Creative Melting Pot

It’s around nine o’clock when the occasional whimpers start to become continuous. I groan in frustration as I turn up the volume several notches but, unfortunately, the howls can no longer be drowned out.

    “Alright, alright, I’m coming!” I yell as I pause the movie I’m watching. I then begrudgingly get up from my spot on the couch and head up the staircase. I then went straight to the second door on the left and, without hesitation, burst into the dark room.

    However, my frustration instantly turns to surprise as I flip the light switch. On top of the bed’s blue and white quilt is a large, misshapen wolf with scraggly tan gray fur that, at first glance, nearly looks human. Its long, gangling arms are tucked close to its chest while its thin legs stretch out to the end of the queen bed with its back right being in a cast and elevated by a small mound of pillows. The creature’s ears perk up as the light turns on and, though I can’t see it, the distinct thumping of a tail is heard. The neighbors at my old house were werewolves, so I’m not completely shocked by the site. However, it’s still odd to see Theodore in this form.

    “What?” I ask as my initial frustration floods back to me.

    Theodore’s pointed ears fold flat against his head, and he lets out another low whine as he glances to his hind legs.

    “Yeah, broken bones are gonna hurt.” I say as a rest a hand on my hip. “But Nikki said you already had your pain meds for the day. Nothing I can do to help you here, dude, so just calm down and get some sleep already.”

    Theodore’s already wide eyes seem to somehow grow even bigger, and his next round of whimpers nearly breaks through my resolve. I quickly turn to leave the room before I offer to give him more medication but a slash on the opposite wall catches my attention first. An assortment of Playbill’s from various musicals proudly hung in individual frames cover the entire wall, and I suddenly get an idea.

    “So, you’re a fan of musicals, huh?” I ask. Theodore’s ears perk up ever-so-slightly and, though his eyes remain wide and watery, the thump of his tail gives away his excitement. I smile and, as I take a few steps closer to the bed, I reach into my jean pocket to pull out my phone before holding it up for Theodore to see. “Well, that’s funny. Because I used to be fostered by this uber rich family and, before they disowned me, I used their credit card to buy a shit-ton of musicals off iTunes.” I then pause for dramatic effect and, as the thump of Theodore’s tail intensifies, my smile widens. “You know, I’d be willing to play one or two albums for you. If you agree to be quiet for the rest of the night.”

    Theodore’s ears perk straight up as he lifts his head off his pillow and a long, pink tongue flops out of the side of his mouth as he begins to pant. I assume this is werewolf for ‘Yes’ and walk over to the side of the bed before taking a seat on the floor. I then open my music library and begin to scroll through my selection of musicals. Theodore watches as my thumb hovers over each individual album icon, and he lets out a bark as I get to Six: The Musical.

    “Ah, so you do have good taste after all.” I say as I click on the album. “And here I thought you were just a nerd who unironically laughs during The Big Bang Theory.”

    Theodore lets out an exaggerated huff, but his expression doesn’t give away any signs of actual offense. I press play Six’s first song and, once the beat kicks in, Theodore’s tail begins to beat in-time with the music. I join in and, during the first drawn-out ‘Wives!’ of the second chorus, Theodore suddenly lets out a howl that causes my smile to grow even wider.

    “Hell yeah, bro!” I say without a single ounce of hesitation. “Belt that shit!”

    Theodore barks excitedly before going into another howl at the next ‘Wives!’, and I fully process what I just said.

    I just referred to Theodore as my brother and, in that moment, I truly believed it. The music and wild howls continue as I sit in silence on the floor as I mentally scold myself for getting so attached to someone. After all, this moment between Theodore and I, as well as every connection we make, is like a dying star. A temporary shimmer of light and hope that leaves one’s world a little darker and cold when they eventually burn out.