A LIFE OF DIVERSITY x
(Autistic author)
"Jellyfish... help Plankton think."
Mr. Krabs's eyes narrowed as he studied Plankton. "So, you're telling
me that jellyfish... they help you?"
Plankton nodded, his antennae waving slightly. "Yes, Mr. Krabs," he
murmured. "They're... comforting."
Mr. Krabs's expression softened, the realization of the depth of Plankton's
connection to jellyfish dawning on him. "Well, in that case," he said, his
voice gruff but kind, "maybe we can find a way to make peace. No more
stealing, Plankton."
Plankton's antennae quivered as he
met Mr. Krabs's gaze. "No more
stealing," he murmured, his voice firm.
"Plankton loves jellyfish now."
Mr. Krabs's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Loves jellyfish?"
he repeated, his voice filled with skepticism. "You're giving
up your life's work for these... blobs of jelly?"
"It's a special interest," she explained. "It brings him comfort
and helps him make sense of the world. And who knows, maybe
it'll lead him to something amazing."
Mr. Krabs's claw tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Well, if jellyfish are
what you love, Plankton," he said slowly, "then I guess we can find
a way to... coexist."
Plankton's antennae perked up at the word, his monotone voice
cracking with hope. "Coexist?"
Mr. Krabs nodded, his expression uncharacteristically thoughtful.
"Maybe," he said, his voice gruff but not unkind. "But you've got to
promise me no more stealing."
"No more stealing," Plankton murmured, his antennae waving slightly.
"Jellyfish... Plankton's friends now."
Mr. Krabs studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Alright," he said
gruffly. "But you've got to promise me something in return."
"What?" Plankton's monotone voice was filled with caution.
Mr. Krabs leaned in, his expression serious. "You gotta promise
me, Plankton, that you'll keep on sharing this... this love for
jellyfish," he said, the words strange and foreign in his mouth.
"Maybe even teach others about 'em."
Plankton nodded, his antennae
quivering with excitement. "Teach," he
murmured, his monotone voice
cracking. "Plankton can do that."
They had never seen Mr. Krabs and Plankton get along, let alone
discuss something other than Krabby Patties. The atmosphere
had shifted from tension to something almost... friendly.
"Come on, Plankton," Karen urged gently. "Let's get you home."
With a heavy heart, Plankton picked up his box of jellyfish, his
antennae drooping slightly. "Home," he
murmured. "Chum Bucket."
Sandy and Karen exchanged glances, their expressions filled
with hope and trepidation. But they also knew that with their
support and understanding, he could find a new path, one
that didn't involve stealing Krabby Patties or fighting with Krabs.
The group walked back to the Chum Bucket.
Once inside, Plankton carefully placed his jellyfish figurines
on a shelf that he had cleared out earlier, his antennae quivering
with satisfaction as he arranged them in a pattern that only he
understood. The room was a stark contrast to its usual cluttered
state, with everything in its place and the once-messy floor now a
canvas of neatness.
Karen watched. "What are you thinking
Plankton?" she asked softly.
"Chum Bucket," he murmured, his antennae waving slightly. "Home.
Different now."
Sandy looked around the tidy space, her eyes wide with amazement.
"You've really turned this place around, Plankton," she said, her voice
filled with genuine admiration.
Plankton nodded, his antennae twitching slightly. "Needed... order," he
murmured, his monotone voice filled with a hint of pride. "Jellyfish like
order."
The three of them sat down at a small table, the weight of their
conversation lingering in the air like a fine mist. Karen reached out.
"You know, Plankton," she began, "you don't have to hide anymore.
You can be you, with your jellyfish and your quirks, and we'll all still
be here for you."
Plankton's antennae quivered, his eye blinking rapidly as he took in
her words. "Be me?" he murmured, his
voice filled with doubt.
"Yes," Sandy said, her voice firm. "You're still you, Plankton. Autism is just
a part of you, like how jellyfish are part of the ocean."
Plankton studied them, his antennae still, processing their words. It was a
lot to take in, but he felt a warmth
spread through his tiny body.
"You really mean it?" he murmured, his monotone voice cracking.
Karen and Sandy nodded in unison. "We do," Karen assured.
A LIFE OF DIVERSITY → THE LIFE OF UNITY
(leads into the sequel if u like but make sure to read A LIFE OF DIVERSITY i - x first)