Mute [Joshler]

Part 4 (Josh)

I get weird looks from pedestrians as I wander down the local streets. It must look strange to see a full grown man with a backpack carry a small, ginger kitten around. Amber bats at my ears at times which makes me smile. Cats are just so damn cute.

When I get back to the apartment, I lay Amber down and start setting out some of her things. Her bed was next to mine, so I can look at her or cuddle with her if I ever feel sad, her food dishes were next to the table, and her litter box was to the side of the door that lead outside.

I click my tongue on the roof of my mouth to see if Amber would come. To my surprise, she didn't. What was I thinking? She's a cat, when do cats come when you call?

I shrug off the pack that was still lingering on my back. My notepad falls down on the floor and opens to my many failed drawing attempts of men. I grab it and stare at the marks of graphite. I had looked up 'men's faces' online to see if there were any good faces to draw; there weren't.

My eyes watch Amber attack what seems to be a bug. That reminded me of the boy from the pet shop who gave me her. He had a nice face, I should draw his... what was his name? My face scrunches up in thought as I try to recall it, but to my luck, I don't remember. Oh well, maybe I should head back to the pet store and ask for it. I chuckle at the thought and turn the page of my notepad.

On the next page was a phone number in extraordinary handwriting with the words "call me sometime!" Whoever wrote this must be trying to insult me. I can't speak! Maybe I'll text them, but I don't know. They may have not known that I was mute. Screw this, curiosity it eating my face. I need to know who's number this is.

I slide out my phone and instantly start punching in the digits to whoever's phone number this is.

Joshua: Hello? I found this number in my notepad, who is this?

I pocket my phone and decide to watch a little tv. I kick my feet up on the coffee table and sit back. The theme music to Stranger Things starts playing and I situate myself into a more comfortable position. Amber jumps onto the couch and cuddles with me.

After about twenty one minutes into the show, my phone tickles my thigh as it vibrates. I pull it out and see a text from an unknown number.

(xxx) xxx-xxx: Josh! How's Amber doing? Better yet, how are you doing?

I knit my eyebrows in confusion. I reread these sentances over and over again, trying to figure out how they know about Amber.

Joshua: Wait, who is this? (Name changed, Stranger)

I lay my phone down once more, but immediately pick it back up as I get another text.

Stranger: C'mon, you remember me? Tyler? From the pet store?

Tyler...Tyler.. oh! That's his name. Tyler. What a great name, Tyler.

Joshua: Ohhh, I thought you might have been an axe murder or something. (Name changed, Tyler)

Tyler: Nah man, just want to be your friend. You seem cool, yeah? Also, are you busy on Sunday?

I scratch my head as I think on what I might be doing on Sunday.

Joshua: No, why?

Tyler: Meet me at Red Manor. That's my favorite coffee shop.

I slide my hands through my blue hair as I read this text. Did he just ask me out?