Change your mind

How does it feel to be normal, to be like everyone else? Why is the majority against those who are only noticeably different from everyone else? Tails asked these questions every time, the answers to which, alas, he could not find… As soon as he was born, his parents immediately abandoned him, and all because the baby was born with two tails. To be born a Mobian with more than one tail was considered something of an ugliness. That’s why Tails' father and mother, seeing in him not a child, but some kind of small monster, so easily abandoned him. The baby could have been sent to an orphanage if his uncle, who is a distant relative of the Prower family, had not appeared in time. Mr. Fox was very friendly with the Prowers. But when he found out what the parents were going to do with the newborn baby, he tried to come for his nephew as soon as possible, before it was too late. Having issued guardianship, he took the baby to himself, practically becoming a father to him. Miles, or as Mr. Fox liked to call the boy “Tails” because of the tails, grew up sweet and kind. Although he was curious and restless, but he was obedient. Also, the old fox noticed how his ward was very interested in various kinds of mechanics. Mr. Fox was even glad of this, because he himself liked to tinker with machinery and various mechanisms. He showed the kid how this or that mechanism works, how to fix it, what tools and how to use them correctly. He encouraged him when the fox tried to repair cars and equipment. And I was even surprised that the two-tailed fox cub, in addition to repairs, also invented unusual gizmos. In general, Tails' life could have been happy if it hadn’t been for the bullies. They constantly teased him about tails and inventions, and also threw dirt and other garbage at him. Fortunately, the fox cub had a guardian who protected him. However, due to his poor health, the old man could not always help the boy, and he had to run away and hide from bullies. But one day something happened that the little fox did not expect… His uncle was gone… And now he was all alone… Since the parents definitely will not come to pick up their “ugly” son, the boy will be sent to a shelter. Tails had heard from his uncle when he was alive that the orphanage was a terrible place where children, not knowing parental love and affection, are cruel and heartless. Such an unusual kid like him will be constantly beaten and humiliated. They will be worse than the hooligans that the little fox knew. And the thought that he could get there made Tails run away from the village, where he had lived for 6 years with his beloved uncle. Hiding in the forest from prying eyes, he took a deep breath, and then slowly walked forward. “Why? Why do they hate me so much? Why do they do this? What have I done wrong to them?” — the questions were spinning in his head. He involuntarily remembered that he had asked the same questions to his guardian, and he answered it like this: “It’s just easier for many to offend those who are smaller and weaker than them than to do something good. And unfortunately, not everyone likes such people who differ too much in appearance due to, for example, some shortcomings. But the fact that you have two tails does not mean that you are a freak or a monster. Not at all. It’s just that each of us is unique in his own way. Therefore, remember, Miles, you should not be sad and sad because of your uniqueness, on the contrary, you should be proud of it.” But despite such inspiring words, the fox cub did not really believe in it, especially in those moments when he heard the laughter of bullies. After taking a few more steps, Tails stopped and, unable to stand it, began to cry from the surging emotions. He was crying because of those hooligans who constantly bullied him, because of the death of his beloved Mobian, because no one needed him anymore. If he had ended up in an orphanage, he would hardly have been taken away from there by foster parents. No one but his uncle wanted to be with him. — Why are you crying, kiddo? — suddenly someone’s sonorous voice was heard. Tails turned around and, startled, gave a startled cry. — Oh, sorry I scared you, buddy. I didn’t mean to scare you, really, — the stranger, a blue green—eyed hedgehog, said, scratching his head in embarrassment, and then continued, turning to the little fox. — Is there anything I can help you with? Are you lost or something? Tails said nothing, not daring to answer. After all, he had heard from his uncle that you can’t talk to strangers. — Come on, kid. I just want to help, — the hedgehog asked a little insistently for an answer. The fox cub looked at him. The blue hedgehog seemed quite friendly, his mischievous eyes were full of tenderness and warmth. But the boy has not yet decided to trust. What if he’s so friendly just because he hasn’t seen two fox tails yet? What will he be like if he sees them? — I… um… I don’t need any help, — the fox cub finally replied. — Yeah? Are you sure about this? — Absolutely sure. — Then… Why did you cry? If something has happened to you, then tell me and I will help solve this problem. — I really don’t need anything. Thank you. — Kid, I’m sorry if I’m so persistent… But when I see someone crying, I can’t get past him. Just tell me, please, what kind of trouble has happened to you. I really want to help you, — said the hedgehog, kneeling down to be on the same level as the fox cub. Tails involuntarily moved his tails when the stranger was at a close distance with him. And the hedgehog noticed a movement out of the corner of his eye, which surprised him by opening his mouth slightly. That’s what Tails was afraid of… — Whoa… Do you have two tails? What is it? — he asked in surprise. The frightened fox cub immediately backed away until he bumped into a tree. — Hush, hush. I was just surprised, — the hedgehog began to calm down, holding out his palms. — I’ve just never seen anyone have two tails. — Aren’t you… going to… laugh?.. — not expecting such a reaction of the hedgehog, the fox asked timidly. — No. What am I laughing at? — blue didn’t understand him. — And to call names or tease?.. Or… or even throw dirt at me? — No! The answer was so loud that Tails flinched. He, looking at the hedgehog stunned by his words, was a little surprised by the reaction of that. — Why?.. Why would I do all this to you? — he was still in shock from what he heard, and then the boy explained: — Just because of my tails, all the children laugh at me, tease and offend me. And adults turn their noses away, barely noticing me. My parents also abandoned me because of this… — And no one was kind to you?.. — There was one… But… now he’s gone… — Oh… I’m sorry for your loss… — Thank you, — said Tails, sighing, and then continued: — And now… I was left alone… — I’m sorry for you, kid. This… It was so wrong of them to do this to you… — the hedgehog stood up and cast an angry glance somewhere to the side, while clenching his fists. — Tease, humiliate a small child in every possible way… This… This is simply unthinkable! — So you won’t hurt me?.. Two—tail asked timidly. It seemed that only now the hedgehog remembered about the baby. Turning to him, he replied: — Of course not! I protect the weak and defenseless, not offend them! I really don’t like hooligans who think that no one will punish them for their actions, and everything is allowed to them, — he growled slightly at the last words, but after looking at the fox, he instantly calmed down and continued: — As I said, I can’t pass by those who are in trouble. I always try to help in some way. By the way, I forgot to introduce myself… I’m Sonic. Sonic the hedgehog. And you? —M… Miles… Miles Prower. But… you can just say “Tails”, — Tails stammered a little. — Very cool name “Tails”. I like it. And your tails are wonderful, even cool, I would say. —Do you… do you think so?.. — Yeah! — Sonic grinned. — Besides, not being like everyone else is very cool in its own way. — I… no one told me I could be cool, — Tails was embarrassed. — Well, now you know you’re cool. And don’t think about those jerks. If I meet them, they will regret that they offended you. And you don’t have to be afraid of them anymore. If anything, I’ll protect you. — Thank you… — By the way… Do you know where you can find a mechanic? I was flying on a plane, but something broke down there, as a result of which I had to land. — I could help fix the plane! — the fox cub volunteered. — You? — Sonic was slightly surprised. — Yes. I am very well versed in mechanics, and I also like to make. — Wow! Thank you, friend! In a way, I was even lucky to meet you. — A friend?.. Did you call me a friend?.. Tails asked incredulously. — Well, yes. I like making friends. Besides, you seem to need a friend yourself. — Do you really want to be friends with me?.. — Why not! I would be all for it,” the hedgehog grinned. Tails just couldn’t believe his luck. After all, earlier in the day he was all alone, and now he has a friend. He also remembered the words of his late uncle: “Although it’s easier for many to be bad, but you don’t need to do bad yourself. It is necessary, on the contrary, to try to do good, even if it will not be easy. Therefore, there are not only evil and bad people in the world, but also good ones. If you find such a good person, it means that he may well become your friend and faithful companion, protecting you from various troubles. So don’t despair if you don’t have any friends right now, Miles. Friends will definitely appear in a timely manner. And you won’t be alone.” — Tell me, Tails, would you like to live with me? I could take care of you…” Sonic asked uncertainly, scratching his head in embarrassment. Tails smiled back. — Yes, of course. I’m all for it. Grinning, Sonic gave his hand to the fox cub, helping him to stand up. — Great! Then go ahead! And it was from that day that the life of one little extraordinary fox changed for the better, thanks to which Tails eventually became the same hero as his blue friend, Sonic the hedgehog. But that was a completely different story…