Work Text:
Huey Duck could not be feeling happier about himself. He found out that many of the articles he had written were going to be published in the next Junior Woodchuck Guidebook. The JWG committee has even offered to give him a free copy of the next book but he declined, choosing to keep his current book with great sentimental value to him. Even better was that he had done best in his school on standardized tests in all subjects. He, his teachers, and even his classmates took great pride in him. Huey got called a nerd a lot as well, but he just considered them jealous and he even began taking the label as a badge of honor. It gives him another item that’s uniquely his and separates him from his brothers. Huey walks home with great cheer in his steps, proud of himself and his accomplishments. He couldn’t wait to see his brothers and Uncle Donald again.
Today has got to be Donald’s worst nightmare. Two of his baby boys were very sick with Avian Flu, too sick to even get out of bed. He has a million things that he needs to do just to keep his houseboat afloat, and make ends meet caring for 3 growing boys. Donald sat on the table in the main room, desperately trying to work out a plan, clearly stressed. Donald needed help.
Huey embarked onto the houseboat and wanted to scream in excitement about the good news.
“Hey Uncle Donald you’ll never guess what I- uhh Uncle Donald are you okay? Do you need any help?” Donald sighed. He hated it when his kids worried about him. He hated asking his kids for help even more. Donald felt like he didn’t have much of a choice though.
“Huey… I need to go to work but I can’t leave your brothers alone. Can I trust you to take care of the houseboat on your own and take care of Dewey and Louie?” Huey was overjoyed to hear this, excited for any chance to prove his maturity.
“Yes Uncle Donald, I won’t let you down!” Huey tried not to show any excitement and remain stoic but inside he was overjoyed and squealing.
Donald felt a small sense of relief that it was Huey that well and could do work, since Huey was the oldest and most responsible. Even so he felt bad. Huey is still only 10 years old and shouldn’t have this much responsibility. Donald would have to treat Huey when he got back, and made a mental note to himself to do so.
Donald gave Huey a big thank you and told Huey everything he needs to do: wash dishes, cook their meals, clean the bathroom, wash the deck, give them their medicine, and mop the floors.
“Yes, Uncle Donald!” Huey gave Donald a little salute as he promised to get everything done. Donald smiled at Huey and both set off to go to work.
Both ducks were hard at work for the next 5 hours, and needless to say both were very tired. Donald had a very busy day in his new job and he was beat. He hoped to come home to see the houseboat in good condition. When he finally got back, he was amazed. The boat looked spotless, almost brand new. He embarked to see the inside just the same way, and he saw Huey sleeping on the couch surrounded by cleaning and medical supplies. Donald grinned wide at seeing Huey. Donald let Huey stay on the couch so they didn’t catch the avian flu, and gave Huey a pat on the head. This woke Huey up, allowing Donald to give Huey a hug, who also returned the favor. When the hug ended Donald cuddled Huey’s head and thanked him for the hard work today, promising to treat him the next day they are both free. Donald gave Huey a big kiss on the forehead before retiring to his bedroom for the night. He did not see it, but the kiss made Huey smile too, who then fell back asleep.