A LIFE OF DIVERSITY vi
(Autistic author)
Plankton's sobs grew softer in Karen's embrace, his
tiny body trembling with the weight of his emotions.
"I-it's okay," Karen whispered, stroking his antennae
gently. "You can like jellyfish all you want, sweetheart."
Sponge Bob watched from a distance, his heart heavy.
He had never seen Plankton like this, vulnerable and hurt.
He knew the two of them had their differences, but this
was different.
Plankton's sobs grew quieter, but the pain didn't leave
his eye. Karen held him tight, filled with a fiery
determination. "Plankton," she whispered soothingly.
"You don't have to change who you are because of this."
He pulled away slightly, his antennae drooping as he looked
at her. "But what if jellyfish are all Plankton good for?" he
murmured, his voice still monotone but filled with a depth
of emotion that tugged at Karen's heartstrings.
"Plankton, you're more than just jellyfish," Karen said, voice
firm yet gentle. "You're a smart, resourceful, and determined
little creature. You've always been so much more than that."
The room was still, the only sound was Plankton's sniffs.
His antennae drooped, and he looked up at her, his single
eye red and puffy from crying. "But Karen," he whispered, his
voice monotone yet filled with emotion, "it's all Plankton know
now."
Karen's eyes shone with empathy. "That's not true, darling," she
said, her voice soothing. "You're capable of so much more. We
just have to figure out how to navigate this new world together."
Sponge Bob hovered awkwardly, unsure of what to do. "Is there
anything I can do to help?" he offered.
Karen nodded, her tentacles tightening around Plankton. "Could
you be with him while I admonish Patrick?"
"Of course," Sponge Bob said, moving closer to Plankton.
Plankton's antennae quivered slightly as he nodded.
"I'll be right outside," Karen said, her voice gentle.
Sponge Bob nodded, his gaze focused on Plankton's small
trembling form. "I've got him," he said, his eyes filled with
understanding and a newfound respect for the tiny creature
before him.
As Karen left to talk to Patrick
Sponge Bob sat down beside
Plankton, his own heart aching
for his friend's pain. He knew
that Plankton was going through
a difficult time, and he wanted to
be there for him.
Meanwhile, outside the Chum Bucket, Karen found Patrick
still standing there, his expression a mix of confusion and
amusement. "Patrick," she began, her voice sharp, "You need
to understand something."
Patrick looked at her with his usual vacant stare. "What's up, Karen?"
"You have to understand, Patrick," she began, her voice tight
with tension. "Plankton's... he's different now."
Patrick's smile faded as he met Karen's stern gaze. "Different?"
Karen sighed, trying to find the words. "Plankton's had an... accident,"
she said. "It's changed him."
Patrick's eyes widened slightly. "What do you mean, changed?"
Karen took a deep breath, trying to find the words to explain
the complex situation in a way that would make sense to
someone like Patrick. "Plankton's had a... a bump on the noggin,"
she said, her tentacles gesturing to her own head. "It's affected
the way he thinks, the way he sees the world."
Patrick's eyes widened in surprise. "Whoa, that's heavy, Karen," he
said, his tone more serious than it had been in a long time. "Is he ok?"
"Well, he's alive," Karen said, her voice tight with frustration. "But
he's not the same, Patrick. He's... different."
Patrick's smile faded as he took in her words, his eyes finally
showing a glimmer of understanding. "What happened?" he
asked, his tone serious for once.
"It's complicated, Patrick," Karen said. "But the important thing is
he's a new version of himself. So you can choose to be nice to him
or just leave."
Patrick's face fell, the gravity of the situation finally sinking in. "But
I didn't know, Karen," he protested, his voice small. "How was I
supposed to know?"
"It's not about knowing, Patrick," Karen said, her voice firm. "It's about
being a good friend. And if you can't do that, then maybe it's time for
you to rethink what friendship really means."
Patrick's expression grew contemplative. "But Karen," he
began, his voice tentative, "what if Plankton's... you know, not
right in the head anymore?"
"Patrick, that's not funny," she snapped. "This isn't a game.
This is real life. And Plankton's life has changed in ways
you can't even begin to understand."
Patrick looked down at his feet, his usual jovial expression
replaced by one of contemplation. "I didn't mean to be a jerk,"
he mumbled.
"I know you didn't mean to," Karen said, her tone
softening slightly. "But you need to be more considerate."
Patrick nodded, his cheeks flushing. "I'll be nicer," he
promised, his eyes darting to the Chum Bucket door.
"Good," Karen said firmly, then turned back to the Chum Bucket.
She opened the door to find Plankton still on the floor, clutching
the jellyfish book. His antennae perked up as she entered.
Sponge Bob looked up, his expression a mix of sadness and
determination. "I think he's okay."
Plankton sniffled, his antennae drooping. "Jellyfish," he
murmured, his voice a monotone whisper.
Karen's expression softened as she saw the pain in his eye. "It's
okay, Plankton," she said, her tentacles reaching out to comfort
him. "You don't have to be anything other than who you are."
Sponge Bob nodded in agreement. "You're still the same Plankton
we know and love."