7 Chapter 7: Exhaustion (1/2)

Shopping for clothes before the new school year was an age-old tradition. Due to my unnatural proclivity for getting into accidents, Dad usually bought me clothes in bulk. I had at least 100 copies of the same shirt hanging in my closet and 50 of the same jeans. Each year I'd have to decide on a look to stick with for the next 365 days. At the rate that I destroyed clothes, I couldn't afford the luxury of going off-brand very often.

Honestly, my style stayed the same, but I loved going to the mall to look for one thing in particular.

They had shoes for people as tall as trolls and as small as fairies but nothing that fit me. I dreamed of the day I would find a pair of shoes I could wear, but no one made sneakers for teenaged rabbits. Even if none of them were shaped to fit my feet, I had to window shop to be sure.

”It was made out of paper,” I said as Dad and I walked around the mall, heading out after our shopping was done.

”Are you sure you didn't dream it all?” He asked.

”Dad, I was kidnapped and held against my will,” I added.

”But it gave you back?”

”...yes, but ...,” I stumbled as I realized how unlikely my story was probably coming off.

”Maybe you hit your head too hard this time,” he joked.

I tried telling Dad about my abduction, but I suppose it was too far fetched a story to believe without proof. To be fair, Dad didn't know about half of my adventures, so maybe he didn't have enough scope on how otherworldly my life was becoming. Either way, he was right. I was returned home without being hurt, so I let the subject go.

On our way out of the mall, we were passing the suit and dress store ”Tailor Made” when I noticed a familiar face. Beth was walking out just as we passed by. Dad and I were a few steps ahead, and I thought for sure we'd make it outside without being noticed. Of course, a teen sized rabbit was hard to miss, so before we made it to the revolving doors, I heard my name called out from a distance.

”Pitch?” Beth said.

I stopped dead in my tracks, stunned by her voice. Dad went on a few steps ahead of me until he realized I wasn't moving with him anymore.

”Pitch, Its good to see you,” Beth said as she approached us.

I had to turn around. I couldn't just walk away. I felt like an asshole. I felt like an awkward asshole. A crowd of people was walking around us forcing my dad and me to step away from the exit and closer to Beth until the space between us was closed.

”Your recent correspondence made it clear that you were still in recovery. Does this mean I'll see you at the theater soon?” She pressed.

Before I could lie or try to come up with an explanation, I found that I didn't need words at all. My dad stepped in front of me.

”My son is starting school soon, and I'm afraid he won't have time to continue his internship with you, ” Dad said on my behalf.