Percy: It has been peaceful these past two weeks since the backyard neighbours have been on holidays. I have taken advantage of them being away and had a big meeting with more advocates in our backyard.
Holly: The neighbours are going to get angry when they find out all those people and their dogs were in their yard.
Percy: Our yard. That is the first contentious issue. It is our yard!
Holy: Contentious. I can’t believe it; you have been looking up the dictionary without me telling you.
Percy: Yes, I saw the negotiations have worked over the fortnight, so it might continue to work. Learning unfamiliar words makes me feel smart.
Holly: Here is another word for you Percy, acrophobia.
Percy: What does that mean?
Holly: You! It describes you. You are scared of heights, that means you are acrophobic. You need to do something about it. We are all scared of something, but when that something stops us from doing things, we need to get help for it. Your acrophobia stops you from climbing high branches. You need to get that fixed.
Percy: But I fell out of the tree when I was a baby, and I have been scared ever since.
Holly: Nothing wrong with getting scared, but what is silly is if you do not get help with what you are scared about. Face your fears, then you can climb up the high branches again.
Percy: That means I have to tell someone, so they can help me.
Holly: Yes, you do, but they are trained to help you and they won’t tell anyone.
Percy: Ok, I will see them if they won’t tell the other possums I am scared of heights.
Holly: Good, I will arrange an appointment for you. Now tell me about the new advocates.
Percy: They are people in key positions.
Holly: You are learning to negotiate; you have learnt about advocates–now you need to control your bad temper and stop being scared of heights.
Percy: I’m going to play now, enough learning. Bye Holly.
Holly: Bye Percy and remember, whatever you do today, make it safe and fun.
Holly, Percy, and Delece Ford September 2022
