Page 36 of Galactic Sentinels: Vol 2
“Samantha! I hope you're doing well? Oh, and you brought your little furball! What’s his name again? Booz?”
“Hi, Rebecca. His name’s Gooz. He’s super cute—and totally obsessed with fruit.”
“Oh, he’s absolutely adorable! I don’t think I’ve ever seen one of those animals living with Humans. It’s a rodent, right? Even though its fur is such a unique color.”
“I think you’re right—it’s probably some kind of rodent.”
I look down at my fuzzy little purple friend with affection. He’s about the size of a melon—we grow those in greenhouses—round dark ears, a pointed snout, four clawed paws, a thick fluffytail, and soft, plum-colored fur. I made a little carrier pouch for him, kind of like a kangaroo’s pouch, that lets me carry him comfortably on my stomach. That way, he can enjoy the walk safely and snuggled up against me.
“Well, he’s just the cutest! By the way, did you bring that ointment we talked about last time? The one for the red patches? More and more colonists are complaining about the itching.”
“Yes, I brought everything I had. I’ll have more by the time I visit next.”
We keep chatting about this and that until I finally say goodbye and leave the shop.
Outside, I hesitate.
Should I go visit my father?
For what reason, exactly?
He’s probably sprawled on his couch, nursing his latest bottle… maybe even having a deep conversation with his next drink.
And what would I even say to him?
He never listened when I protested about Nalgous, and I seriously doubt he cares any more about the Gouzils.
So I turn the other way and head home.
I’ll spend the night there and leave again in the morning.
But when I walk into my living room, I’m greeted by a seriously unpleasant sight.
My father is on his knees—in front of Buddy and his goon. What the hell are they doing in my house?
“Ah, daughter, perfect timing!” Buddy sneers, that disgusting smirk glued to his face.
“Turns out we came by to collect what your daddy here owed us. But when we showed up—surprise, surprise—Albert was gone! Turns out the bastard moved in with his daughter! Not the most original hiding spot, huh?”
“Obviously. I mean, he’s not exactly the sharpest star in the solar system,” I snap sarcastically. “Now, I’d like you all to get the hell out of my house. I have nothing to do with your little trafficking business, and I don’t want to be dragged into any of it!”
A cold shiver runs down my spine.
Buddy the Fierce isn’t known for letting things go—not with my dad, and not with me.
“What’s that got to do with planets? What are you talking about?”
I sigh deeply.
Maybe I should’ve tried another metaphor?
Told him my father wasn’t the brightest star in the galaxy? Or maybe not the hottest ray of sunshine in summer? But somehow, I don’t think any of that would’ve landed better.
“It was just a figure of speech. Could you maybe have this discussion somewhere else?” I ask.
“Sure, kiddo… as soon as you hand over what I came for.”
“I’m not giving you anything. In fact, I give you my blessing to go impress someone else. You’re not getting anything from my dad—he can barely take care of himself!”
