[Rob Stuart]

Postscript to The Rupert Annual 1977: Rupert and the Child Psychologist

‘Obviously all children incorporate elements of fantasy into their play,’ the psychologist was explaining, ‘but in the case of your son Rupert I fear this has developed into full-blown psychosis.’
‘There’s not a day that goes past without him claiming to have met the King of the Birds in a castle in the clouds,’ Mrs Bear said, dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief, ‘or to have fallen down a hole in Nutwood forest that turns out to be a gnomes’ mine.’ Mr Bear gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
‘Don’t despair,’ the psychologist said, ‘there are various strategies we can... we can...’ He tailed off.
‘Are you all right?’ said Mr Bear.
The psychologist frowned. ‘I’ve just realised that I’m sitting here having a conversation with a family of... bears.’
‘What makes you think we’re bears?’