Xlythe
Stories
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Xlythe
Stories
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Github
As I stood in my cozy little room, surrounded by books and trinkets, a tall figure filled the doorway. His bright blue eyes sparkled with amusement as he handed me a crinkled brown bag. I took it from him, trying to sound casual.
"For Mr. Hamhock, I presume?" He asked, his voice low and smooth.
I nodded, smiling up at him. "Yeah, I need to feed my piggy bank."
He nodded, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Well, I'm happy to help. You know, for the sake of Mr. Hamhock's well-being."
I giggled, feeling a little more at ease. "Thanks, John. You're a lifesaver... or at least, a pig-saver."
As I turned to feed Mr. Hamhock, John lingered in the doorway, watching me with an unreadable expression. I felt his gaze like a warm breeze on a summer day, making my heart skip a beat. I pushed the thought aside, focusing on the task at hand. After all, a girl's got to save for her future.
As I opened the bag and began to feed Mr. Hamhock, John leaned against the doorframe, watching with a mixture of amusement and concern. I tried to ignore the feeling of his eyes on me, focusing on the task at hand.
The first quarter slipped in with a faint squeak from Mr. Hamhock. His tiny eyes widened, and he let out a small whimper. I winced in sympathy, feeling a pang of guilt. "Sorry, little guy," I whispered, trying to make it up to him.
The next quarter was met with a louder squeal, and Mr. Hamhock's tiny hooves kicked out in protest. I bit my lip, feeling a twinge of regret. John's expression turned serious, his brow furrowed in concern.
"Maybe we should stop," he suggested, taking a step forward.
But I shook my head, trying to reassure him. "It's okay, John. Mr. Hamhock's tough. He can handle it." I forced a bright smile, trying to hide my own discomfort.
As the quarters continued to flow, Mr. Hamhock's squeaks turned to pitiful whimpers. I tried to hurry the process, feeling a growing sense of unease. John's eyes never left mine, his gaze filled with a mixture of concern and... something else. Something that made my heart skip a beat.
Finally, the last quarter clinked into place. Mr. Hamhock let out a final, defeated whimper before falling silent. I breathed a sigh of relief, feeling a little guilty but also relieved it was over.
I gently patted Mr. Hamhock. His warm, bristly side quivered under my touch. "You'll be okay, buddy," I assured him, wondering if I was lying to both of us.
John cleared his throat. "Listen... maybe it's time for... an alternative savings method? I hear banks offer excellent interest rates."
"You think Mr. Hamhock needs to open a checking account?" I asked, confused.
"No, I mean... maybe we shouldn't feed him anymore." John's eyes were pleading.
My heart sank. Mr. Hamhock let out a pathetic snort, almost like a sob. "But saving is important!" I protested, a mix of guilt and stubbornness washing over me.
Concern flickered in John's eyes. "And how do you plan to get the money out later?"
I blinked. "Get the money out?" The concept seemed foreign. "You don't take money out. Then it wouldn't be saving anymore."
John opened his mouth, closed it, then tried again. "Right, but eventually, you might need the money, right? For something important?"
I pondered this. Mr. Hamhock let out a soft snort, as if in agreement. "But Mr. Hamhock is important," I argued. "He helps me save."
A pause hung in the air. Then, John's shoulders started to shake. He wasn't being mean – he was trying to hold back laughter.
"Look," he managed to say, "I admire your dedication, really. But maybe... maybe we explore some alternatives? Just to have options."
My resolve hardened. Mr. Hamhock needed me, and I wouldn't let him down. "Options are distracting," I declared, crossing my arms. "One must focus on the goal."
John nodded slowly, a smile playing on his lips. "Alright then, Miss Saver. But if you ever need help guarding the treasure..." He paused, then winked. "Just let me know."
I smiled back, feeling a warmth spread through me. Maybe saving wouldn't be so lonely with John around. And who knows, maybe someday I'd even let him help feed Mr. Hamhock.
Fatten the pig