Panda Promise

Cassandra

   "Hi, I'm Kelli Dawn," I told Cassandra.

   "Oh, yes. I sure do know."

   "How are we related?"

   "Kelli," she said, trying not to sob. "I'm your cousin."

   "Cousin? So, you mean your mom is my dad's older sister?"

   "Yes, Kelli. When your dad's sister or you can say your aunt, Harold Tyler died, I lived in the house near here. I've been through so much hard challenges lately. My dad? He left me, Kelli. He left me when my mom was suffering. He didn't want to spend his money for my mom's operation."

   "Ow."

   "But she had to go. Kelli, you were my bestfriend when we were three. I hope you remember. My mom died of heart cancer. It was so much pain, Kelli," she said. Her eyes were getting teary. But she tried to stop it from falling down. "Your dad came to get me. That's why I'm with you."

   "Cassandra, it's okay. You know, I'm sorry I brought this up."

   "It's fine, Kelli. I want you to know. Now that we'll be neighbors, I'm happy someone could make me smile again."

   "I sure will. I'll be here for you, Cassandra."

   "Kelli," she said with a laugh. "My name is too long to be said all over again. Call me Cassie. That's my nickname."

   "Hehe," I said. "Sure."

   "Now, let's go," she said holding my hand.

   I was glad to have a new friend. A cousin. But she was so nice and loving. We were as old as each other. And I never expected her life to be like that.

   But she slowed down, walking to my mom. "You know what," she said, letting go of my hand. "I wish I owned atleast one of them."

   "It's okay. It isn't so easy, but I'm still so happy."

   "Wait, what? Have you even experienced having an animal like that or that?" she said with laugh, pointing at the tigers, the giraffes, and more.

   "Cassie, you don't know?"

   "About?"

   "Chigo? Plus, Dancey, Bella, Bloomer, Willy, Wane, and Cherry."

   "Who.. who are they?"

   I told her the story. How it started. How I peeked in the box of the Herbs Shop and what I saw was a panda, that was Chigo.

   "So that's why you're moving near a zoo! You, Kelli, are lucky. Don't ever get him away from your heart. So much kids want one, and you have one!"

   "Ofcourse, Cassandra. I won't ever let him go."

   "Alright, come on! I wanna see Chigo!" she held my hand and ran to the pandas but I tried to stop her.

   "Cassie, Cassie! He's not there!" I doubted she could hear me. She still kept running but I pulled my hand, letting go.

   "Why?" she asked unknowingly.

   "He's lost," I said, with a drop in my eye.

   "Uh," she said, comforting me. "I'm so sorry Cassie. I didn't know. I was just so excited. I never knew anyone who had a panda. I never really touched one."

   "It's okay. You know what, I should go. My mom's going to check the new house nearby. See you."

   "I'll come."

   "No, It's fine. You don't have to. You could head home to your house. You must be very tired. So am I. I feel like I wanna sleep 'til tomorrow."

   "Kelli, you're forgetting my parents aren't here with me. I'm gonna be living with you."

   "You are?"

   "Yes, Kelli! But wait, you don't want?"

   "No, I'm happy you will! Seriously! That's good news!"

   "I hope so," she said sadly. "I was very happy to see you."

   "Promise! Come on, let's go! It's already eight in the evening. Let's head home!"

   We went home with Cassandra, Freddie, Mom, and Dad. I left Cherry with Solemn. But tomorrow, I hope Chigo comes back.

   I woke up at seven o'clock in the morning when I heard a knock. I rushed to see if there was news about Chigo. I twisted the knob and I looked straight forward.