How Aphelium Made Friends

     On a particularly sunny morning, Aphelium sat close by her kitchen window with watchful eyes that danced with anticipation for the postman. A book, a treasure of the secrets to friendships, was on its way to hopefully help her unlock the doors to friendship and laughter that she so desperately desired. She had harboured a dream of making so many friends in her new neighbourhood. Yet, despite her relocation, she found herself the same - still shy and still timid.

     No sooner had the postman’s shadow departed than Aphelium found herself in front of the mailbox. A brown parcel awaited her. She ripped open the parcel and stared longingly at the books cover’s photograph.

     “Good morning”, came a gentle voice, bringing Aphelium back to reality. She raised her gaze to find Agnes, an Elderly Girl Ogrin, who lived two houses down from her.

     “Good morning”, Aphelium mumbled. Her cheeks wearing a soft brush of roses as the book’s title was plainly visible to Agnes. She must think I'm pathetic, thought Aphelium.

     Agnes, with a twinkle in her eye, leaned forward. “Would you, my dear, lend me a bit of your time? My foot has adopted a touch of stubbornness, making my strolls with Frankie a challenge.” She hinted at her back right food. “I feel bad for him, so I was wondering if you could bring him along on walks when you have the time.”

     “Of course.”

     “Thank you. Frankie is a good little boy.” Frankie, a friendly little Xampher, was bouncing around them both as Agnes spoke.

     With a tentative smile, Aphelium nodded. She had admired them from afar, Frankie’s jovial prance and Agnes’s friendly smile. She had not dared to approach them. This was the most she had spoken to Agnes. “I’m going into town later, so I can bring him along.”

     In the embrace of the winter sun, Aphelium found herself strolling towards town with little Frankie prancing merrily by her side. His joyful grin was infectious, warming her spirits. Earlier in the day she had curled up in her favourite chair with her new book seeking wisdom from the pages, but alas, comfort evaded her. She had pondered that the town’s library, with its treasure hall of books, might hold the answer to how to make friends.

     Frankie bounced to the other side of the road and disappeared into a nearby garden, drawing Aphelium’s gaze to an unexpected scene. Towering tall, a Mutant Skeith was doting on Frankie, who made sounds of pure delight. The sight of this gentle giant gave Aphelium a moment’s pause – what a curious duo they were! The Skeith beckoned her closer with a friendly wave.

     “Where is Agnes today?” inquired the Skeith, while he continued to scratch Frankie behind his horn.

     Aphelium’s eyes drifted downwards, a touch shy, as she talked about Agnes’s minor mishap. "She hurt her foot, so she asked me to help.” Hastily she added “I live near her. I just moved here.”

     “Well, pleased to meet you! I’m Bob,” said the Skeith with a bright shine in his eyes, offering a hearty hug. “Any friend of Agnes and Frankie is a friend of mine. If you need anything, just let me know.”

     The encounter warmed Ophelia’s heart, though she and Agnes and Frankie had barely been acquainted. He seemed like a cheerful Pet, and he waved them off.

     It wasn’t long before Frankie, a bundle of energy, scampered off to greet a Pastel Ruki adorning a headband that radiated like a rainbow.

     “Glorious weather for a walk, isn’t it? How’s Agnes?” the Ruki chirped keenly.

     Aphelium explained about Agnes and the Pastel Ruki made Aphelium swear that she would send her love to Agnes and wish her a speedy recovery. Learning of Aphelium’s library bound intent, she added, “Please send Minerva my best. If you’re a friend of mine, she’ll treat you like royalty!”

     Aphelium hesitated, but the Ruki, named Delia, enveloped her in a smile so warm it felt as if they'd been friends for life. Delia even whispered a tip about the nearby bakery, aromas wafting from her bag tempting Aphelium’s senses.

     Indeed, the bakery was a delight, overseen by a starry lenny whose grin widened at their arrival. The scent of pastries filled the air as he treated Frankie to a snack and her to a sample cupcake, as a warm welcome to his corner of the world. Aphelium even departed with a freshly baked pie, a gift to share with Agnes over a cup of afternoon tea.

     The library, with its bold green emblem, was a beacon of knowledge. Inside, Aphelium was greeted by a chatty Skunk Hissi, who she found out was named Minerva. Aphelium did remember to send her greetings from Delia, but she didn’t ask for help to find books about how to make friends. Instead, she asked about books about local walks. The Park District was known for its gardens, and she wanted to explore more when spring came.

     Minerva showed her the right spot. “You should ask Delia about her walking club the next time you guys hang out. They meet every Wednesday at noon if I’m not mistaken.” Minerva smiled at her.

     Aphelium found a nice book about walks with beautiful pictures inside, that made her wish that spring would come early this year. She also found a book about DIY at home and an adventure book. As she checked out the books, Minerva told her that there was a local book club that meets every other week and she was welcome to come check it out. Minerva took the time to write down the next couple of meeting times and found her a copy of the book they were currently reading. Ophelia left with an armful of books, tales of idyllic trails and whimsical adventures awaited her.

     When Aphelium knocked on the brown front door at Agnes, she was surprised at how late it was. The small trip to the library had taken hours. Agnes invited her in for a cup of tea and wanted to hear all about their adventures. She wanted to know if Frankie had been a good boy and if they’ve met any Pets along the way. As Aphelium recalled all Pets they had met and who wanted her to send their best to Agnes, she realised that she had talked to so many Pets that day. She had hardly spoken to anyone since the move and today she had lost count of how many Pets she had spoken to.

     As Agnes served the pie, Aphelium realised that Agnes was walking just fine.

     “How’s your foot?” She inquired.

     “I have a small confession to make.” Agnes smiled at Ophelia. “I might have told you a tiny lie. You seemed a little down today, so I thought a day with Frankie would cheer you up. He always cheers me up. I hope I haven’t overstepped too much. I’d like us to be friends.”

     Despite the initial lie, Agnes’s intentions were pure, a gesture to kindle a friendship with her. And as they shared the pie, laughter, and stories, it was clear: had found the beginning of friendship. There would be more adventures and cosy tea times to come.

     The End.