Smiling at the hazy autumn morning, the air tasted lightly of last night's frost. She clumsily ran out on her lawn, crouching beside a small pond. There were a few fabricated lily pads floating aimlessly atop the water, expressing a beautiful hue of fuchsia that she completely adored. A poor, homemade fountain made sure the water was never still and filled the air with whispering, artificial raindrops.
Elizabetha tossed the pellets into the water and waited in impatient anticipation.
As if on cue, a large, circular mouth rose of the water's depths and swallowed a few pellets whole.
"Good morning, Sushi! I'm glad it isn't too cold out here for you!" She warmly greeted her oldest friend, tracing a finger down his spine.
A shiver ran down his floating body, and he turned to look up at her in surprise. "You are feeling better, Lizzy! I am so glad!" he bubbled.
Elizabetha only rested her cheek on a knee, smiling wistfully at the angelic koi fish. The way he gasped at her brought back memories of when she first laid eyes on him. She automatically fell in love with his orange and black layered body, and his white-as-snow belly and fins. She brought him home that very day, and hurriedly dug out this pond for him. He's never known such kindness, and they've brought each other peace ever since.
"Wish me luck, Sushi." Elizabetha whispered, only daring to confess anything to her koi fish. "He called me yesterday night..."
If fish had brows, Sushi's would be furrowed deep within his forehead like canyons.
"He called to ask if we could have breakfast this morning. We haven't spoken for a while; it's so sudden! I'm so excited, Sushi!" Although her tone was bright and brassy, her expression was calm.
Sushi pouted. "I do not like this, Lizzy." He bubbled up to his caretaker.
But Elizabetha couldn't understand. She instead ran her finger down his spine once more. "So please, wish me luck. With your consent, I know today will be unforgettable! You're the only one who knows, Sushi. And the only one I trust!"
Sushi frowned, keeping silent before giving in to her peaceful smile. "If he makes you that happy... Then I will wish it. For you, Lizzy..."
Elizabetha beamed at the fish, easily reading his expression as if they were the same species. "Thanks, Sushi..." With an airy skip in her step, she made her way to the city.
ns 15.158.61.48da2
