Animal Adventure

Chapter 5: Guided By a Seven-Colored Compass

It is now about a month since Teresa found Otoya in that dirty little alleyway. Otoya is a whole lot better when Teresa first found him. He gains to a healthier weight and his wounds are healing nicely. There are scars all over his body however, but it seems to not bother the little hybrid at all.

Aka kept her promise as she somehow found the orphanage that Otoya was living and discovered that the adults working there have been neglecting many of the hybrids there. Aka called the Hybrid and Human Protection or HAHP and arrest the people there. Many of the orphans were transferred to a different orphanage. Because Aka helped discover the orphanage, the head of the HAHP lets Teresa and Aka adopt Otoya right away instead of waiting for almost a year. Teresa and Aka immediately buy anything that Otoya needs such as clothes, toys, books, etc. Aka felt stressed about the amount of money wasted, but that quickly went away as she saw how happy Otoya looks.

During the month together, Aka warmed up to Otoya quickly and even give him the nickname 'Sunflower'. The reason was that of his bright personality and blooming smile whenever he is happy or excited. Coincidently, sunflowers are Otoya's favorite type of flower, so the little hybrid was extremely happy for the nickname.

Teresa and Aka also know Otoya's likes and dislikes when it comes to food. Otoya absolutely loves curry. He will always ask for it whenever Teresa asked what he wanted for dinner. He absolutely hates bell peppers. Whenever Otoya sees them at the store, he would bark. Teresa had to strategically have plan their shopping to avoid that from happening. At least Aka finds it funny.

As of now, Teresa and Otoya are planning to have a picnic at a nearby park. Since is such a nice day to be outside, Teresa thought it would be nice to have Otoya play outside instead of being inside like Teresa usually plans on days like these. Otoya is fully on board with the idea and excitedly pulls Teresa towards without preparing any food or even a blanket. Teresa laughs as she told him to wait so they can get at least a blanket and some food. Otoya pouts but quickly brightens up when Teresa asks him to help her.

"Can Aka come too?" Otoya asked as he messily puts together a sandwich.

Teresa takes the sandwich and cuts it on a diagonal.

"I'm sorry. Aka is really busy right now. Maybe next time." Teresa answered.

"Oh." Is all he said before making another sandwich.

"Let's make some sandwiches for Aka so she can eat them when she gets home."

Otoya smiles at the idea and quickly makes as many as he can. Teresa laughs at his enthusiasm before telling to slow down. As the two quietly work on the food, Teresa drifts in thought about the time when Otoya has come and change both her and Aka's lives. It was like Otoya painted a brighter world that both the twins did not even realize was dull. Each day spent together was like a new and fun adventure waiting to be explore.

"Why are smiling?" Otoya asked, making Teresa break out of the thoughts.

Teresa didn't even realize she was smiling.

"Because I'm happy you came into our lives." Teresa said after some thinking.

Like the sun coming up from the horizon, Otoya brightens up. He stops his sandwich making and goes to hug Teresa. Teresa puts her hands on his shoulder and squeezes it. Otoya's dirty hands fist against Teresa shirt. Teresa didn't mind that he is making her shirt dirty. They stay like that for a while. They only parted when Teresa's phone goes off. Checking to see who it was, Teresa picks up when the name 'Trash' shows up.

"Hello." Teresa answered.

She watches Otoya go back to making the sandwich.

"Hey. You free today?" a male voice asked from the other side of the phone.