Return to Tiffany's - Chapter 2

Simi laughed, her tail wagging faintly. “Because it’s fun! And it’s not about the game—it’s about doing something together.”

Nunnie said, “Together, huh?”

“Yeah,” Simi said, sitting up. “Like going on an adventure, or making up a story, or chasing butterflies in the garden.”

“Chasing butterflies?” Nunnie looked appalled. “Do you know how undignified that sounds?”

“Oh, come on,” Simi pleaded, her tail wagging faster now. “It’ll be fun. You can even pretend you’re teaching me something, like how to pounce!”

Nunnie’s eyes narrowed but couldn’t hide the tiny flicker of amusement in them. “Fine. But just for a little while. And if anyone asks, I’m doing this as a favor.”

“Yay!” Simi barked, leaping to her paws. “You won’t regret it, Nunnie. This is going to be the best butterfly-chasing day ever!”

Nunnie grumbled as they trotted toward the garden. But as the sunlight heated up their fur and the first butterfly fluttered by, even Nunnie couldn’t help but crack the smallest of smiles.

After all, being with Simi wasn’t so bad.

It wasn’t so lonely, either.

Simi & Nunnie, plotting their plans

Chapter Two

Simi and Nunnie bounded into the garden, the warm breeze carrying the scent of flowers and fresh grass. The small yard was alive with color—vibrant blossoms swayed gently, and tiny birds chirped in the trees overhead.

Simi’s tail wagged furiously as she bounced around, scanning the air for their fluttery targets. “There!” Simi barked, pointing with her nose toward a bright yellow butterfly flitting lazily above the lavender bushes. “Let’s go!”

Nunnie remained rooted to the spot, amber eyes narrowed while surveying the butterfly’s flight. “It’s just a bug with wings,” Nunnie muttered. “Hardly worth chasing.”

“It’s not about the butterfly, Nunnie. It’s about the fun! Watch this!” Simi crouched low, wiggling her back end like a spring ready to pop, and then pounced forward with a joyful leap. The butterfly, unbothered, zigzagged higher into the air, and Simi landed with a thud in the soft grass.

Nunnie pulled an epic eye-roll. “Graceful.”

“You try!” Simi said, popping up and shaking grass off her fur. “Come on, show me your pounce!”

Nunnie let out a long, theatrical sigh, but padded forward anyway. “Fine. Watch how it’s done, dog.” Crouching low, flat ears flattening even further, gaze fixing on the butterfly, tail swishing once, twice, and then—with a surprisingly elegant leap—Nunnie soared through the air. The butterfly dodged effortlessly.

“Well,” Nunnie said, licking a paw nonchalantly, “it’s a skilled opponent. Clearly.”

Simi burst into laughter, her barky giggles echoing across the garden. “You almost had it, Nunnie! I think you scared it a little.”

“Scared it?” Nunnie huffed. “I was giving it a false sense of security.”

“Oh, is that what you call it?” Simi teased, bounding in circles. “This is so much better than sitting inside being bored!” Nunnie couldn’t help but agree, though would never admit that out loud. The sunshine, the rustling leaves, and Simi’s endless enthusiasm made it hard to stay grumpy for long. Another butterfly, this one bright blue, darted past, and Simi yipped with excitement. “There’s another one! Come on, Nunnie!”

But after only twenty minutes, Nunnie looked around and didn’t see Simi anywhere! A once grumpy expression shifted to mild alarm as amber eyes scanned the garden. “Simi! Simi!” Nunnie called out, voice low and sharp, but there was no answer. With a resigned sigh, Nunnie muttered, “Why do dogs always have to wander off?”

Hopping onto a low stone wall for a better vantage point, Nunnie’s flat ears twitched while listening for any sound of the fluffy, excitable dog. A distant rustling in the bushes caught the attention of some birds, who flew off squawking.

“Of course,” Nunnie grumbled, leaping gracefully to the ground. Nunnie padded toward the sound, tail flicking with impatience. “Probably got herself stuck in a hedge or something ridiculous.”

It didn’t take long for Nunnie to track Simi’s path. Her loud, bumbling footsteps left behind broken twigs and a scattering of paw prints in the soft dirt. “Honestly,” Nunnie muttered while following the trail, “it’s like she wants to be found. Subtlety is not her strong suit.”