Panda Promise

In the Box

Black and white, full of fur.. a panda. It had humorous eyes, and it was adorable. It was like the most adorable thing I have ever seen. I take it back. I want a panda.

   "Kelli, when your father finds out," mom said. "You'll be dead, dead. Kelli, don't ever do this again. You-"

   When she looked at the panda, she never looked away.

   "Gosh, Kelli. Uh," she said.

   "I know, mom. Too adorable. Can't get my eyes away from him," I said with a laugh.

   I saw my dad cross the street, walk towards us. My mom finally looked away.

  " A Panda? How'd that get in here- But that is adorable!" dad said.

  "I know, honey. That face? Its irresistible," mom said looking back at the panda. "I can't take leaving that panda in a box like this. I don't care how much that costs. Can that just be Kelli's gift? I mean.. that's perfect. Even I would love that!"

   "Hm, only if she wants that over a dog. I'll agree with you but either that or a dog." Dad said, but he glanced to Mom and laughed.

    "What?" Mom asked in curiosity.

    "Looks like it's not Kelli who wants the panda," he says with a beam.

    "Hey," Mom says jokingly.

    I laughed for a second. "But really? A panda for a pet is awesome. Are you kidding? Who has ever asked me to have panda? But I promise to take care of it. Panda Promise." I said.

    "Got to keep that in mind, darling. That Panda Promise you got there," she says with a laugh, but later, she stops. "But aren't you supposed to be grounded, young lady.

    "I'm keeping that promise, Mom," I said. "But Mom..."

    "Can't believe your having a Panda when actually, you almost got yourself killed when you crossed the street? Whatbif you met a truck? Or a car? Or you-"

   "Mom, I'm sorry. I'll never do that again, Mom. Another promise," I said.

   "Good. 'Cause that, is serious."

   "Alright, Mom. Well hope you help me name him once we bring him home."

     She nodded with excitement. My dad went straight to the woman who owned the herbs shop.

   "Miss," he said. "A panda, ah? I never knew you could sell these in here. How come? Aren't pandas illegal? And a carton box? Seriously?"

   "It said Trained. Loved. And Legal. So what do you think? Carton box because I don't want to spend money buying a cage just for that stupid creature and throw it away when he's sold. Stop asking those lame questions. Buy something or get out of this place!" the woman yelled.

   "Oh.. sorry? Now, how much is he?"

   "He costs seven hundred dollars. No discount, nothing."

   "Pretty cheap for that panda, ah? Sure, I'm getting him. I'll be using credit card."

   "Um, sir?! What?! This is a herbs shop! Checks only."

   "Okay, wait," my dad said. He got a check and gave it to the owner of the shop. The woman got it and later on, the process was done. The panda's officially ours.

   We got home with him on my arms. I placed him on my bed, covering him with his new blanket. I kissed him in his forehead and I got ready to sleep. "Good night, Chigo," I said. I hugged him in the right side of my bed and immediately shut my eyes closed.