Rare Earth Element

Chapter 2- The Salt in the Wound

”What the hell...?” she asked aloud, distracted from her own misery by the awful wailing. The melancholic melody of someone else’s anguish sparked a flame of compassion. Turning her head slowly, she caught a glimpse of an extremely bereaved young man bawling, his fists covering his probably swollen eyes, his posture slack…having a damn near conniption.

’Oh…geez…’ she thought, incredulously, placing a hand of slender, delicate fingers over her mouth. The poor guy was a miserable, hot-assed mess, his forearms trickling with a waterfall of salty tears, so strong, she could smell it. Her half-stone heart wanted to ask him what the matter was, but considering her situation was no better, she balked, keeping her mouth concealed with her hand.

”Pabu, what’s wrong with me? Why doesn’t she want meee…..?” the helpless boy whined, helplessly, as if the fire ferret could respond. “What’s his deal? Why HIM?”

'Pabu? I only know of one Pabu,' the girl thought, cringing, with a clench of her teeth. She wanted so badly to mind her business. There was just no way…that was impossible. The dejected , pathetic lump of clay couldn’t possibly be…

'Oh what the hell...'

”Pabu?” she suddenly asked aloud with no mental preamble, her mouth working with the tides of her memory. “C’mere boy!”

“Huh?” was all she heard and the unrelenting cries and declarations of worthlessness ceased. The young lady refused to turn her head, keeping her gaze affixed to the blurry stars before her.

'Did I just embarrass myself by making a false....' her thoughts were interrupted by the sudden sensations from something chunky, furry, and long running through her limber legs, claws digging through her fitted black, leather pants, grabbing for foothold. Startled, she flinched at the stinging surprise, wondering just what debt had her mouth paid for.

”Pabu, you silly fire-ferret get down! You know better than to jump on strangers!” an approaching voice chastised, though shaky; choking, his green eyes glossy with tears. The young lady calmed, suddenly giggling at the cold nose the fire ferret provided as it nuzzled her cheek curiously, loving her sweet smell. Pabu, being such a compassionate, perceptive beast, licked her wet cheek, tasting the heavy, metallic salt from her tears.<br>

”Hey…Pabu…” the young man began, wiping away tears with his forearm. As much as he wanted to scold his faithful pet for leaving his side for a complete and absolute stranger, the soft giggles and ‘ahh, you’re so stinking cute’, completely blindsided him.

“Huh?”

The young man ambled closer, finding the scene of his pet being caressed by long, brown fingers with gunmetal –polished nails quite endearing, her cheeks being comforted by the fire-ferret’s snout.

”Excuse, me ..Miss, listen, I’m sorry…yowza,” he cut off when his green eyes were greeted, his stance halted by silvery-grey eyes that flashed freezing but conducted heat at the same time. So mesmerized, he had to turn his head momentarily, his train of thought wavering from the track. Seemingly, Pabu had great taste in consoling strangers.

'Get outta here...'