off," he said, "Look at the mess you're making."

The little boy looked down at his shoes. Kneeling down, the boy untied his shoes and took them off.

“Sorry daddy. Forgot there was mud on my shoes” Connor replied looking up at his father with a smile.

"So much mud," remarked Nigel, "And our garden's usually very dry, even in the worst of weathers."

It was then that he noticed the leaf of a tree attached to the shoe.

"Strange...we don't get these in the garden. The only place where these sorts of trees grow is..." The penny dropped, "Have you been in the forest again?"

Connor looked behind him at the large trail of mud he had left behind. His father was right, even if it rained for a long time, their garden remained clear. Almost never muddy.

Upon hearing the statement, followed by a question, the boy turned away from his father. “N-No. Don't be ridiculous daddy.” he said quickly, beginning to walk away from the other as fast as he could.

Nigel quickly took a hold of Connor's arm.

"Answer my question, please," he said, calmly, but firmly, "And don't lie. Have you been in the forest?"