The Forbidden Love Of A Pet

It was already late at night. “Cedric!!” a young girl was heard calling out. Here she comes… “Cedric!!” the girl called out again. “Where could he be?” “Hi, April. Watcha’ doing? Don’t tell me, you guys are at it again, aren’t you?” this time, a young boy’s voice was heard. BAM!! Slowly, the lower cupboard door swung open. “Hey, there you are, Cedric!” the girl cried out. She then went over and picked up a small dog into her arms. She patted his head and gave him a tummy rub. Yep! That’s me! Another dog playing games with his young master. The name’s Cedric. I’m a wolf-dog. This girl over here’s my master, April--April Flynn. That guy with her there’s her best friend, Lucius--Lucius Procter. Sounds kinda weird, right? Same here. “Why do you have to give him such a name?” Lucius asked while patting on Cedric’s head softly. “Hmm? What name?” April asked him back. “You know…’Cedric’? It sounds so cool and handsome and more…human-like. But THIS Cedric is a DOG, NOT a human…” “Correction…he’s a pup…” April cut in immediately. “Humph!” Lucius sounded jealous. I’ve always hated it; the way she always calls me a puppy…I’m 14 months old! Though, my looks don’t show it…I’ve had a few growth problems…hehe… “Cedric, now you listen carefully, okay? Don’t you ever run off like that anymore, alright? You’ve had me worried sick back there. This will be a promise between the two of us, okay?” April lectured him and planted a soft kiss on his head. “Hey, miss? He didn’t even run THAT far…we’re still in your house, you know? Besides, what’s with that kiss?” Lucius sounded a lot more jealous of Cedric. April ignored Lucius and continued to pat Cedric as she walked off to the living room. “Oh, by the way…what brings you here, THIS time of the night?” April asked. Lucius’ facial expression changed in a split second and a slight pink blush appeared on his cheeks. He placed one hand over his head, “Well, I was wondering…we came here, to Japan, for the student exchange program, right? Japan was originally what YOU want and you even want me to accompany you here, right? So, since we’re here…I thought maybe, uh…we could go to this festival celebration that’s new in town? My ‘brother’ was always talking about it back at my foster home. It’s at the shrine two blocks away from here… I also heard that there’s lots of games and food there. I knew how you loved festivals like this, right?” Lucius said. “So…are you gonna go, with me?” Cedric barked enthusiastically as he wags his tail about in the air. “Sound like a ‘yes’ from Cedric! How ‘bout you?” Lucius asked for April’s reply. After a few seconds of pause, April finally spoke out. “When is it?” “Tomorrow night…” Lucius gave a quick reply. “Then…I think…I’ll go…I can’t miss something like this, can’t I? Cedric’s going too, right? I’m gonna find you the best prop to put on.” April smiled at Cedric. Cedric gave a bark, then he sticks his tongue out, enthusiastically. “That’ll be great! Um…tomorrow night…I’ll come by and pick you up at 6.30. Uh… bye…and, good night…” Lucius hurried off home. Wow! It feels so great that I’ve talked to her about it. Yes! Then, I’ll take her to the nearby lake and confess my feelings for her, under the moon. It’s said that there might be a full moon tomorrow; it’ll be the perfect night! Hah… it’s been so long…8 long years…this time, THAT dog’s not gonna get in my way. “Hi, April. Not going to bed yet? What are you starin’ at?” a slightly older girl came down the staircase and sat down heavily beside April on the couch. “Hey, Naomi?” April started softly. “Yes?” she asked back. “What do you usually wear to festivals?” “Hmm…if I’m going alone, then casual wear…if I’m going with my family or

friends, then I’ll dress up in a nice pair of yukata.” As she turned to see April clutch her clothes, she continued. “Oh, NOW I see…someone asked you out to the festivals tomorrow, right? Let me guess…a GUY?” Naomi saw that April jumped up a little. “Then, it MUST be Lucius, right?” “Yeah…” April replied back softer. “Ah…so we’re gonna need a nice pair of yukata for you and have you dress up pretty for tomorrow then. Since it’s Sunday tomorrow, we’ll go out and buy one for you!” Naomi suggested, putting on a big smile on her face. “But…is it okay for me to have it?” “Yeah, sure! ALL girls must look her BEST when going out to these festivals, you know? I used to go with Lucius’ ‘brother’ and he always praised my yukata…” “Hey, Naomi? What’s a…‘yukata’?” “It’s what we called ‘bathing suits’ here in Japan…it’s slightly lighter than a kimono, though…” “Then, is Lucius gonna wear one too?” “Yup! I think his brother has told him about the details and I’ll bet that he is gonna look SU-PER-KIUUUUT (cute)!!” Grrr… Naomi looked over to Cedric. He was gritting his teeth, threatening her not to continue the conversation. “What’s gotten into him, all of a sudden?” Naomi stood up, bade goodnight and went back up to her room. “Cedric! Pipe down! That’s not very nice to do to Naomi, you know?” April carried Cedric with her. I don’t want that Lucius to success in confessing his love to April. Because…because I…I, too, love April! A huge lightning struck down and caused blackout to the whole street. The minute Cedric opened up his eyes, he saw, in front of him was the God of Death. He tried to keep a far distance from him and found that there were only the two of them there surrounded in plain white. Cedric said, “April? Where are you?” He stopped. “I can talk?” “No. Only when you are with ME that all the impossible come true…” the God of Death spoke. “If I’m seeing you here…that must mean…” Cedric said. “Yes…” the God of Death (shinigami) smiled, devilishly. “YOU, my friend, are about to die in 24 hours, which means…, at 10 o’clock sharp, tomorrow night…” “NO WAY!!! I’ve still got lots to do, I can’t leave April all alone…I don’t want to…I can’t just DIE tomorrow…can’t you give me a few days more?” “No can do, my friend…when your time’s up, you’re up…” “Then, can’t anyone help me or something?” “Bye now…” The shinigami disappeared into shadows and a bright light shone in front of Cedric immediately. As Cedric looked closer, he caught glimpse of the figure of a young man. “I…um…” Cedric started. “I’m a Cupid…and I’m here because I was touched by the love you show to your master…and I totally understand your situation. About a year ago, your life was saved by this girl, your destinies have intertwined with each other and now, you are again destined to leave her side. This is something that even I cannot change…” “I…I know that. That is why I need your help…can…can you turn me into a human?” “Human? A boy, I suppose?” “Yes. I wanted April to know of my feelings…” Cedric explained and stared pleadingly at the Cupid. “I can only spare you the last minutes of your time…the rest is up to you…but, even then, by doing so, I will immediately erase your existence from this world. She will not

remember anything about you anymore. Because of this wish of yours…” “I…I totally understand that…it’s your job, right? There are rules in YOUR world too, am I right?” “30 minutes…before your time runs out…” “30 minutes is enough for me…thank you, for your help. Thank you, very, very much…” “You are most welcome, my friend. I bid you goodbye and my wishes to you that you and the love of your life would be together on your next lives…” the Cupid disappeared out of sight. I wonder if what I’m doing is right…what’s best for April is to be loved by a human… and not a dying pet who couldn’t promise her any future…maybe I should pray for her happiness with Lucius… April and Lucius are now on their way to the shrine. Many others were also on their way, chitchatting merrily. “What’s the matter, Cedric? You’ve been awfully quiet the whole day, you know?” April patted on Cedric’s head as she carried him in her hands. Cedric purred softly back at her. How should I start? How should I tell her? Lucius led the way and brought April to various stalls to try on different food and games. He seems very fluent in Japanese. They tried to catch goldfishes using a paper net, tasted ‘takoyaki’, ‘mitarashi-dango’ (note: names of Japanese snacks), cotton candies and apple toffees. It was already 8.30. Lucius took April for a walk around a nearby lake, behind the shrine. The moon that shone down that night was very bright, everything was cool and calm. Slowly, fireflies also started to flutter around them. April let down Cedric to play on his own and walked off with Lucius. Cedric insisted on following them from behind, waiting for his queue to turn up. Both April and Lucius were strolling slowly. Lucius spoke, “Uh…April…that yukata of yours really suited you…” “Hmm? Oh, thanks…” a slight blush appeared on April’s cheeks. She turned to stare at the dreamy, clear, blue lake. Lucius turned around, facing April, grasped her hands, “April…I…” Deep red blushes appeared on his cheeks. “I’ve been wanting to say this for a long, long time. Ever since we first became friends…” He continued (Note: no details in their conversation…^_^). Cedric turned to look at the clock near the shrine; 9.00 o’clock. It’s almost time…I could already feel my body aching…am I really gonna transform into a human? I must get through with this…myself… “April…I…I love you!” Lucius finished. (Note: 15 minutes had already passed; 9.15pm) Soft winds blew through both April and Lucius. April pulled back a few strands of her hair from flowing about with the wind. She started to feel awkward. “Uh…I…I don’t know what to say…um…but, thank you, for liking me so much and for so long. I…I don’t know how I should reply you back but I will…at the nearest time…um, I think…I’ll be heading home first…bye…” April picked up Cedric and walked off, avoiding any eye contact with him. Cedric started to bark out loud and jumped off from April’s arms. There’s no time to lose! April, follow me…this way! Cedric ran past Lucius. Lucius looked up and saw April running by. “April?” “Cedric ran off on his own again…I’m going to fetch him back…” April said. “I’ll come with you,” Lucius followed behind her. (9.28pm) As Cedric came upon a very thick bush in front, he quickly leapt into it and all of a

sudden, a bright light shone from the bushes. (9.30pm) April reached first and covered her eyes from the blinding ray. Lucius stopped not far from her and did the same. When the bright light faded out, a young boy in casual wear, about their age, came out from the bush and stood right in front of April. He stared at her and gave a smile. Then, he moved closer to her and gave a lick on her left cheek. “What the…” Lucius grasped his fist tightly. April immediately pushed the boy away. “Excuse me, sir…what are you…” The boy only smiled and gave a sign for her to stop talking and look at the small collar which fitted perfectly around his neck. There was Cedric’s name carved on it. “That’s…” both April and Lucius started. April approached the boy. “You’re…Cedric?” “I was hoping that you’d recognize me at first glance but…guess you couldn’t, huh? This was a huge transformation, though…” Cedric said and turned around to take a look at his human figure. “Cedric…you can talk? Why are you human? What’s going on? What do you mean by…transformation?” April asked nervously. “April, I don’t have much time…so I need you to listen to me…” Cedric moved closer and gave her a kiss on the lips. Lucius felt very angry and found himself clutching his fists tightly. April’s eyes grow widened and pulled off from him. “What are you…” Cedric continued to say, “I love you, more than a friend, a playmate, I feel for you with this human feeling, as one who cherishes you more than his own dying life and…I love you SO much that I’ve always wanted to live with you together, as a human; your lover…not your pet…and I will always love you…forever…” April hesitates, “Cedric…I…” “But…you see, April. This kind of love, MY love, however is completely forbidden no matter what I do…that is why I’d like you to be happy…” Cedric pulled her by the arm and walked over towards Lucius. He placed her hand into Lucius’ and said, “With him…I know that he can care for you much better than I can…” Both of them looked at each other, blushed and quickly pulled off their hands. April said to Cedric, “But, Cedric…why not YOU? I know now…I’ve always loved you, cared for you as if you WERE a human, like me…I think, I love you, too, so why can’t it be YOU? You’re a human now…and I would definitely have loved you as much even if you were back to your dog-self…” Cedric turned and glanced at the clock. It’s already 9.55… “It is as though the almighty God was pulling a prank on me…because the time goes on faster…and faster… (pant)…the longer…I stay…with…you…” Cedric fell kneeling to the ground, panting for air. April ran over and tried to calm him, “Cedric! What’s happening? Why do you say that the time is moving very fast? Why are you so suffering…suffocating?” Lucius also stood beside them, putting on a concerned look, “Hey, get a grip of yourself, man…” “April…” Cedric finally looked up to her and held onto her hand. “Remember my words; I have always loved you and I forever will but…I hate you…” “What?” both April and Lucius said. Cedric looked at April, crying, “Why? Why is it YOU that I fell in love with and not some other dog? Why is it YOU that my heart chose to beat towards to? Why am I born a dog?” Lucius spoke, “Hey, pull yourself together, man…you’re making it even more difficult to hear you there…” Cedric took a deep breath, wiped off his tears and put on a smile, “April, I wanted you to be living happily, with Lucius. Because, in a few moments of time…I’ll be gone…off from this world and you’ll forget me…that is why…” Cedric placed April’s palm into Lucius’ one and Lucius grasped it firmly. Cedric looked at the both of them and gave his most sincere

smile, “…always…be happy with what you got from life…” “Cedric?” April asked, concerned. Cedric’s body fell to the ground with a thud and faded off as he slowly turns back into his own dog-self. The clock struck ten and within the blink of the eye, their memories of Cedric became shattered and disappeared together with Cedric’s dead body into thin air. April was staring at Cedric the whole time. All of a sudden, Lucius fell to the ground, fainted. She let out a shed of tear right before she, too, collapsed to the ground, fainted. Fireflies were floating about in the air. The moon that night seemed so magnificent and beautiful. Both April and Lucius opened their eyes and found themselves holding onto each other’s hand. Quickly, they let go and sat further away from each other. In April’s other palm, stood a small collar with the name ‘Cedric’ carved onto it. Lucius peeked and grabbed hold of it while shaking it around, “What is this?” April shook her head, “I don’t know…maybe it belongs to someone else. I’ll just leave it there by that thick bush…” April took it from Lucius and went over to put it on the ground. As they walked off together, Lucius said, “It’s late…we’d better head back home…” April only nodded in agreement. Inside, she was still thinking about that collar. Why was that collar in my hands? And where have I heard of such a name? Cedric…that name would suit a puppy, if I’d own one, of course. It sounded so cool and so handsome! April thought in her mind. Lucius stared at April’s face, “Hey, April…have you been crying just now?” April looked back at him and, “No, why do you ask?” Lucius moved over and wiped off traces of tears from the tail of her eyes, “Look, you WERE crying just now…what a crybaby…” He teased. April felt annoyed, “I did not! Don’t call me a ‘crybaby’!” She chased after Lucius to give him a good pull at his ear but Lucius managed to evade her playfully. They both laughed out merrily as they played their way back home. As they walked off, the collar itself became shattered into gold dusts and flew across the lake before disappearing into the moonlight.

Writer: A dog, which showed affection, a forbidden love, towards its owner, gets erased from their memories after finally able to voice out his feelings. And to top THAT off, he was on the verge of dying! Then, he becomes disappeared into thin air…oh, what a great ending! No. 1 fan: … (Sob)… (Sob)…I’m so touched! Publisher: …I…I can’t stand it anymore! … (Cry)… (Cry)… (Cry)… Writer: Well, that’s it for ‘The Forbidden Love of a Pet’. See ya’ next time, guys!

THE FORBIDDEN L

OVE OF A PET…

~BY HA MTAR O - 08 -