Team8s and Counting Onwards

"Sack?" Donut knocked on the door to his room. Sprinkle was already in the car with Barf Bag, ready to go.

"Yeah?" Sack responded from the other end of the door.

Donut smiled, opening the door. "We're going to head over to the store! If you and Sprinkle are good, you guys can get a treat at the end!"

Sack's eyes widened. "A treat?"

Donut nodded. "Oh yes, but only if you guys are good!"

Sack went running down the stairs, waving his arms around. "I want a treat, I want a treat!"

Phew. Donut thought to himself. What Sack didn't know is that Donut wasn't telling the full truth. Yes, they were going to the store, but it wasn't just any store: it was the pharmacy. It was time for the kids to get their shots for the wintertime. Saw had noted that flu season was especially bad in the preschool this year, so Barf Bag and Donut knew it was important to do everything to make sure the kids stayed healthy.

Only one problem: Sack did not like shots. At every doctor's appointment, when he had to get a shot, it was a whole production. Sack would never hold still, and it sometimes took both of the parents to hold him down, and it almost always ended in tears. The poor boy was traumatized at the idea of a needle getting poked into his arm, and Donut knew that if he knew the truth, there was no chance that he would get in the car.

As Donut walked down the stairs, he saw Sack already bouncing around by the front door, his excitement bubbling over. "Let's go, let's go! I want my treat!"

Donut forced a smile. "Alright, buddy, let's get going."

Sack bolted outside, nearly tripping over his own feet as he scrambled into the car. Barf Bag gave Donut a knowing look from the driver's seat, already buckling Sprinkle in. Donut sighed and got into the passenger seat, bracing himself for what was to come.

The drive to the pharmacy was uneventful, filled with Sack and Sprinkle chatting about what kind of treat they were hoping for. Sack was dead set on a lollipop, while Sprinkle was considering a small toy if they were lucky. Donut nodded along, occasionally making affirming noises, but his mind was on the challenge ahead.

As soon as they pulled into the parking lot, Sack's eyes darted to the store sign. His smile faltered when he . "Wait... this isn't the treat store."

Donut cleared his throat. "Well... it's a store. And there are treats inside!"

Sack's eyes darted at his Barf Bag. "Is he telling the truth, Mommy?"

Barf Bag gulped. "Oh yes, there are plenty of treats inside."

Sack still wasn't 100% confident in his parents, but he went with it anyway. Him and Sprinkle walked next to each other, thinking about their treats. "So Sprinkle, what treat are you going to get?"

Sprinkle thought about it. "Maybe a chocolate bar, but remember, we have to get our shots first!"

Sack froze in place. "...you mean I have to take shots now whenever I eat like you do?"

Barf Bag and Donut realized what was going on, and Barf Bag grabbed Sack's hand. "Heh, Silly Sprinkle!" Barf Bag looked at Sprinkle firmly, knowing that he almost blew their cover. "Sack, you don't have to get shots every time you eat, I promise." Barf Bag and Donut scurried into the store before Sack got any more suspicious.

Inside the pharmacy, the bright shelves of snacks and candy were an instant distraction. Sack's eyes widened as he scanned the colorful wrappers, momentarily forgetting his growing suspicions.

"Ooh, look! They have gummy bears!" Sprinkle pointed excitedly.

Sack grinned. "And lollipops! I want the red one!"