#Dearly Deerest

[noonthuwu]

Audio from 'Good boys'

Oc: Dearly deerest

[stellarsong-official]

Deerest

Deerest God,

I'm lonely every day since daddy died. Mommy always goes to work and she leaves me with this woman who thinks she's a teacher. I wish I have a friend.

Love, Austin

I read my son Austin's prayer-letter. Ever since someone taught him how to write letters, he's been writing every night, always starting with "deerest" despite me saying all the time that it's supposed to be "dearest." A stubborn child, my sweet Austin is; he must have gotten it from his father, who I miss dearly.

I remember how Justin smiled, how his eyes crinkled when he laughed, and how he hugged me when I felt bummed out.

Then I remember the phone call—the police officer's voice as she relayed to me what happened, how I rushed to the hospital only to hear the flat line from the monitor, a doctor looking at his watch and declaring the time of death, how I wailed on his bedside for hours, feeling the warmth of his body dissipate.

I sob uncontrollably, clutching the letter to my chest. I never stopped to think about what Austin felt. He had just turned 7 when Justin got into the car crash. I figured he'd be too young to even remember his dad. I was a selfish parent.

When I calmed down, I get up and leave the letter on Austin's bedside table. I kiss him on the forehead, lingering there for a while before leaving the room.

Once I got into my room, I break down even more. I slide to the floor and curl up into a messy, wailing ball. Everything is spinning uncontrollably and I'm in the middle of it. With nowhere else to turn to, I pray. I pray for my son's happiness, though I don't believe in a deity anymore. Why would I? If a god exists, my husband, the kindest man I met, would still be alive, wouldn't he? I then go to bed and cry myself to sleep.

In the morning, after a long and tedious phone call with my manager, I open the stove to make some breakfast for the two of us. Austin sits groggily on the kitchen table, trying his hardest to stay awake. I asked to have a day off so I can spend time with my son. They agreed as long as I work extra hours tomorrow. Not that I mind. I'm sure my son will appreciate having me as a company.

Suddenly, the doorbell rings.

Austin leaps out of his seat, ignoring the stack of pancakes I just set on the table. Odd. I've never seen Austin this excited to get the door before. I follow him into the living room, still holding the pan. Then, our mysterious guest runs to my son, holding him tightly. I lift the pan, ready to thwack the creature. But I relax when I see Austin's smiling brighter than before.

"Austin! It's so nice to meet you!" The doe-like creature cries. My heartbeat quickens. Something about her voice made me anxious. "Thank you for writing all those letters to me! It's been so long since the Usales got obli—oh!" She giggles. "Never mind that." Austin hugs her tighter.

"Ahem," I cough to get their attention. They both look at me, the doe's large brown eyes piercing through mine. I look away, nervous to look at them again. "Austin, would you mind telling me who your friend is?" "She's my deer friend! I write letters to her every day!" "It's true," she responds. She lets go of Austin and walks up to me, her hoof-like hand held out. "My name is Rusalia." Hesitantly, I take it. The hoof's fingers are smooth and cold, while her palm has a bit of silky fur. "I'm Abbey." I avoid her eyes and turn to Austin instead. "You should finish your breakfast, young man. Mrs. Sinclair will be here soon. You wouldn't her to get mad, would you?" "But I thought we'll spend time together today?" Austin whines, crossing his arms and pouting. "Yes, it's important for you to study! Besides, I already paid her for this week." "Hmph," he grumbles. "I wish Mrs. Sinclair would disappear." 

Rusalia gasps and her expression lights up. Giddy, she closes her eyes and slowly levitates off the ground. Everything around her distorts before my eyes, the light bending and reflecting from an invisible mirror around her. Mrs. Sinclair knocks on the door, her mouth shaping to speak before she disappears with a flash. I gape in horror at the missing figure and turn an accusing eye at Rusalia and Austin. They smile at each other.

"AUSTIN?!" I scream. "What the hell did you do to Mrs. Sinclair?!" "She's gone now, mommy. Rusalia got rid of her!" "You can't do that! That's murder!" I can't believe that just happened. "Don't worry, Abbey. She's in a better place now," Rusalia speaks up, her voice as gentle as a whisper. "Yes, because you killed her." "Oh, no," she chuckles, "I didn't mean that." "What?" "I sent her to my castle. She will stay there as long as Austin wishes." "What?" I am speechless. This magic thing is so new to me. "Mom," Austin holds my hand, pleading, "can I not study with Mrs. Sinclair anymore?" "Sure, but you should bring her back first." "Okay." Austin turns to Rusalia and she snaps her fingers.

"Hey there, Austin-pie!" Mrs. Sinclair appears at our front door, oblivious of her sudden disappearance. "Oh, Abbey! Why are you here? I thought you'd be at work!" "Good morning, Mrs. Sinclair. You don't need to tutor Austin anymore." "Huh?" She asks, perplexed. "Why's that?" "Well, I will teach him myself from now on." "Oh," she looks down, upset. "Well, that's okay. Whatever's best for Austin-pie is good enough for me!" She turns around, about to leave. "Goodbye, y'all!" She waves to us until she leaves.

I turn to Austin. "Go to your room, Austin." "What?" He exclaims. "Why?" "Just go to your room. I need to talk to your friend here." Austin crosses his arms and walks up to his room, stomping his feet on the wooden stairs.

"He seems upset," Rusalia mutters, staring at where Austin was. "That's mostly your fault," I snap back. "Who the hell are you?" She doesn't flinch. "My name's Rusalia." "Where did you come from?" "I'm from a kingdom called Usales," she answers. "I'm...their goddess." Her expression is sober.

"A goddess? So you're like... all-powerful?" "Yes, and no," she replies. "Someone all-powerful has no beginning and no end. I have both." "I-I don't get it."

"I am the last of an immortal species. We live off people's reverence. Since I have special abilities incomprehensible to humans, the Usales declared me as their goddess," she explains. "I'm Rusalia, the goddess of the fauna." "If you're a 'goddess,' then what the hell do you want from my son?" "He writes letters to me, prays, and believes me. He's the only reason I'm still alive. That's why I listen to his pleadings as much as I could."

"And that's why you're here," I say, the puzzle pieces clicking together. "He asked for a friend." She smiles softly. "Yes, that's why. If it's alright with you, maybe I can stay here, and make Austin happy." I scoff. "He's perfectly happy with me, thank you." "Are you sure? His letters say otherwise." "He's alright. Besides, if I let him just get whatever he wants, he'll get hurt. Any sane person wouldn't want that." "Sometimes, pain is crucial to growth. Do you know that?"

I snap. "I appreciate you being a goddess and everything. But I am his mother and I know what's best for him." I turn away and go up to Austin's room. How dare this... creature tell me what to do with my son? My son's perfectly fine, right? If he had friends, they'll just hurt him and tease him, especially since he has no dad. I'm just protecting him. That deer doesn't know what she's saying.

I go inside Austin's room. He sits quietly on his study table, writing something on a piece of paper. When he notices me, he quickly hides it.

"Is that another letter?" I ask as gently as possible. "Um... no. I'm just drawing something." "Who? Rusalia?" "Uh... yes." "Can I see?" "No."

"Okay then." I get a chair and sit next to him. "What do you think about going to the new theme park today?" "Really?!" He says with excitement. My face breaks into a smile as I nod. He jumps up and down in joy, hugging me. "Thank you, mommy! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

"Okay. Calm down there, sweetie. You should go prepare your stuff. We'll be there all day." "Can Miss Rusalia come?" I silence. I haven't thought of that. "Not sure, sweetie. What if people think she's weird?" "But I don't think she's weird," he says innocently. "Please, please, please let her come." "Okay, okay. I'll ask her first."

"Yay!" He hugs me once more. "Thank you, mommy." "Your welcome, Austin. Now go get ready!"

I find Rusalia in the living room, playing with the flowers—no, they're insects at the hem of her skirt. With one touch from her polished hands, these insects scatter and cling to different parts of her dress, as though her dress is adorned with a thousand orchids. She notices me and beckons me to sit next to her. She gets one of the "orchids" and shows it to me.

"It's an orchid mantis." The little thing unfolds into a mantis crawling with its bright pink feet. It crawls back into its spot in Rusalia's dress and rests, once again looking like a flower. "Beautiful, is it not?" "Are these actual live insects? Or did you just... zap mantises and make them pink?" She chuckles. "Oh, no," her voice light in amusement. "These are actual insects. A follower gave me a jar of their eggs long ago."

"But, considering that I've never even heard of the Usa-something before, why aren't these dead yet?" "Well, I am, or was, the goddess of the fauna. I made them no longer require food, water, or anything, They're merely decorations now." "That's rather cruel," I say, pitying the mindless creatures on her dress. "It's the best I can do for them. I needed the company." She touches one of them and they change positions, showing a different pattern. "Is there something you wanted to talk about?"

"Austin and I are going to this theme park and—" "What's a theme park?" She interrupts. I get annoyed but try to keep my voice even. "It's this place with many rides that make you feel... excited and thrilled, I guess."

"Oh, I see. I've never been to one before. What about it?" "Well, uh, he..." I take a deep breath. "He wants you to come with." "He does?" She thinks to herself. "If it's what he wants."

"One thing, though," I stop her. She stares at me, waiting for my response. My mouth dries and I stutter. "Y-your look. I mean, you look okay. B-but people. They..." I take a deep breath and talk slowly. "Is there a way you can look less like..." I motion to her whole body. "... you and more human?"

She quiets. "Is that what Austin wishes?" I nod, hoping she won't ask him herself. Without another word, her face morphs. The bits of fur recedes, leaving porcelain-like skin. Her dark bulging eyes into vibrant brown human eyes. Her fur became silky auburn hair. Once a mysterious doe turned into a beautiful young woman. And how her lips look—bright pink, like expensive lip gloss. "Is this okay?" She asks me, a smile in her eyes. I blink awake, escaping my trance. Blood rushes to my cheeks, making them warm.

"Yes, it's okay. I'll go get Austin."

*-*

After several key turns, the engine hums awake. Austin sits quietly in the backseat, his feet kicking the seats furiously.

"Austin, stop that." I reprimand him. "What's taking so long?" He whines with a pout. "Rusalia's just changing clothes, sweetie. I don't think they allow gowns there." "Should I call her already?" "She's almost rea—oh, there she is!" Rusalia walks out of the house wearing a small white dress. Mantises still cling to her skirt, while others crown her hair. She locks the door behind her just as I taught her. I open the front seat for her.

"It's been so long since I last rode a vehicle," she says as she hops into the car. "They've changed in appearance drastically." "You rode a car before?" Austin asks, peeping his head in between the seats. "Yes, I have," she cheerily responds. "It was a long time ago though." "How old are you, Miss Rusalia?" "Hmm," she thinks for a while. "I'm about a thousand years old." Oh, wow. "Sorry, I don't reep track of my age." "You're old but you're still pretty," Austin coos. "I like your human form."

Rusalia blushes. "Well, thank you. For you, I'll stay like this forever."

Austin cheers. "Yay, now we have two pretty girls in the house!" My facial muscles prevent me from straightening my smile. "Smooching up to me won't work, Austin." I then put the gear in reverse and drive away.

*-*

The ticket queue, as I predicted, wasn't long, and we immediately got our tickets. Austin dances excitedly, chanting "theme park" with a shout. Rusalia struggles to put on her wristband.

"Here, let me help you with that." I take her soft hands and wrap the bracelet around her wrist loosely. "Thanks!" She pulls her hand back and walks away. I didn't even realize I'd been holding it for too long. I run to catch up with both of them.

Austin is an energetic kid and wants to ride, and I quote, "every single ride twice." Because of my age, I struggle to keep up with the kid. Rusalia, however, easily caught up with Austin's energy, pointing him to different rides and running off. I only notice them when they're already high up, screaming. They've already been to every mildly dangerous ride, so I decided that we go on the Ferris wheel. It isn't very tall, but I heard it has a decent view. We line up in a very short queue and soon it was our turn.

"Tickets, please," the peppy attendant sings. I show her my wrist and she scans the bar code on the band. The two follow suit. "We're just waiting for the gondolas to be cleaned then you're ready to go," a technician declares. "Which of you will sit together?" "What?" I ask, confused. "Can't we all sit together?" "Only two passengers per gondola, ma'am. Sorry." "Oh, oh, oh!" Austin exclaims. "Can I go alone?" "I don't think you can, sweetie." "Well, he technically can, ma'am," the technician cuts in. "Many kids go on their own so we can assure you it's safe." "But Austin is—" Austin ignores me and goes to Rusalia instead. "Miss Rusalia, can I go alone? Pleeeeease?" He begs. "Sure, Austin!" Austin excitedly rides on a gondola. "Don't worry, Abbey," Rusalia mutters. "I'll make sure he's safe."

A technician escorts the two of us to the gondola next to Austin's. The ride is just big enough for two grown people, so our shoulders touch when we move. The wheel spins and we slowly ascend to the sky.

"Well, this is more relaxed than all the rides Austin and I went on," Rusalia remarks. "It's nice to wind down now and then." "What are you trying to say?" "Nothing. It's just that you seem so tense," she declares nonchalantly. "Unwind just this while and enjoy the view." We stop at the very top of the wheel, the view of the valley that is the town before our eyes. I crane my head to see the whole town. I still can't see enough, so I move forward and accidentally touch Rusalia's hand.

"Oh, sorry." I retrieve my hand. "No, it's okay," she insists. "You can hold my hand if you like." "It's all right. It was just an accident." She clasps my hand. "I thought it would help you relax." With a smile, I oblige and hold her hands while we descend.

Later in the day, we sit down near the concession stands, each of us munching on the snacks we bought. I break off a part of the pretzel and pop it into my mouth. Kids in their uniforms scatter around the theme park. Seems like the school day is finished.

"Why do those kids have the same clothing?" Rusalia asks, popcorn in her mouth. "Well, that's because they go to school," I reply. The cheese in the pretzel is difficult to chew. "Even the girls? Impressive. Times have changed," she remarks. A weird remark if you ask me, but then, she is thousands of years old and times change. We, women, have more rights than ever in history. "Say," she adds, "why doesn't Austin go to school? He's old enough, yes?"

"Well," I begin, "he doesn't want and he might get nervous and—" "Austin," Rusalia asks my son, completely ignoring me, "why don't you go to school? Is it because you don't think it's enjoyable?"

"No, Miss Rusalia. I wanna go to school. But mom said it's dangerous and I might get hurt." "And do you believe her?" "Well..." he hesitates. I keep quiet, knowing Rusalia won't let me talk. "They look happy," he says, referring to the schoolchildren. "Seems like you envy them." "Maybe," Austin mutters melancholically. Rusalia hugs him to cheer him up.

I want to lash out. I'm his mother and I know what's best for him. But Rusalia, with whatever she's doing, isn't wrong. He wrote those letters because of his loneliness. If he sought solace in an ancient being instead of me, his mom, does that mean I've been doing something wrong? Did he never tell me what he felt because he doesn't trust me much? I'm not sure.

The rest of the day passes in a blur. I'm certain I had a fun time if it weren't for Austin's words haunting the back of my mind. Now I'm in a McDonald's upon his request, setting down a tray of burgers on an empty table. Austin and Rusalia follow along and down on the chairs.

"They said they're still making the fries so they'll just send them over once they're done." Rusalia nods acknowledging but Austin's attention was elsewhere.

"Mom," he asks, his eyes gleaming in excitement, "can I go to the playground?" I hesitate. "Well, uh... there are a lot of kids and—"

But Rusalia takes my hand from across the table. "Let him, Abbey." I feel like I've been shocked—from Rusalia holding my hand or being interrupted, I'm not sure. "Lucy will make sure he's safe." One of her mantises wakes up and crawls to Austin's jeans pockets without him noticing. With no other choice, I agree.

Austin hugs me from behind. "Thank you, mom!" He runs to the playground and immediately goes into a tube. A few seconds later, he waves to us from the top of the playground slide before sliding down, smiling all the way. We clap to encourage him. Austin seems pleased with our response.

"Look at him," Rusalia comments. "It's like he had more fun here than in the theme park", she retorts.

"I guess." But I pay her no mind. Instead, I track where Austin is. He climbs up a ladder and back into the network of tubes. He turns left, then right, then up, then—a kid crawls past him, making me lose track. I look around in a panic, searching for my son amongst the pool of children.

"Calm down, Abbey!" Rusalia chuckles. "You're so anxious all the time!" "Oh, sorry." I close my eyes and take a deep breath. "I'm not used to this 'letting him do anything alone' thing." "Have you never done so?" "I used to but Justin was usually there and—"

"Justin?" She interrupts. "Who's that?" "H-he was my husband." I look down, taking deep breaths. It's been two years; you need not cry, I think to myself. "You had a husband before?" She inquires. I nod. I see her expression change in my peripheral. "Oh, I see."

The server comes with two large boxes of french fries before either of us could say anything.

"Anything else?" The server asks.

"No," I wave him off. He nods in acknowledgment and walks away. With the food already here, I yell for Austin's attention. "Austin? The fries are here!"

A few seconds pass before I hear a response. "Coming, Mommy!" He grabs his shoe before running towards our table, another boy his age in tow. "Mom," he stops for air, "this is my new friend, Mike."

The boy with dark skin and curly hair waves at us shyly. "Hi." "Wow!" Rusalia exclaims. "I didn't know Austin was friendly!"

I ignore her remark. "Do you wanna sit with us, Mike?" "No, thank you. I'm with my parents." He points to a table with two adults and two other children. "Okay, then. Nice to meet you, Mike!" He takes my hand and presses it to his forehead before running off to his family.

*-*

After a long day, we arrive home. Austin has already fallen asleep in the back of the car so I pick him up and carry him inside.

I gently lay Austin down on his bed. Man, this kid's heavy; my back feels sore. I drape the duvet over him and kiss him on the forehead. He stirs.

"Mom?" He calls, sleepy. "Yes, sweetie?" "Where are we?" "We're at home," I whisper. "You should go to sleep."

As if on cue, he lets out a wide yawn. "Okay, mom." He turns to his side and closes his eyes. I get up and leave. "Mom?" He calls again. "Yes?" "Where will Rusalia sleep?" I stop. I haven't thought of that. "Well, I'll prepare the guest room for her." "Okay, mommy." He goes back to sleep.

*-*

After cleaning the surfaces and sweeping the dusty floor, I help Rusalia settle into her room. I've let her borrow some of my clothes so she'll have something to wear. She comes out of the shower in my pajamas, her auburn hair wet from the shower.

"This set of clothing is a tad unfamiliar, but it's very comfortable," she comments as she places her dress on the nightstand. "If you want a nightgown, I'd give you." "Oh, no need. This is fine." "Well, if you need anything, just tell me."

"Is Austin asleep?" She asks while placing her mantises in a mason jar. "Yes, he is," I answer. "You never fully explained why you're here. You used to silently answer Austin."

"I did, didn't I?" She smiles sadly. "I've been on Earth for more than a thousand years, witnessed kingdoms rise, wars rage, and trends pass. I used to think time was just a curse, something that is made to hurt me. It was a selfish ideology, but it was how I felt. In my despair, I started looking for a way to leave quickly—to end this long, pathetic life."

"But when I first received a letter after centuries of wandering, my heart suddenly felt hope. So I made it my goal to take care of this kid and to make sure he's cared for. I wrote back to him, introducing myself as a dear friend who can help him. Then he asked for things, and I gave them to him with no hesitation. He always wrote how lonely he was so..." She trails off and I see tears forming in her brown eyes.

"I'm fading, Abbey," she whispers after a while. "I can feel my power draining." She flexes her fingers and returns to her original form. "I only wish to see Austin happy. I fear that I might fade before I can see that." I stand there dumbly, unable to say anything to comfort her. For what could I say? A promise? She rests her head tiredly against the wooden headboard. "Goodnight, Abbey." She drifts off to sleep.

When one is broken-hearted, there always seems to be a pain around the chest area you can't. Like a bullet or an arrow has pierced through the heart but you can't take it or tend to it. I've always wondered whether it hurt more to be shot by a bullet or an arrow, for I've never experienced either.

But now I can say that this hurts more. It's like getting something that makes you happy, then losing it later in the day. Come to think of it, I haven't lost her yet. She's still here, sleeping in the room next to mine. But for how long? Is it inevitable? What can I do? She wants to see Austin happy. How?

I pick up my phone. If that'll make them both happy, then I will set aside my fears. I dial the number I saw on the flyer they gave out.

"Hello?" I say when the other side picks up. "This is Leila Summers from St. John's Elementary School. How may I help you?"

*-*

It has been 6 weeks since Rusalia came to our home. She has fit in our home, catering to everything Austin wants. Somehow, I'm the one always preventing the two of them from going overboard. Lately, I've noticed Rusalia struggling to cast her spells, and after she does, her skin pales and she flickers back to a deer for a few seconds. She's slowly fading. I doubt she can stay human for very long.

Now we are at the dinner table, eating the fried chicken I prepared. I already broke the news to Austin that he's going to school in two weeks. He's been excited ever since.

"Mom, do you think my teacher would like it if I wore a bow tie?" Austin mumbles, his mouth full of chicken. "Austin," I sigh exasperatedly, "the teacher would prefer if you are a smart and intelligent student." "But how can I show I'm smart?" I pause. "Maybe you can... act smart?" He tilts his head. "How do I do that?" "You can hold your head high and stand straight."

He does so. "Like this?" I nod. "Look, Miss Rusalia. I'm very smart." "Yes, you are," she giggles. "Are you eager to go to school?" "Yep!" He exclaims. "Mike said he goes there too. Maybe we'll be classmates." "Well, that's great!" I say. "At least you don't have to be so lonely at the beginning of the school year." "Abbey," Rusalia scolds. "Don't dampen his excitement." "I'm just saying," I sang, my mouth forming a smirk. She rolls her eyes and looks down, smiling.

"I can make cards so I can introduce myself easily," Austin suggests. "I think that'll be great," Rusalia encourages. I raise my eyebrow at her and she shrugs. I shake my head and take a bite off a chicken wing.

"You know, Rusalia," Austin says. "I've always wanted a little puppy." She stops and we share a look. "Well," she says, keeping her voice even, "maybe I can get you a puppy when school starts?" "Really?!" He asks excitedly. Rusalia nods. "Yay! I'm getting a puppy!" He pumps his fist in the air. I give her a worried look and she smiles back, sadly.

*-*

After two weeks of shopping for school supplies and Austin's cheerful screaming, I park my car in front of St. John's Elementary School. We arrive there early upon Rusalia's request. Only a few students are present on the campus with their parents dropping them off. Austin excitedly hops off the car.

"We're finally here!" He screams excitedly. Passersby look his way. "Calm down, Austin," I say. "You'll be here for 10 more months." "Doesn't mean it's not exciting," he answers back. "Do you want to go in now or do you want to wait?" Rusalia asks gently, patting his back. "I want to go in right away!" He cheers. "Okay," she agrees. "Let me say goodbye first." "For what?"

"Nothing," she replies. "I'll just miss seeing you at home every day." She pulls him close and gives him a tight hug. I do the same. "Bye, mom. Bye, Rusalia." He walks towards the school, waving his hands slowly. His eyes are showing sadness. "Go on, Austin," I say. He turns around and runs inside, the both of us waving as he retreats.

"Agh," Rusalia gasps. She falls to her knees, her hands clutching her chest. I kneel to catch her. She flickers rapidly.

"Are you okay?" I ask with worry. Her skin pales more. "My time..." she choked "... has come." "What?" "I'm already weak, Abbey," she laments. "The wind is calling to me, beckoning me home." "But you can't leave just yet," I sniffle. "I don't know how I would explain to Austin why you're gone." "Don't worry," she consoled, placing a soothing hand on my shoulder. "He'll forget me the moment I disappear." Tendrils of light flurry from her, drifting into the air.

"No, no, no." I hold her tightly. "Don't go yet. I need you," I sob. She hugs me back and we meld into a crying mess. I feel her get lighter and lighter. "Thank you, Abbey. Thank you for everything," she whispers. Then she disappears.

*-*

The moment I reach my porch, I curl into a ball and cry. This isn't fair. What did I ever do to lose the people I care for? Did I do something wrong? This isn't fair. This isn't fair. I knew I shouldn't have let myself get attached. Never again.

After a while, I hear a whimper from beside me. With bleary eyes, I look to see what creature is rubbing against me. It was a dog. Small, stout, with a big head and curly brown fur. It looked at me worriedly. I chuckle despite the pain.

"Hey there," I coo. "Are you lost?" The dog tilts its head. I check for a collar. "You seem like a lady to me." She rests her head on my lap. "She's you," I realize, "isn't she?" The dog lets out a high-pitched bark. I hug her tightly. "I'm gonna name you..." I ponder. "Dearest." She barks excitedly. "Let's get you a collar, Dearest."

*-*

"Mom!" Austin calls as he runs to the car. "Hey there, sweetie!" I hug him. "How was school?" "It was great! I have a bunch of new friends." He makes a big circle with his hands. Dearest bounces to greet Austin. "Woah, a puppy!" He exclaims. "Is it a boy or a girl?" He laps up to pet her.

"It's a girl." Dearest licks his hand and Austin laughs. "What's her name?" "Her name's Dearest." "Deerest?" He asks, confused. "But she isn't a deer." I chuckle. "No. D-E-A-R-E-S-T, Dearest." "What does that mean?" "It's what you call someone you love."

[noonthuwu]

ShikanokoNokonokoKoshitantan!!!

Audio from 'My Deer Friend Nokotan'

OC: Dearly Deerest

[noonthuwu]

Audio from BoJack Horseman

Oc: Dearly Deerest

[noonthuwu]

Smiling critters OC!

A little fanart for @eggritos Thank you for inspired me to make this Lil guy.