Colin and his Hitchhikers
By: Jon Stewart
(© 2019 by the author)

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

jstewart@tickiestories.us

Chapter 3
Shep

The sun again shone bright through Colin's bedroom. He untangled himself from sexy naked Jimmy first and then from Josh. He wiggled out from between them and made for the bathroom. He took his pee and got in the shower. Shortly, again he heard the pee splashing the water toilet and then boys at the shower door.

"Can we shower with you like yesterday?" Josh asked.

"Come on in boys, you didn't shower last night."

A sleepy Jimmy asked, " Pops, can you wash me."

"Hey don't forget me, Pops," Josh sang out.

The boys were regressing more and more it seemed to Pops. It was like they had to be so strong for so long and so grown up. Now without that pressure, they were little boys again less mature than their years. Colin didn't know how to cope with it other than to humor and accept their regression. He knew he had to talk to Chris about it.

Pops soaped up his wash cloth and started on Jimmy. He did his chest and raised one arm and got his arm pit, then around the back and between his crack, back to the front and over his groin and pecker. He dropped down to one knee and did his thighs and again around the back again, then down his legs to his ankles . He helped Jimmy pick up one foot and Jimmy held on to his shoulders to steady himself. As Pops did Jimmy's feet and the bottom on his toes, it tickled and Jimmy squirmed around brushing his middle into pop's face. Pops looked up Jimmy was laughing from the tickles.

"I'm sorry Pops, it tickles."

Smiling, Pops, said, "It's ok Jimmy, try to stay still while I do the other foot."

"Yes Pops."

Josh had been watching all the attention Jimmy was getting and it gave him a boner. He was waiting for Pops to wash him just like Jimmy. He couldn't help but rub himself.

Pops, got Jimmy's other foot and Jimmy squirmed a bit but didn't fall into Pops.

"OK, bud rinse off."

"Don't I need my hair washed?"

"Rinse off and I'll wash your hair after I wash, Josh."

Josh smiled he was happy it was his turn.

"Looks like your one eyed buddy wants to splash out some baby makers?"

"'Yeah, I don't know why."

"After we shower we'll have that talk about woodies."

"YEAH!!" yelled Jimmy.

"Do you need me to wash you?"

Josh looked down and nodded his head; he uttered a weak little "yes"

Pops, just used his hands, no wash cloth, fearing it would be too rough on Josh's back.

Again down on one knee, he soaped his hands and did Josh's chest, he went to Josh's back and as gently as possible washed the welts and bruises there. Josh's breath deepened and quickened. Pops continued over his butt and between his crack. Josh utter "OHH, OHH," he grabbed onto Pops. Wrapped his arms around Pops' neck with his middle against his chest. Josh's boned up so very hard pecker twitched once and then again and again and let out his baby makers. Splash after splash hit pop's chest. Josh held onto Pops squeezing him. Pops rinsed his soapy hands and held Josh to him. Josh had his head on pop's shoulder. Josh started crying uncontrollably.

"It's ok Josh, its ok. Nothing to worry about."

Josh sobbing like a baby cried out,"I'm so sorry Pops, I'm sorry. So sorry"

"Nothing to be sorry about."

"I don't know what's wrong with me." He continued to cry. "I don't want to be big anymore."

"It's ok you can be my little boy here in the house and outside you only have to be 13 years old. I'll help take care of Jimmy. You don't have to protect him, I WILL, one will hurt you or Jimmy again."

Pops picked Josh up and rinsed him off. Then out of the shower and dried him as well as himself. He got a towel around his middle and one around Josh.

He was sitting on the toilet and holding Josh on his lap. "Jimmy your hair isn't very dirty, we can wash it tomorrow."

Jimmy seeing the upset state of his brother said, "Right Pops, I'll be out in a second you take care of Josh."

Pops took Josh out to his bed and sat down and rocked Josh as if he was a much, much, younger child. After a few minutes he asked, "Do you want me to put the lotion on your back?"

Josh nodded yes and laid face down on the bed. Pops got the lotion and from neck to knee applied it to Josh. Jimmy came in with (SURPRISE) a towel wrapped his middle. He laid down next to Josh and held his hand.

Tears were falling from his eyes, "I'm so sorry you got so hurt bad for me. Thank you so much, you are the best big brother ever. Pops is gonna take care of both of us now. You can just be my big brother who is the best baseball player ever."

Pops applied the lotion to Jimmy.

Josh still lying face down, lifted his head and asked softly, "Pops tell us about woodies.".

"Well, woodies are big hard penises. There anything else."

The two yelled "POPS!!"

"Ok, ok, well your pecker has two jobs, pissing which is boring and sending out baby makers (the fancy adult word for them is sperm), which it loves to do. It can't put the baby makers into a girl if it is all soft and squishy. Girls you know have kind of tight hole called a vagina. To get in, your pecker has to be hard and strong. Then by rubbing inside the nice warm vagina, most guys call it a pussy, even girls call it a pussy; anyway by rubbing your baby makers shoot up inside the girl and find her eggs and make a baby. You probably know most of that from sex education. Anyway your pecker thinks this is the coolest thing it can do and it's right. There is just one problem: your pecker is not very smart. He is very enthusiastic but sure ain't smart. So at the least little thing he says to himself, "Baby Making Time," gotta get ready and he stands up hard and tall. The fancy proper name is called getting an erection. Especially when you are young, when you first are able to have baby makers, your pecker goes crazy and likes to practice. It can even splash out your baby makers when you are asleep at night, while you are dreaming it gets big and hard and splashes them out. Maybe you get naked to shower... ut oh it thinks time to get ready and stands up big and strong but there is no girl there to make babies; it's not very smart. Most times looking at a book or talking about sexy stuff or seeing sexy stuff will wake him up. He has a mind of his own and he always wants to splash out his baby makers. One time a boy kissed a girl after dancing and his pecker was so sure it was time; he sprang a big woodie. The boy said not now stupid to himself. He thought it was only to himself, but the girl heard him. She thought it was sweet because his pecker liked her so much. He likes it when you rub him and when you use up some of the sperm you make it gets tired and doesn't need to let out the sperms or practice so much. That's kind of what I know about woodies and your pecker. Oh your pecker is called lots of names like dick, cock, Johnson, one eyed buddy. Do you have any questions?"

"So why did Brown want to put his pecker in me?"

"Hmm, well, the human body is made up of a million different chemical and electrical connections. It is an amazing thing, really amazing. In each person there is an ... lets call it an attraction switch ...The attraction switch kind of gets turned on during puberty. Puberty is happening to you now Josh and will be soon for Jimmy. It is when you change from a boy to a man. It is a slow process in some ways but way too fast in others. It lets you have physical capabilities like having baby makers but doesn't let your feelings and understanding grow at the same rate. Most guys are attracted to girls. God made most guys that way so they would always make babies and there would be the continuation of the specie. But God also made guys who are attracted to guys and girls attracted to girls. It's called being gay or homosexual. He also made folks who are attracted to young people and not older people. He made people with girl parts but a man's brain and feelings and girls with boy's parts. These things happen in nature, in animals as well. It's a matter of the attraction switch you are given. But all people should have caring for the person they are having sex with. There needs to be a control in everyone when to have sex. Is your partner willing and wanting like you are? If the answer to that question is no then right minded caring people keep it in their pants. I'm guessing Brown is attracted to young and gay and does not have the control he should. That's the best, I can do for you Josh. "

"Wow, there is a lot to having woodies."

Pops smiled, "yes there is Josh."

"How about breakfast, it's time to get dressed now. Put on some of those sexy new clothes and let me see how good you look. Is this the suppose to find a dog day?"

"YES IT IS AND YOU KNOW IT" Jimmy yelled.

"Oh are you coming with us nature boy."

"Pops stop teasing, it was one night without clothes and I liked it. Of course, I'll wear clothes outside."

"OK Jimmy, I'll not tease any more.... How about oatmeal with blue berries for breakfast? "

"Yeah that sounds super yummy, Pops. Would you like that Josh?"

"Yeah we used to have oatmeal with dad. Sure"

Colin thought back, yes, he and Timmy did have oatmeal a lot; often with blue berries.

"I remember your dad liked it, too."

"You got him breakfast?" Josh asked.

"Yeah, sometimes."

"I bet he did a lot of the things he did with us because he liked doing them with you."

"That's so nice of you to say Josh, I hope it's true. It would be nice to know. Scoot now clothes."

"Yes Sir Pops." Jimmy said as he scurried buck naked to the other bedroom.

Colin got dressed of course. The phone rang it was Robbie.

"Hey Colin, how is it going?"

"It's going; I didn't think having the boys would be soo exhausting. Do you think Chris could come up? Josh especially is having these periods of regression. I mean normally 13 year old boys do not want to be held on your lap and there's other stuff. I'm sure it's a reaction to finally getting away from that farm and that scum Brown. Who wouldn't have issues after what he's been through?"

"You still want to keep them don't you?"

"Oh yes, now more than ever. I love them Robbie more than life itself. Do you have any news?"

"Quite a bit actually. I sent the brief to doc Elsberry. I hope to have the hearing Monday in front of a Judge Goodman. Ironic name eh. I'll let you know later today. I don't want to give Brown and Children's Services a lot of time to prepare. The lawyer, doc recommended, Derik Pulaski, is excellent. He has Judge Goodman's ear as well and is going to alert him of the more criminal issues in the custody hearing. He has connections with law enforcement and the prosecutor's office to go after Brown and Silver. Already there is a plan in place to get a sample of Brown's DNA. The local sheriff's office is going to call him on the pretext of needing information on the runaway boys. Offer him coffee whatever and get the sample that way. Most ingenious, I think. He also is connected to the state director of Children's Services. He is going to quietly get a list of all of Silver's cases and start investigating each placement. No doubt if she is receiving a kick back from Brown there are others and other kids at risk. I love this man, really you must have had someone watching over you to have gone to doc Elsberry and him have the connection to Derik Pulaski. Just amazing, I am believing all the more in your story of Josh's dream."

"Great news, Robbie, Grreeat News!!! One thing, I think we have to protect the boys, especially Josh from any involvement with Brown or Silver. Maybe testimony in chambers or a different room with a video feed; do you think that can be arranged?"

"Excellent thought, I'll go over that with Pulaski. The plan is to arrest or at least hold both Brown and Silver at the hearing. At Brown's trial Josh will have to testify. But we will have time to prepare him as well as Chris working with him. I would like to come up this weekend with Chris. If it's all right; we can get a motel; if space is an issue."

"I would love some adult company. Yes, please come Robbie. We will manage; please no motel. I want you to get to know the boys. They are fantastic. You and Chris will both love them. When will you be up?"

"Is tomorrow morning ok?"

"YES, YES, tomorrow it is. Hey we got a late start with a few complications this morning; so I gotta get breakfast and then find a dog breeder. If there isn't anything else; I'll see you tomorrow; text when you are getting close."

"Will do. I'll see you tomorrow. Have fun dog shopping."

"Thanks Robbie, you are the best."

Colin started whistling "A Happy, Happy Tune" as he went to make breakfast. While he was on the phone the boys had occupied themselves with TV. The oatmeal was instant and the berries only needed washing. He put out cream and sugar. "Hey where is my coffee maker and table setter?"

"Waiting on you Pops."

Jimmy jumped to the coffee maker and turned it on and filled the water. Josh put out bowls and silverware. In two minutes they sat for breakfast.

"You sure perked up," Josh said.

"Well I just heard from my lawyer friend, Robbie. Seems we got a real good team working for you guys. I think we are gonna nail Brown good, real good as well as Silver. He is coming up from New Jersey, tomorrow to go over stuff and will stay over for the hearing Monday. He is bringing his partner Chris. They are gay and great people; no, need to be afraid. You'll see they are so nice. They would stay at a motel if you are not comfortable but I said no. I didn't have the chance to ask you. You think it's all right?"

"I can't go through life thinking every guy is like the scum bag Brown. So sure, I mean they have already been helping us. It would be mean to not be nice to them." Josh said.

"Yeah, I guess, I bet you are going to say I can't be nature boy. Aren't you?"

"Yes I am Jimmy."

"OK, but maybe I'll shower with them."

Pops and Josh broke out laughing.

"No Jimmy O'Shea, No way... you can shower with Josh or by yourself. It's time for you to respect adult privacy."

"Aww Pops that's no fun."

"Too bad, James O'Shea"

Josh was laughing and laughing almost turning blue.

"What's so funny, Joshua O'Shea?"

Josh caught his breath and babbled out," You sounded just like dad; when Jimmy would get him really upset he would call him James O'Shea and me Joshua just like you just did."

"Yup and I would call him Timothy Scott O'Shea when he upset me, too."

They had a good laugh at that as well.

"Anyway, did you get the message, Jimmy?"

A contrite Jimmy said "Yes Pops, but I was only teasing you like you teased me about being nature boy."

"Really?"

"Yup, I wouldn't do that with someone who wasn't my grandpa. I only do that cause I love you and want to be with you all the time."

"Come here James O'Shea."

Jimmy got up off his chair and went over to Pops. Colin grabbed and held him tight and then started tickling his bony ribs, then kissed his head and cheeks a bunch of times and put him down.

" I only do that to boys I love and always want with me."

Josh was just sitting there kind of not in the game.

Joshua O"Shea, "come over here as well, you are complicit with your brother."

Josh did of course he was expecting the tickling but let Pops grab him and tickle his bony ribs and them Pops smothered him with kisses as well all over his face. Finally Pops put him down.

His sparkling blue eyes looked up at Pops and said "I love you, Pops" and he kissed Pops on his cheek. Jimmy did the same and said, "Me too Pops, I love you." A squeezy group hug was had by the three. Until Pops broke it, "Ok enough of this mushy stuff...let's find a German Shepherd dog kennel."

"But we like the mushy stuff Pops, don't we Josh?"

"Yes, we didn't get any at the farm."

"Ok one more hug."

The smiling boys jumped into his arms and Pops made like he was eating them and kissing their necks and ears, their cheeks got tons of kisses as well as their foreheads. Then he alternated tickling one and then the other.

"Stop Pops I gotta pee...please stop"

"Mee too Pops I gotta pee too." Jimmy said

They jumped up holding themselves and ran to the bathroom.

Pops cleaned up the breakfast dishes. Josh came in and helped. Jimmy said. "You didn't say nothing about our new clothes don't we look good."

"Sorry, you looked good enough to eat. Maybe I'll have some more. You are two very sharp looking guys. Don't go out and get married on me now. "

Things settled down and Pops got on the computer looking for German shepherd breeders. It was a little difficult with the two boys hanging on him but inside he loved it. He found one about 40 miles away and gave them a call. They had two pups, a male and a female, 3 months old, with all their shots and house broken. Colin talked price a little, $1500.00 was their firm bottom price. He was told the dog could be brought back for a full refund if there was any issues, whatever. Colin asked if the breed was good with 2 rambunctious boys, 11 and 13. He was assured their breed was super gentle with kids unless someone acted threateningly toward one of their masters. If you get a good trainer and we can recommend one they will protect when given the protect command and die for their masters if need be. Colin was impressed and promised to be there right after lunch. There were pictures of the two dogs. The female seemed standoffish but the male just acted like he loved everybody.

Jimmy saw a little video of him and said, "I like him." It was Josh who added the, "me too," this time.

"Should we take the ride then? Want to bring lunch?"

Josh said, "Yeah, you are spending so much money we should save where we can."

"Good level headed thinking Josh, I know why your dad left you in charge."

"I don't wanna be in charge any more Pops. You said that is your job."

"Right you are, son. I didn't mean it that you should be in charge now. But you showed good sense."

"Aww I like going out to eat."

"When you got the money to pay you can Jimmy. We can't waste Pops' money."

"OK, but I still like going out."

"We'll do it another time, Jimmy; maybe when Robbie and Chris are here."

Josh helped Pops, make ham and cheese sandwiches on rye bread with a little mayo and mustard. Between him and Pops they eat almost as much as they put in the sandwiches. Pops smiled at Josh as he popped another slice of cheese in his mouth. Josh slipped a piece of ham into his.

"Hey, what's going on over there, "Jimmy yelled.

Pops turned and said, "Noffin, Jimmmmie" with half the cheese falling out of his mouth.

"You guys are eating up all the savings."

"Yuff," Josh replied as he tried to swallow down his ham.

"Make the sandwiches and no more nibbling you hear Joshua O'Shea and you too Colin O'Brian."

"Yeff fir."

"Don't talk with your mouths full neither." Jimmy said as he went back to his TV watchin.

Packed up with the sandwiches and fruit drinks for the boys, cold green tea for Pops they were off.

The 45 minute drive went fast as the boys again debated whether baseball or basketball was the best sport. They also debated what to call the dog and decided on Shep. They pulled up a long drive to a nice sized ranch house. In the back yard were several dog houses, where the older breeding dogs were kept during good weather. A nice matronly lady came out of the house with 2 dogs on leashes.

"Hi, Mr. O'Brian?"

"Yes, Mrs. Galuchi?"

"Right you are; these are two dogs we have available." The female has been having a hard time lately but the male is full of all sorts of energy."

The male was pulling on the leash and wanting to say hello to the boys. "He wants to say hello. Do you want to take his leash Mr. O'Brian?"
"Sure."

With the pup being closer now to Jimmy he jumped up on Jimmy's chest and started licking him. He then went to Josh and sniffed and sniffed and licked his hand. Jimmy said "Here boy." But the pup stayed by Josh and licked him some more. Josh bent down to a knee and the pup licked his face over and over and then put his head on Josh's leg. Josh petted his back and scratched his ears. Mrs. Galuchi said, "You can hold his leash he won't run on you."

Josh took the leash and they took a little walk. Jimmy jumping up and down saying "let me hold him."

Mrs. Galuchi whispered to Colin, "Is the older boy alright, has he been hurt?"

"Well, to be honest he has been hurt I don't want to go into the details. Very perceptive of you."

"Oh it wasn't me it was the pup. See the way he jumped on the younger boy but not on the older. He licked his hand and when he bent down his face. How gentle he was with the older boy. He sensed the hurt. Dogs are amazing animals. He wants to give the older boy all the love he needs to heal."

"Really, that fast."

"Oh yes, their sense of smell somehow tells them. You will have a fine loving animal if you take him. He is so smart. One of the smartest dogs I've ever had and he is only 3 month old. I really should keep him and breed him. His father is getting old. He is 10 years old now and his mom is 8 years old. Dogs mellow as do people and a lot of that mellow, calmness can be transferred to their young. I love seeing my pups go to a situation where they will be loved and will love back. I can see those boys will be very good to the pup. You said you were interested in a trainer."

"Yes, I think that is important, don't you."

"Very much so, the man I would recommend will train the dog only with the love that is in his heart. When he is done, the dog will know almost a hundred commands. So, you and the dog will be better able to communicate. The dog will know what to do for you and that's all he will want. A Sheppard only wants to serve his master. In this case masters, he only wants to share his love unconditionally."

The boys came running back with the pup leading the way. He jumped on Jimmy, his paws on his chest. He was amazingly different with Josh and again licked his hand. Colin was in the process of paying Mrs. Galuchi; she dropped the price to $1300.00. "I love seeing my pups go to a good family, Mr. O'Brian and I can tell; yours will be the best for this pup. Could you maybe send me a picture of him with the boys every now and again?"

"It will be a pleasure. How big will he grow to?"

His father stands about 5 foot on his hind legs and weighs about 90 lbs. So somewhere close to that maybe a bit larger I would guess. When he's grown it would be a stupid man who would try to break into your house. Say if you want to breed him I would love to have his offspring. You can do that in another year or so. He'll be a little randy but looks like you'll have a couple of other randy ones around.``

Colin smiled he really liked Mrs. Galuchi, her pups were her babies. Her's certainly was not a puppy mill operation. "I think that would be a great experience for the boys as well. Could you put it on your calendar to contact me when you think he is ready, so we'll know when to bring him over? Mrs. Galuchi, I don't need to save the $200.00 could you give me some dog food for Shep, I think that is what we decided on the way over. This way he'll get what he is used to. And can I have your email, I'm sure questions will come up."

"My pleasure."

Pops took care of the payment. Mrs. Galuchi got Shep's food, leash and doggie bed. She hugged the pup. I hope to see you soon, Shep. Jimmy, Josh, DO NOT FEED SHEP PEOPLE FOOD. He will act like he wants it but do not do it; he can get sick from people food. OK Promise me."

"We won't, we promise. Thanks, Mrs. Galuchi; we'll bring him back to see you."

The boys and Shep played all afternoon. As dinner time came up Colin was busy preparing the meal. Tonight he vowed to eat healthy with baked tilapia fish, baked potatoes, and spinach. He garnished the fish with peppers, onions and mushrooms. The smells were getting him hungry.

Jimmy came in. "Pops, Shep only wants to stay with Josh. I don't know why; I was good with him."

"Yes I saw that, Mrs. Galuchi told me about that. Shep will want to play more with you but he senses Josh is hurting. And he is... not just the bruises on his back but inside, in his heart he is hurt. He took an awful beating to protect you, Jimmy. He is not that much older but he did it because your dad told him to take care of you. He's just sad inside in his heart that it hurt so much. As crazy as it seems, I bet he would do it again to protect you. Shep wants to help him heal by loving him as much as he can. Don't be jealous, maybe go over and hug him like Shep is. What do ya think?"

"Thanks, Pops. Thanks for splaining that. I'll do what you said and ask if I can be by him too."

"Good boy, you are a good brother too."

"Hey Josh, is it ok if I stay close to you too, like Shep is. He sure does love you."

"Sure, a guy needs all the hugs he can get. I don't know why Shep wants to stay by me."

"I do, cause you are the best big brother ever and he knows it."

"Aww you are getting all mushy."

"Maybe, but it is true." Jimmy sat on the floor and leaned into Josh, together they petted Shep and scratched his ears. Every now and then the pup would lift his head and kiss Josh, Then, he looked at Jimmy and kissed his hand, too.

Pops, looked on from the kitchen, he snapped a picture with his phone and sent it to Mrs. Galuchi with a one word caption in caps. THANKS. Shep was a member of the family.

"Ok come and get it guys, dinner is ready. Who is gonna feed Shep?"

"I will," Jimmy said.

"I will," Josh said.

"Well, I think you guys should take turns so Shep knows you both care for him. Do rock, paper, scissors to figure out who is first. Fair?"

"Yup" was the reply in unison.

"Two out of three?" Josh asked.

"OK"

Jimmy won but Josh thinking fast got Shep his water.

Dinner was great. The boys really liked the fish.

This is great Pops, "Josh said.

Jimmy said, "Uh huh, with his mouth stuffed."

"Now who is talking with their mouth full little brother?"

Jimmy swallowed, "Least I wasn't eating all the savings from not eating out. Like you too did."

"You are right Jimmy; we should have at least offered you some. Maybe tomorrow if it doesn't turn cold I'll do another fish meal, salmon on the grill outside with Robbie and Chris here."

"If it tastes like this, right on Pops."

"Oh better."

The boys cleaned up after dinner. Pops supervised. Shep, tried to get some people food. The boys kept their promise to Mrs. Galuchi and gave him a doggie treat. Pops called the dog trainer, a Mr. Herdandez, an appointment was made for Tuesday for him to start training, Shep. Pops figured if all went well at the custody hearing, he would get the boys back in school Tuesday or Wednesday. The boys took Shep for a walk to do his stuff. Josh walked him out and Jimmy raced back with him. Pops said the boys should shower. They got undressed in their room Josh sat on the bed and took off his shirt, Shep jumped up on the bed and kicked his back. He made little crying sounds. Josh had to turn around and hug him. "It's ok Shep, it's getting better, thanks buddy."

Jimmy saw and understood all the more about Shep loving Josh. After showers Jimmy asked, "Can Shep sleep with us tonight."

"Well, maybe you can sleep in your own bed; I don't think with Shep there you'll have a bad dream. What do you think Josh?"

"Can I come to you if I get feeling bad?"

"Always, Josh, any time, day or night."

"Ok I'll try I think it might be fun. Shep is our best friend."

They watched a movie all together on the floor. It was over at 10:30. "You two brush your teeth and do your pee and get in bed. I'll take Shep out for his pee."

"We should do that Pops." Josh said.

"Ohh I don't get any alone time with Shep."

"I just meant it should be our job to walk him"

"And it will be on every cold snowy morning."

"I will do it Pops. I don't want him having a problem trying to hold it. "

Pops smiled, "I know you would Josh you are a fine young man. You get the morning shift and depending whether you are ready for bed we'll share the late night run. OK."

"OK"

"What about me." Jimmy said.

"You'll get your turn too, don't worry"

Pops thought this morning Josh wanted no part of any responsibility and wanted to be his little boy. Quite a difference now. He loaded up on doggie treats and took Shep for his walk. It was a clear cool night and the brisk air felt good to Colin. "Shep you are a very welcome addition to our little family. Please God, keep us together."

To be continued...

Posted: 07/02/2021