The Last Day of June

Chapter Three: A Wishful Life

It was early morning, a few days after the midnight theft, Axel had insisted that we go to the harbors at dawn, though I only wanted more sleep.

"Hurry up, June," Axel called over his shoulder and walked faster. "You know what to do."

I nodded, following in my cat form and being careful not to get my hazel reddish-brown pelt dirty. Bounding a few steps forward, I jumped into Axel's open arms. He'd even tried to wash his clothes yesterday, appearing somewhat clean as a result.

But not clean enough to look like a city boy.

All according to plan.

Axel brushed his messy black hair away from his eyes. I settled against his warm jacket, closing my eyes and listening for his instructions.

"Act the opposite of how you usually do. I'll -- "

I cut him off cheekily. "And how's that?"

"Not impulsive and nice."

My smirk slipped into a scowl and I scoffed, "You're not exactly a ray of sunshine yourself."

That comment earned me one of his more rare smiles. A real smile, not a half-grin or the like. The kind that made my heart flutter, every single time.

"As I was saying," Axel continued. "I'll see if I can barter with the fishermen. Come over after, they have a soft spot for you."

I puffed out my chest. "Of course they do. Who wouldn't?"

"Me." Axel deadpanned and I swiped a paw at him. "Alright, go, and -- "

" -- Don't follow random strangers, go to the Place if there's danger, and above all, stay safe," I finished for him, hopping out of his arms nimbly. "Don't worry, I'll be fine."

"I know," Axel said, his gaze softening slightly.

Lifting a paw, I jokingly shooed him away. "Now go before they sell the stock. Be back in a bit."

He nodded so I turned, going to the usual place. We came here almost every Wednesday, and the locals knew us by now. Different places called for different names and actions, so I assumed this 'friendly cat' persona.

The wood beneath my paws creaked under the rocking of lapping waves. I settled on top of a crate at six-thirty, waiting for the fishermen's families to arrive. Their children would always play with me while the others cleaned and sold the day's catch.

Right on time, a little girl ran up, her black braids swinging in the wind.

"Look, Ma, Lily's here!" She pointed at the and clapped her tiny hands. I don't know how she came up with the name. My fur was more orange, a far cry from white.

"Okay, Cassy, just remember to help Da later, alright?" Her mother said, amusement sparkling in her eyes. "And give Lily the leftover fish once you're done."

"Yes, Ma," Cassy said seriously, then broke out in giggles. She reached over and stroked my fur lightly. At least she wasn't one of those kids who tormented animals in their spare time.

"Ma said to give you leftovers," She whispered brightly. "But I'll get her to give you one of Da's better ones."

Cassy grinned widely, showing off her missing teeth and chatting about random topics. A few other children joined us and soon I was feeling pretty sleepy.

A couple of hours later, they had left and I was hauling a fish half my cat size to where Axel was talking. He was chatting up the elders, dutifully listening to their tall tales. Wednesday was probably the day he talked the most out of the entire week.