No. 421 and Oliver picked up the picnic basket and started down the path to the Ferretone Falls for a day in the sun. The two friends had been working hard and needed a day off. Ferrets were gathering at the Falls for a fun day with dancing, dooking, and music by Sammy and his band. The band had been practicing every night and were ready for the big day. Oliver was bringing his ball, and hoped to find enough ferrets for a game. The two friends topped the hill and saw the Receiving Angel hurrying toward them. "The Boss sent me to ask a special favor," the Receiving Angel said. "One of our Bridge Greeters can't work today. Could you take some time out to greet a little ferret boy coming our way? This is a special request from the big Boss, so if you can help, we would appreciate it." Oliver and No. 421 looked at each other and nodded. "Sure, we can help," No. 421 said. And Oliver mentally thought he would have at least one ferret for the ball game. Things were definitely looking up. No. 421 told Oliver to take the basket to the Falls, and tell everyone he would be along but he would be bringing a guest and be just a little late. "When you get there, try to find Griffin, Chloe, Osiris, Kassia and Billy," No. 421 said. "They will be happy to welcome Albert to the Bridge. He can come to the Ferret Fun Day and it will be a nice welcome for him." The two friends parted and No. 421 hurried over to the Bridge. "I can tell the Boss you have it under control?" the Receiving Angel said. "Albert passed the end of April, so he is probably down in the meadow on the other side of the Bridge. I'll send Blue Bird to get him and send him across." "No problem," No. 421 said. "We have plenty of food and the more ferrets we have the more fun we will have. Send him over." A few minutes later, a big albino boy started across the Bridge. "Hello there," called No. 421. "Who might you be?" "My name is Albert, Momma Staci called me Prince Albert," the ferret said. "Momma went to a party, I settled down to take a nap and wait for her, and here I am. What happened?" "You have passed over to the Rainbow Bridge," No. 421 said. "You will wait here for your Mom to come and collect you when it is her time to cross. We have some of your family here, and they will be happy to see you. We were just going to a Fun Day, and you can come as my guest." Prince Albert looked at No. 421. "Are you sure I'm going to like it here?" he asked. "What about my Momma? Won't she miss me?" "Yes she will," No. 421 said. "But, lets go the Fun Day and you can send a message back to her." The two ferrets hurried down the path and across the field to the Ferretone Falls. Oliver had found Griffin, Chloe, Osiris, Kassia and Billy. With Albert, he had enough ferrets for a game. "Hey Albert, that you?" Griffin called. "Fellers, look whose here. How you doing ol' buddy, how are things at the house?" Albert dooked and hugged his family members and the gang sat down to catch up on all the news. Gentle Breeze came over and ruffled Albert's fur and said she would take a message back to Momma Staci. "Tell her I am fine now," Albert said. "I have found my family, I am feeling good, and I'm going to a party. Tell her not to feel bad about leaving me, as I just went to sleep to wait for her. I love you Mom, and I'll see you when you get here." He packed some hugs and kisses in a puffy cloud and told Gentle Breeze to please take them to Momma Staci. Gentle Breeze left the party, pushing the little cloud ahead of her. Sammy and the band started to play, and the grill was fired up. Raisin Kabobs were put on to cook, with banana slices on the side. Ferrets everywhere were playing ball, swimming in the pool, and Billy told Albert they had an extra room and he could move right in with them. No. 421 just sat back and enjoyed the day. He would fill in his logbook tonight, but for now, he was going to just have fun. Fang and Honey had just arrived with a big basket of goodies, and Buddy was behind them carrying two big jugs of sweet lemonade. Oliver had his ball game going, and No. 421 was happy. His mission was complete, and he could sit here in the sun with his shades on, work on his tan, and watch those two cute little girl ferrets. [Posted in FML 6336]