Short Story

Wren

After another week of grueling school work, I'm relieved to get a break. This time Arlo has a surprise planned. Bee said they wanted to make things a little more exciting, and they didn't want me getting bored of doing the same thing every weekend.

We went to the Starbys as usual. Got the same drinks. But this time I could tell something was off. Arlo can usually feel when something bad is going to happen, he just gets a vibe. And today something was off in the Starbys.

Arlo was telling me all about the Rusty-Spotted Cat, a tiny cat that lives in India. While they were talking I noticed someone walk in. The person I saw staring at me last time. I hadn't thought much of it last weekend, but when they walked in they immediately looked at me. Weird.

I shrug it off, and start writing about the cat Arlo's telling me about. I decided to do a poem today, since I like writing those more.

I look up from my laptop, noticing the creepy person slowly walking toward our table.

"Hey Arlo, I think someone's coming over. Didn't want them to startle you." I said. Arlo paused, and immediately turned around to see what I was talking about. The person froze, their face growing red.

I smile and wave to them, to make them feel less awkward, and they continue walking over.

"H-hi." They said. They were wringing their hands, and wouldn't make eye contact. I look over to Arlo, to see what bug thinks.

Bee gives me a look. Don't trust. I give a slight nod to him.

"Hi! Is there something you need?" I ask the person. They pause, unsure of what to say.

"I just... wanted... I... I heard you guys talking about servals the other day! Those are cool!" They finally spit out. Their eyes are wide, as if even they are surprised they said it.

I nod to them, considering how to respond. They stare, waiting for me to say something, before realizing they've made it awkward.

"Anyways! My name is Kiri. Sorry for bothering you." She spins around, and walks off before I can even respond. I look over to Arlo, and he's already packing up his stuff. I guess we're leaving a little early today. Which is fine, I get to see what the surprise is sooner.