One fine day in the Hundred Acre Wood, Rabbit was in his garden harvesting carrots. The sun was shining, the breeze was cool but not cold, and it was altogether restful and pleasant.
Suddenly Rabbit heard the sound of rapidly accelerating paws and the jubilant cry "RABBIT-IT'S-SO-GOOD-TO-SEE-YOU-CAN-I-GIVE-YOU-A-HUG?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!"
Rabbit froze, his eyes widening, his jaw drooping, his shoulders sagging...
And Tigger, his legs already beginning the pounce, saw what was happening and course-corrected. He landed on his back in a flurry of limbs several yards to the side of Rabbit rather than on top of him, scrambled back to his feet and trotted slowly up to Rabbit, his expression changed in a moment from joy to concern and (it must be noted) shame.
"Aw no, aw jeez, aw buddy boy, I'm so sorry, aw no aw no he was catatonic a whole ten minutes last time I forgot, aw man we worked on this so much in therapy and I KNOW how trauma works now and I still ... aw no... Rabbit can ya hear me buddy boy? You're safe, buddy boy, breathe... inhale... hold it... exhale... wait... picture that square, Rabbit, keep breathing, I'm sorry I'm so sorry..."
Within moments, Rabbit's frozen thousand-yard stare thawed into a warm smile. Rabbit took Tigger's paw and patted it, saying, "Thank you, dear friend, that was MUCH better than last time. It wasn't perfect, but it was MUCH better and I want you to be proud of the steps you're taking in the right direction. I can see how hard you've been working on respecting my boundaries and my needs. I would LOVE a hug now."
As the friends embraced (with affection and mutual enthusiasm and consent), Rabbit added, "I really appreciate that you gave me a Tigger warning."
