Robert Irwin & I

Apologies and happy days

Rosa entered Robert's room on her tippy toes. She was sister scared of what was in store for her still not sure if Robert was mad or not. At least, he had let her in his room.

Robert was sitting at his desk, his back towards her - the only light source in the room being the small desk lamp. Rosa was officially intimidated.

"Robert?" Rosa asked quietly. He slowly turned around, tears brimmed in his eyes, and Rosa gasped. She didn't know, she had disturbed him that far! Or maybe it was something more?
Rosa dared to move even closer, wanting to comfort him just like he had comforted her, the day before.

"Robert, are you okay?" She asked even though it was obvious, he wasn't. He shrugged, "I-I'm sorry for being such a bludger, Rosa. It's not your fault. So-sometimes it's just hard."

Rosa nodded, silently wanting Robert to continue speaking. "You know, this is all about continuing dad's legacy. Conservation of wildlife for the generations to come, but sometimes I worry, if I'm doing good enough - making him proud," he softly spoke, and looked down. Tears running down his cheeks, onto his khaki shorts.

Rosa was getting emotional herself: "Robert, I know your dad would be so proud of you! Look, at all you've done. Your photography, the conservation trips, the love and passion you show for animals is just extraordinary, and truly inspiring for adults and kids like me," Rosa expressed with great love.

"Wow, I didn't know, you knew all that about me," Robert said, and looked up at her.

Oh shit.

"Uhh yeah, haha. Everybody knows that," Rosa blushed, and looked away. She maybe said too much. He totally knew, she was a fan girl of his show now, Rosa thought to herself.

But Robert didn't seem to think much further of it, and he already seemed to feel much better. "Thank you so much, Rosa, and I'm sorry again for creating such a chockers mess," he said, seemingly embarrassed over his behavior. "It's just about fine," Rosa giggled, glad they were on good terms again. They both smiled brightly at each other.

The rest of the night, Robert showed Rosa some of his amazing photography he had taken all over the world - both on land and under water. He spoke passionately about the stories behind the pictures, and his different camerawork. Rosa stopped listening because she really didn't know, what he was saying anymore, but she just looked at his face, loving the way he expressed things. Rosa didn't remember falling asleep in his room, but she felt two, strong arms carry her back to her bed, and cover her up with a blanket. She smiled in her sleep. Rosa was so happy.

The next days went by quickly. Waking up every morning bright and early, eating breakfast with Robert, Terri, Bindi and Chandler, and joining them and others for a day full of work - but fun work. Robert was also home schooled by a private tutor, and Rosa got permission to join those classes as well, considering they were still just 15 years old.

It was clear that Robert was very ahead of his age, when it came to knowledge, but it didn't make Rosa feel less worthy. More so, encouraged to try even harder.

All in all, Rosa was thriving and living her best life at the zoo. She had almost forgot her past life at home, but that didn't last for very long. A Wednesday morning, they ate breakfast as per usual, and talked excitedly about the day's duties, until Terri came in with a very serious face, and a letter in her hand. Rosa almost choked on her bagel, when she saw her expression.

"Rosa, someone with your surname, has send this urgent letter from Denmark," Terri said, and handed her the post. Everyone around the table, looked at her. She could feel Robert's eyes from across the table. His hand a few inches from her's on the table. Rosa looked at the name on the letter.

It was from her mother.