8 Noir (1/2)

”I heard you managed to tame the new beast from Africa.” Mr. Proulx said suddenly, breaking the silence in the dining room.

”Mm... I wouldn't call it taming, father.” Casimir swallowed his food. ”The stupid beast just forced itself onto me.”

Mr. Proulx coughed and narrowed his eyes. ”...I see.”

Silence ensued as the father and son ate dinner.

”So... How was your day?”

Why is this so awkward?! Both Casimir and Mr. Proulx thought at the same time.

”...It was horrible.” Casimir stated seriously as he picked the vegetables from his food. ”I got sprayed by the lawn sprinklers, accidentally put coffee powder in the stew, and got pinned down by an overgrown cat! What's more is that said cat refused to leave me alone and had to be put to sleep temporarily by Edgar so I could get away!”

There was a short moment of silence after Casimir's outburst. Suddenly the two of them burst out laughing.

”Long day, huh?” Mr. Proulx joked.

”Extremely long day!” Casimir replied.

”Well, now you know how I feel when you get into some sort of mess.” Mr. Proulx grinned at his son. ”That beast... Do you like it?”

”It's not that I like. It's more like it likes me.” Casimir shoved a slice of meat into his mouth. ”But it's okay, I guess.”

”You can have it.” Mr. Proulx suddenly declared, causing Casimir to choke on his food. ”W-what?!”

”You heard me.” Mr. Proulx grinned towards his son who was drinking his water hastily. ”You can treat it as an early birthday gift. But!... You have to take care of it on your own since the beast's former caretaker is now....resigned.”

”Well, I'm done eating.” He stood up and gestured for the servants to take his plates away. ”I still have something important to do so I'll see you tomorrow.”

Wait! Come back! I don't want this birthday gift!

Casimir stared at his plate with a pale face.

...

The next morning, Casimir was carrying-

No, let me rephrase.

Casimir was dragging an unknown creatures leg, heading towards the isolated stable 26.

”Argh!” Casimir suddenly let out a loud scream which sounded more like an amplified groan.

Why did it end is way?!

All I wanted was a safe retirement period! I just wanted to relax for a few years but now, I have to spend my days taking care of a stupid beast! Argh!