Aurora Magazine 2017

irritation.

“A friend, “ was Jackie’s vague response. “Oh?” Puff inquired. “It is a girl. No one you would know.” Jackie’s eyes narrowed as he shook his head slightly. His pursed lips twitched toward one side. Puff could see that he was getting nowhere with this new version of Jackie. He decided to change his tactics. Puff ’s eyes widened and he chewed on his lower lip. “Light up one of your cigarettes.” Jackie glanced from left to right and then back at Puff. He raised an eyebrow, not certain if Puff was talking to him or someone else. He hesitated for a moment and then lit a stick. “I have thought of an activity that will probably suit your tastes.” Puff smiled wryly as he continued, “We will take turns seeing who can blow the best smoke rings.” Jackie’s face lit up. A smile wide enough to reveal the dimples in his cheeks spread across Jackie’s face. “This will be easy. I am a professional at blowing smoke rings.” Puff looked around at the island, noticing that the trees straightened slightly. The flowers produced small buds in preparation to produce new petals. Puff thought the breeze even seemed to pick up a freshness. The dull foliage appeared to gain brighter hues as well. The game of smoke rings began. Jackie offered to go first. He blew a circle into the air; tiny in size, but perfect in symmetry. Puff followed with a similar ring, not wanting to outshine Jackie in the first round. The game continued in such a manner for several turns. With each smoke ring, Jackie’s demeanor became more festive. The more Jackie seemed to be enjoying his time, the more Honalee came back to life. Puff ’s heart warmed. Even though this was not their traditional adventure, Puff had his boy back. The two were laughing and playing together once again. Various songs rose in the background to replace the silence that previously consumed the island. Jackie paused for a moment, cocking his head to one side, listening. A mischievous smirk flashed across Jackie’s face. One of the songs in the air was familiar. Jackie decided to sing along. First quietly humming to himself, then gradually increasing in volume until he was shouting the chorus, “Weave, weave, weave me the sunshine out of the falling rain. Weave me the hope of a new tomorrow and fill my cup again.” Puff joined in and together they sung the words for a

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