Welcome Home!

Part 23: Capture

I turned around and examined the crate of treats. There was a wonderful assortment from packaged pastries to little sweets.

"Howdy is such a generous friend! Kind, too," I mumbled happily, arranging the treats on the shelves of my pantry. Someone else knocked on the door. I assumed it was Howdy.

"HI Howdy!!" I greeted as I opened the door. No response. I paused and opened my eyes. It was Julie.

"Oh! I see that you've been expecting someone else,hmmmm?" Julie teased. She poked my cheek. "Don't worry. I won't tell anyone!"

"...Thanks."

"Ah! That's right. Howdy has been captured," Julie gave me a thumbs up. I sighed.

"Thanks for letting me know," I said, walking past her. I knew where he was. It was painfully obvious.

I arrived at the scene of the ongoing crime. Just as I had expected, Howdy was inside the giant mesh box, Frank outside with his hands on his hips.

"I'm not letting you out! You're safe in there from predators. I'll let you out when you become a butterfly," Frank said, his demeanor cross. Howdy's antennas drooped. They perked up when he spotted Julie and me.

"Friends! Please help!" Howdy said frantically. Frank sighed and looked at us.

"Do not let him out. He is not safe out here," Frank reasoned. Luckily, Barnaby was walking by.

"Ope. Captured Howdy, did ya now?" Barnaby let out a hearty chuckle. He crossed his arms and looked down at Frank. "Whaddya say we let this guy out? Looks pretty innocent ta me..."

"No. I will not let him out," Frank said.

"'Kay, then," Barnaby shrugged. He lifted Frank. Frank flailed about, successfully causing Barnaby to drop him. His head spun around and around and around.

"Ohhhh, if only we had Eddie!" I cried. Julie hummed to herself, thinking.

"Frank! Let's go organize my hair ribbons. Remember what you said about them last time you visited?" Julie looked at Frank thoughtfully.

"....Fine," he muttered, allowing Julie to take his hand and lead him away.

"M'kay. Now we gotta let this funny guy out," Barnaby chuckled as he unzipped the opening. "Come on out, butterboy."

Howdy and I paused.

"...Butterboy?" I asked. Howdy was disturbed by this nickname. He did not want it to catch one.

"Yeah. Y'know. He's gonna be a butterfly, and he's a boy. Put 'em together, and you get butterboy."

"We're not adopting that nickname," I decided. Howdy sighed, relieved.

"Everyone's a critic," Barnaby laughed. He waved at us. "M'kay, buh-bye. See you two later, 'kay?"

"Oh! Howdy, look! Wally's staring at the pavement." I pointed over to Wally.

"The pavement he destroyed?" Howdy asked.

"Yes. The one he destroyed." I nodded. It was no wonder to either of us why he had no license.

"Greetings, Wally. What are you up to?" I tilted my head.

"Ehe. I think I might have left some marks here," Wally smiled, pointing at the giant, dark tire streaks all over the pavement. I laughed.

"Just a few. Now, what would you like to do today? I've already rescued Howdy." I sighed, looking down. I noticed that Wally was still wearing heels. He had changed them, however. They were red now to go with his outfit.