What Matter's Most

Stay

"Then you did WHAT?!" Shrunk asked in disbelief sitting across from K.K. and Isabelle. The young Shih Tzu giggled and Totakeke put his arm around her. The three animals were sitting outside on Isabelle's porch enjoying the sunlight and the nice winter breeze. Digby was inside, making some tea and soon came out with it just as Isabelle started to finish her story.

"Then I stabbed him in the leg," Isabelle repeated. Shrunk stared at her, dumbfounded, and looked over at K.K. to see if what she was saying is true. K.K. put his paws up and shook his head.

"It's true man," K.K. said before he grabbed a lollipop from his pocket and stuck it in his mouth. "I saw Josh's leg, he was definitely stabbed." Digby laughed and set Isabelle's tea in front of her. 

"Trust me Shrunk, I was surprised when I heard about it the first time too," said Digby. It was true, in fact, everyone was surprised when they found out what had happened to the mayor's assistant. The news spread rather quickly. And every time K.K. or Isabelle left the house, they were usually greeted with stares and whispers from the townsfolks.

It didn't really bother them. Isabelle and K.K. just brushed it off and went on with their days. They knew that eventually, it would die down. But then again, with so little ever happening in Animal Village, the villagers were finally excited to hear about some interesting news around town. Shrunk shook his head, trying to wrap his head around everything Isabelle had told him. He chuckled, still not believing it, and turned over to look at K.K. who was sucking on his lollipop.

"Uhh K.K.? Not to be rude, but why are you eating so much candy. This is like your fifth piece today." Shrunk said. K.K. pulled the candy out of his mouth before he spoke.

"I'm trying to quit smoking. Might sound dumb, but eating candy helps heh." K.K. said shyly. Isabelle smiled at K.K. and leaned her head against his shoulder. Shrunk was surprised to hear that Totakeke was trying to stop. K.K. never really showed any signs of him wanting to drop that habit. But Shrunk was happy that he finally was. 

"It's not dumb K.K., I'm happy that you are trying to stop. ᴺᵒᵗ ᵍᵒⁿⁿᵃ ˡᶦᵉ, ᶦᵗ ʷᵃˢ ˢᵗᵃʳᵗᶦⁿᵍ ᵗᵒ ʷᵒʳʳʸ ᵐᵉ ᵃ ᵇᶦᵗ." 

Shrunk went back to Animal Village soon after what happened that day in the woods. He was planning that he and K.K. would be getting back on the road soon. But when he stopped by Isabelle's place, K.K. explained how he wanted to stay here in Aimal Village. Shrunk did agree, however. Because needless to say he was also exhausted from traveling too. Not to mention that Shrunk would also love to spend more time with his family as well. And above all, he just wanted his friend to be happy. And Shrunk would be lying if he said that K.K. wasn't the happiest he had ever seen him. Now that Shrunk thought about it, K.K. had changed a lot in the time Shrunk was gone. He seemed happier now, more genuine. Not to mention he was also trying to break his bad habits.

"Hey, guys!" Lottie said happily, greeting the three animals before she made her way up the porch. K.K. and Isabelle were surprised to see Lottie, especially this early in the morning. But they happily greeted her and offered her tea but she kindly declined it. 

"Hey Lottie, what are you doing here?" Digby asked. Lottie smiled and pulled out a phone from her bag. 

"You left this at Nook's Home's silly," Lottie said handing the phone to Digby and giving the dog a kiss on his cheek. Digby could feel his face start to heat up as he turned to look over at Isabelle and K.K.

"T-thanks sweetie," Digby said shyly. K.K. smirked and rested his head on his paw.

"Soooo, you guys are a thing huh?" K.K. asked teasingly. Digby didn't respond and Lottie just tilted her head in confusion.