Scars and Rainfall [Inanimate Insanity]

Chapter 1

It was raining again, maybe even harder than before. The sky was completely covered with gray, dark clouds - and it was pouring. For Balloon, though.. that was a good thing. After all, he needed an escape. So what if the sky looked dark and gloomy? It wasn't like his own life was sunshine and smiles.

The town wasn't far from Hotel OJ. There was also a huge park near it.

Over the years it had changed, but always for the better. Its look was different, but it hasn't failed to make anyone smile.

People of all ages, people from various walks of life, people with their own stories to tell enjoyed the park and everything it had to offer. 

Children who were ignored at home found immense joy in caring for the ducks and their babies at the park's duck pond.

Some children even fed them despite being undernourished themselves. They were hungry, but they didn't want the ducks to be hungry.
 
For those children, being in pain was already enough. They did not want the ducks to hurt, too.

Children with difficult lives greatly cherished the park. It was some sort of "gateway" from their family issues and life struggles.
The park itself became their comfort, and unlike their parents, the park was there for them. 

Animals also loved the park, especially cats and dogs. Kittens and puppies had their own little animal houses, and they even had their own "pet playground". There was also an area for them to be fed and taken care of; even the homeless ones.

..For some reason, there were a lot more stray animals in the park lately.

Especially on this particularly stormy night.

Balloon strolled downtown, the sound of damp leaves crunching on the sidewalk oddly soothing him. Compared to hearing his own cries and sobs after a mental breakdown, this sound was much more pleasant.

The park and playground was up ahead, which didn't bother Balloon one bit.
Even though it was within walking distance from Hotel OJ, he still felt faint from an incident earlier.

He needed to rest.

As the rain continued to scream, Balloon finally reached the park, sitting down near the swings.

The little animal park was extremely close by, and Balloon noticed all the little animals huddled under a small roof.

One puppy had a bowl of colorful dog treats, another had a cheeseburger ball toy; one kitten had a tuna plush, and two kittens were sharing a bowl of warm milk.

.. But there was one kitten that had nothing. No food, no drink, nothing. The little cat wasn't even underneath the roof; there was no room left. It continuously shook violently from the cold and from hunger.

Balloon's eyes went wide, and he immediately (yet cautiously) walked over to the small kitten.
"Are you okay, little guy?"

He unzipped his coat and gently wrapped the kitten in it, carefully placing the hoodie over the kitten's face.
"It's going to be okay. I don't know what happened to you.. but I'll take care of you."

Balloon returned near the swings, and slowly placed the cat next to him. He grabbed his umbrella and opened it near the cat.
A huge scar was on its leg, and Balloon winced at a sickening thought.
Just how much pain and suffering did this kitten endure?

He also noticed a few bruises on the kitten, and that pained him to no end. The kitten also had tears in its eyes, which broke Balloon's heart.

This kitten was vulnerable to torture and pain - even more torture and pain.
It was already vulnerable to so many awful things, so many unspeakable things.

Well, no more. It won't hurt anymore. It won't hurt ever again.

As Balloon glanced at the dark sky crying with rain, a small yet deep rumble echoed beside him.
"Hm?"
He'd looked at the cat's pale face and boney stomach. His heart sank.
"You sound really hungry. Here, I'll feed you."

He took out two small bowls, a small can of tuna and two cartons of milk. Balloon instantly opened the tuna then placed it in the first small bowl; he did the same with the cartons of milk.

The small kitten immediately ate and drank its meal while Balloon watched with a smile. He adjusted his umbrella so that the kitten wouldn't get wet while it was eating the tuna and drinking the milk.

It felt like a long time, but soon enough the kitten was done. It was full, thanks to Balloon.
"I'm glad you're feeling better now.." Balloon kept whispering.

He did not want to startle the kitten at all. Life had already startled it enough.

Balloon went back to glancing at the darkened sky, the rain falling harder and harder than ever. The little kitten curled up sleepily, its tummy full.

..All of a sudden, gunshots exploded throughout the city.

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{A/N: How did you like this chapter, and do you like the story so far? /genq}