Jungle Madness

Chapter 1 - Matter of trust

Nova, tapping continuously at his phone, was waiting inside the kitchen for his mother, Isabelle, to cook breakfast.

"Morning dear," the polar bear greeted while preparing the table. "What do you want for breakfast today?"

Since the day they had settled in their new house, the panda never truly had a real breakfast with his mom and dad. Marvin never woke up in time. Pandas weren't morning people and Nova wasn't in the best shape to care about getting out of bed.

Yesterday's events helped him to move on a bit. Despite his looks he didn't have the same curse his father carried. In his blood coursed polar bear genes.

"I'm not really hungry mom. I'll take a cup of milk and some coffee," he yawned.

His mother, upon hearing his reply, slammed an empty tray on the table violently. The sound it made conveyed her disagreement and bottled rage perfectly hidden behind a happy expression.

"I-I mean I could go for a toast," he stuttered, "Why not!"

"That's a nice idea sweetheart." Isabelle nodded, gracefully placing plates and utensils next to her son.

Nova shivered. If there was one thing he couldn't stand up to it was Mom's wrath. She must have it her way, otherwise you'll suffer.

"Nova, could you go upstairs and wake Marvin up? I really want to have some quality family time now that you feel better."

The panda knew that it wasn't a request; her courtesy and gentle manner couldn't hide the simple fact that it was an order.

"I'll try..." He sighed, dropping the phone.

When Nova opened the bedroom door an obnoxious sound welcomed him. Marvin, occupying the entirety of a king sized bed, was snoring out loud, destroying the ears of whoever dared to enter.

"How mom survives this every day? Out of my comprehension." He blinked confused.

"Love and earplugs dear!" She shouted from downstairs. "And sometimes a broom." The bear chuckled.

The younger panda poked his father that seemed like he had never slept in weeks.

"Dad...wake up."

Marvin rolled over, now snoring directly in his face. The poor victim covered his ears but it felt like an earthquake just hit him.

"No wonder Mom punches you..."

Nearing the end of his patience, Nova pulled away the sheets and attempted to push him out...to no avail. Marvin was too big and heavy to be moved around and didn't seem to care about being completely exposed to the outside.

"Oh come on... Don't force me to go into mom mode."

"Nova! Did you do it? Food is almost done here!"

"I'm trying! I don't know what to do!"

"If you don't want to hit him use the emergency supplies!"

Nova rose a brow in confusion. "What about the eating together part?"

"Oh please, you know that those are not enough for him. Give him a taste and he'll run downstairs even hungrier."

"Okay, so...where did you put them?"

"There is a key under the lamp. Open the drawer."

Following Isabelle's instructions, Nova found a plate filled with homemade candies. The sickly sweet smell of sugar and syrup didn't waft out until he unlocked it.

"Oh, I remember these candies..." He said taking one from the dish.

It had a white gummy texture that he couldn't keep in his paw as it started to melt, sticking to his fur.