Fallout (Part 2)

Joseph jumps as something fuzzy rubs up against his arm. He turns to his right, startling the kitten.

“Oh, Llewie, it’s you,” he says with a sigh.  Llewie purrs as he continues to rub against Joseph.  “You startled me.”

“Sorry,” the kitten responds.  “I didn’t mean to. I haven’t smelled you lately.  How have you been?”

“Okay,” Joseph says.

“You don’t sound okay.  I can hear it in your voice.”

Joseph sighs.  “I’m not right now, unfortunately.”

“What’s wrong?” the kitten tilts its head to the right.  He puts a paw on Joseph’s hand.

Joseph explains what had happened with Flora.  The kitten hops up on his lap and curls up in a ball.  “She’ll come around.  I know she will.”

“I’m not so sure this time.  She was really upset.  And Flora doesn’t let go of grudges well.”

The kitten begins to purr.  “If she really does care for you, she’ll come back. Just give her some time.”

He smiles.  “Thanks, Llewie.”

--

Later that night, Joseph had just gotten ready for bed when there was a knock at the door.  He really didn’t want to open this late at night, but not wanting to be rude, he hops off his bed and walks over to the door.

As he opens it, the person tackles him to the floor and wraps their arms around his neck.  Joseph’s body tenses.

“Joey, I’m so sorry!” Flora cries into his shoulder.  “Please forgive me.”

He swallows hard. “W-what?  Flora-“

“I know I wasn’t nice to you, but you’re my best friend.  I don’t know what I’d do without you.  I didn’t mean to make you mad.  I just hate how you’re always around her.”

“I’m not always-“

“Please, just forgive me so we can be best friends again.”

“Will it get you off me?” he mutters as she cries into his shoulder.  He smiles and sighs.  “You really are dramatic, aren’t you?  If it makes you feel better, I’ll forgive you.”

“You mean it?” she looks up at him, tears in her eyes.

“Of course,” Joseph chuckles.  “I could never stay mad at you.”

“Oh, Joey, you’re the best.” She hugs him tighter and nuzzles into him. “I’m so glad you’ll come with.”

“Yeah-wait, what?” Joseph pushes her off.  “You’re still not thinking about that, are you?”

“Of course.  Why else would you think I’d be here?  I’m leaving tonight.”

“Flora!”

“What?  I need someone to come with me.  I can’t do this by myself.”

“Forget it,” Joseph growls.  He stands up and holds his door.  “Good night, Flora.”

“No, Joey, please don’t do this to me,” Flora begs. “I need you.”

“Then stay here.”

“No!  I need to leave.”

“You either need to leave or you need me. You can’t have both.”

She pouts.  “You’re really not changing your mind, are you?”  He stares at her and swallows whatever is left in his mouth.  “How can you be so cruel to me?”

“Me?  How can you make me chose like this? If you were really my best friend, you wouldn’t make me chose.”

She frowns.  “You’re right.”  Flora stands up and walks over to him, her head barely coming up to his chin.  “I guess we really aren’t friends then.”  Flora inhales and blows a breath of acid at Joseph.  He recoils and yelps as it begins to burn his skin.  “Maybe next time, you’ll think before you betray someone who loves you.” 

She slams the door behind her.