“Oh, um, hi?”
His eyes were the definition of pretty and pink. Not pure, showy and eye-burning, but a
lighter shade that described his personality with one look. His fur was exotic green with
the finest details jumping out everywhere you could see, and had soft white compliments.
His hair had an almost shiny pink streak in the midst of its dark emerald, and a pastel
pink lei on top of it.
“I know the park’s closing, but have you seen any bags around here? I think I left it around
your bench. It’s, well, it’s the same color as my lei.”
“Yeahh-.” I tried to remember what bags I had seen earlier that day whilst also realizing
that I was so asocial that bench had officially been dubbed as mine. I very clearly
remembered chasing off one of the more popular guys in town who’d been trying to steal
from a backpack I’d assumed was for a little girl. I’d forgotten about it quickly, not
expecting to be paid back for it later.
“It wasn’t a princess one, was it? It nearly got stolen by a guy and I- uh, it was left
under that bench.”
“Yeah, I saw him but I wasn't close enough to do anything. But I have to say, nice job
chasing him off. I’ll go get it.” He took two steps and instantly shrunk back, taking a wet
ring of flowers off his head and inspecting it sadly. I desperately wanted to ask how he
could deal with all the stares it must have gotten, but I put my sadness to the side and
offered some help, for the second time that day.
“I’ll go. I’m pretty, well, pretty used to getting soaked.” I must have sprinted that 70
feet in less than 5 seconds, because I was panting heavily and nearly fell over by the time
I made it back to the tree. I handed over the bag.
“Thanks so much! For the second time this day, I suppose it should be. By the way, why
are you soaked? It’s not that nice here on Friday, in case you didn’t notice.” he grinned
and threw the bag over his head as a makeshift umbrella, loosening the straps until he
could keep them down with his arms.
“Long story. Mostly boredom. But I can see what you mean,-?”
“Saverio. But I go by Rio around these parts. I’ll see you around, thanks man!” Rio
winked and smiled, waving a paw whilst trying to keep his bag on his head.
I smiled too, for the first time in months. I went home, and slept well that night.
