40. Felix

40

FELIX

My paws were silent as I padded along the sidewalk through my town. Shops were starting to close. Lights flickered off followed by the metallic scrape of doors being locked. The occasional townsperson stopped to greet me and scratch my head.

I indulged them. Let them bask in my presence while I was feeling generous.

Two shops remained open. Side-by-side, soft light emanating from their windows and spilling out onto the snow. I drew closer, rising up onto my tiptoes to see who could still be working.

Hmm. It was the smiley omega who always rubbed our cheeks together when she hugged me. The one who worked with people’s clothes, flittering around and sticking needles in them. I liked her despite how high-pitched and nonsensical her words became when she got near me. Her scent reminded me of the first perfect romp in a garden after a cold winter.

I hopped down and sauntered next door. It was the shop filled with flowers I was not allowed to eat or roll around in. The beta who occasionally smelled of the sea was inside, sweeping up fallen petals.

Interesting.

The telltale chime of the market door opening tinkled on the other side of the road. The shy teacher omega stepped through it. I watched a radiant smile light up her ordinarily reserved face as she stared up at the falling snow.

It was all thanks to me. I was enormously talented.

I gave the two lit-up shops one last glance and went to choose a house for the night.