Panda Promise

Out the Door

   "Yes? I know! You finally found him! Right?" I said to the man in front of the door.

   "Um, maybe."

   "Maybe? What do you mean by Um, maybe?"

   "Fine, I don't want to hurt you but.. nope. He has not yet returned."

   "But sir! Anyways, who in the world are you wearing a similar hat as Solemn Derekson's?"

   "I do look like him? Don't I?"

   "Sure you do."

   "I'm Warner Derekson. His brother."

   "I knew it. You look like a photocopied him."

   "Alright, alright. Let's finalize everything tomorrow. We start searching by ten in the morning. Okay, so thats all. Please report that to your parents."

   "See? Even your voices are so alike," I said with a laugh. I knew I'd cry if I think about Chigo again. But I didn't want to. What I'd do? Imagine he was with the other pandas. Still. "Anyways, sure. See you."

   "Goodbye," he said. He left while I noticed Cassie was behind me. You did tell me Chigo was lost. I wanna meet him. He must be a true bestfriend for you. A brother, perhaps. But why was he lost?"

   "Ms. Rianna told me that he suddenly left because of jealousy. Because Cherry was sick. I had to take care of her for a few weeks. But Chigo, he's used to having me visit him every week. Like two times a week or.. I don't know."

   "Pandas jealous?"

   "It happens. They can feel lonely. Theg can feel like they're not loved. Cassie, they have a heart."

   "I'm sorry to ask. I'll help you. I promise."

   "Thank you, Cassandra. I appreciate your help."

   "Anyways, to change the topic," she said. "You're fourteen right?"

   "Yep, you're right."

   "Turning fifteen on?"

   "On the eighth of July. You?"

   "I turned fifteen last month. That's February fifth."

   "Belated Happy Birthday, Cassie."

   "Thanks."

   "Alright, girls!" Mom said. "I forgot to tell you. Kelli, you're dad just got accepted in New York City for his new job. Now, he was brought there this morning at two o'clock in the morning. I'm sorry I just told you now!"

   "It's fine, ma. I'm happy for him."

   "He says he's sorry 'cause he won't be able to help you look for Chigo."

   "Mom, tell him it's okay."

   "Alright, honey. Oh, and have you packed, girls? We're transferring to the house near the zoo already."

    "We did already, Mrs. Dawn," Cassandra answered.

   "Okay, that's good."

   I heard a slam in the door. I checked and I saw Warner Derekson.

   "Mom, why is he still here?"

   "He'll drive us there."

   "Oh, what? Really? I never knew he was a driver!"

   "Come on, honey. Get ready. We're going straight to the new house already."

   After ten minutes, Warner drove us to the zoo. The moment I stepped in the grass, before coming in the zoo, my mom's phone rang. My dad called.

   "Yes, honey?" Mom said, when she answered the phone.

   "You are not going to believe this. But I'm sure it's Chigo..."

   "What is? Honey, you're in New York. How in the world can you suddenly see Chigo?"

   "No, honey. I'm at the Taxi. Almost in the building where I'm supposed to go. I told the driver to stop the car because I saw two policemen. And a big crowd was there. They're trying to make Chigo sleep! With some injection thing. They called for a animal rescue and now the truck is here. They're still trying to capture him. Once they capture him, they inject him right away. They think he bites that's why it's still here up to now. Honey, I don't know what to do! No one knows anything about him! If I say that he's my daughter's and he is a pet of ours, they won't believe ofcourse! This in New York!"

   "Oh my.."

   "Honey, please report this to Rodger as soon as possible. I don't know how he'd gotten here! I don't know where they'll go to once he gets in the truck!"

   My mom was speechless. She was.