Once again I'm thinking about that one caterpillar.
In a different post I mentioned that Howdy doesn't employ his neighbors to work at his store for Howdy's own gain. And that's still true, but there is one glaring exception to this. Howdo and Youdo, Howdy's nephews.
It's explicit that Howdy does make them work for him during their holiday visit and I think the reason could be because they're part of the Pillar family.
But first I have to review myself on Howdy's relationship with his family, as expressed in Howdy's Holiday Hullabaloo.
Hiya and Biya: Howdys' parents. They raised Howdy with love and care. But then Howdy immediately tells us they "bankrolled me sellin' lemonade." Which means they supported the funds for him to build a lemonade stand. And while that visual is adorable, it's very odd a two year old would have that desire to start any kind of business at that age. From 5 to 10 years old I understand, but two years is EXTREME.
Latter: It's extremely obvious that Howdy doesn't share the same affection that Latter feels towards him. He thinks Latter's poetry is dreadful but tolerates it due to him being family. This adds up with Howdy's annoyance towards Eddie's habit to ramble. Unlike with Seeya, we don't exactly know if Latter is an older or younger brother. Although I strongly suspect Howdy is the oldest child.
Seeya and Beeya: Howdy seems to adore his little sister and her husband Beeya. He calls Seeya a sweetheart. After stating that Beeya is a busy bee, he expresses that he loves him like a brother, more than his own brother. I think his busy nature might be the reason why he respects Beeya more than Latter.
Howdo and Youdo: These are Seeya's sons, who seem to be hybrids between bees and caterpillars. Howdy affectionately calls them little terrors and scamps (affirmed from how they treat Barnaby in "What child is This?"). Howdy then warns them to not make a mess of his merchandise and to help him later with cleanup. Whether it's for their own mess or in general is unclear.
Aunt Toodaloo and Uncle Adieu: immediately we are shown that Aunt Toodaloo is very business minded and cares alot about Howdys' stocks and profits. Suggesting if he sells out his store, it should be for a good hefty price. Also affirming that currency is laughter for her too, and possibly the rest of the pillars. Howdy is eager to affirm that business is going well, which makes me raise and eyebrow.
Uncle Adieu, as explained by Skedaddle, seems to share his wife's sentiment, calling his store worth a plum. I assume that's a compliment? Howdy seems just as confused as m- wait why is Quebec canon in Welcome Home?
Regardless Howdy seems to ignore what Adieu says and decides that he expressed for Howdy to speed things up. So I'm actually not sure what Adieu actually expressed to Howdy for Howdy to react in mild shock. If someone could explain I'd be grateful.
He speeds through other members until we get to GamGam Sally Tations: She expresses that this city life isn't good for him and that someone needs to slow him down. She seems to share my concern that Howdy's relationship with his business is unhealthy and will seriously harm him if he doesn't get any help. He's hustling too hard and doesn't take time to enjoy himself. Which makes me wonder where's Aunt Toodaloo's attitude for business came from. We don't see his Grandpa, which could be the source of business attude in Howdy's parents and his Aunt. Which I assume is either Hiya or Biya's sister, with Sally Tations being their Mother.
With this information, here's my theory. I think there's a cycle of possible generational trauma going on here. I think it's possible that Howdy's parents and Aunt put Howdy to work at a young age or at least taught him to value productivity. A lemonade stand at only two years old. Now I'm not sure how old Howdo and Youdo are, but it seems like Howdy is treating them how he was treated when he was younger by putting them to work. He loves them so he's passing down his values for hard work to his nephews, due to not having any children of his own. I presume Beeya would have the same influence on his son being a busy bee.
And Barnaby is Howdy's boyfriend
