G/T Adventures

Miniature Mammals

"Happy birthday dear." Arin's mother said with a warm smile as she handed her daughter a small box. "Be careful now, it's delicate."

"Okay, mom." The teen mumbled, looking at the cardboard package with furrowed brows. Surely nothing wrapped this poorly could hold something good. Even holes were poked in the lid.

"Did you see the news yesterday?" Her mom said with a smile, watching the blonde open the box.

Arin nodded before her eyes widened in complete disbelief at what laid inside. The bottom of the box was lined in grass blades, and in the corner sat a tiger; at least the size of her hand. "I didn't think they were selling them yet." She whispered, reaching in and touching the animal's back.

"Well, they are! I knew tigers were your favorite animal, so I ordered one specifically for you. It's a girl. Again, happy birthday."

Arin watched the beast pace the bottom of the box, its teeth bared and soft snarls could be heard. Clearly, it hadn't been tamed yet, but now it was just as dangerous as a kitten. "I'm going to call it Betty. Betty the tiger." She murmured, very gently lifting the usually large animal out of the box. "Oh, it's gorgeous. Um, can I take her up to my room?"

"Of course, go right ahead." 

"Thanks, mom." Arin rose to her feet, quickly and carefully heading to her bedroom and shutting the door behind her. With the tiger cupped in her hands, she lowered it to the floor. "Hey there." She murmured, watching Betty pace the floor and stare at her.

"You don't have to be afraid. I know you probably can't understand me, but you're safe with me." 

It was on the news yesterday. Large wild animals were being made into smaller sizes, so kids could learn more without it being too dangerous. Elephants, lions, wolves, tigers. Even animals like horses! She didn't think it would be so soon that they would be available to purchase.

"Hey, Betty," Arin whispered again, slowly reaching out towards the small beast before swiftly yanking her hand back when its tiny paw swatted at her fingers. "Hey, no. Be nice." She said firmly, reaching out again and used a finger to stroke it's back.

The animal remained still before pressing its nose into her hand, showing her it enjoyed the affection it was being given. Betty was smart enough to know that at least. She was comforted by the gentle touch and soft voice being used. 

Arin smiled happily and continued to pet her new tiny tiger with a finger. "It won't take much, will it? You'll learn pretty quick that you're a pet. This is so cool." She giggled, cringing when sharp fangs bit down on the tip of her finger. "Ow, okay, sorry. Giggling scares you."

After a moment of thinking, the teen grabbed an old shoelace from a pair of shoes that had grown too small. She began to drag this across the floor in front of the tiger, which was now crouched down, watching the string.

It wasn't long before it pounced, tangling itself up. Arin couldn't hold back a laugh and untangled the poor thing, watching to make sure it didn't bite or scratch her while she did. It was like a kitten, only smaller.

"I think you and I are going to be good friends. Don't you think Betty?" She cooed in a soft tone, reaching out and once again stroking the creature's back.

The tiger in response pressed its nose into her hand, a sign of agreement in Arin's eyes.