10:34 p.m.]
Lord, I'm terribly sorry I haven't written, Journal! I'm having the most difficult time balancing between writing and caring for not only Kanoa, but also a new member of the family. But I'm getting a little ahead of myself...
A few weeks ago, a terrible tragedy occured which left some poor unicorn children without homes. Naturally, my heart went out to them, and I thought about adopting one in order that he or she could stay with me and perhaps provide some company for Kanoa.
However, for a long time I hesitated to do it. Kanoa is a lovely, wonderful child, but he's so timid, Journal! He constantly clings to his stuffed panda for support, and although he enjoys being around me, I think the thought of being with other children scare him. Oh, perhaps that's too strong a word. I've seen him interact with a sweet little dear named Caleb from time to time and even offer his beloved panda plushie as a distraction, but he never really runs and plays and such as other children I know do. So I thought that perhaps recieving an "older brother or sister" figure might be a little hard on him.
Still, my heart went out to the plight of the poor unicorns, and I decided on what seemed like the best plan. I packed up Kanoa, little panda plushie and all, and brought him to where all of the unicorn children were staying. I thought that, if there was one he took a liking too, then I would offer to let that one stay; or, at the very least, I could see which ones he was afraid of. Well, Journal, things couldn't have worked out better if I had planned it!
The moment we walked in I smelled the most delicious aroma wafting in the air, and my eyes were drawn to a bustling little silver boy wearing nothing but a pink apron! He had a copped horn that matched his flashing eyes of the same color, and his hair was blue and a tad wavy. The most striking feature, however, was a strange birthmark on his side near his hip - it looked just like a strawberry!
The sweet smell seemed to attract Kanoa's attention, so I brought him over and smiled brightly at the unicorn. "Hello there. May I ask what that wonderful smell is?"
"Oh, that'd be the new recipe for honey oat granola bars I'm trying out!" He answered excitedly, giving a small flick of his tail. "I hope they come out alright - they should be ready pretty soon. I'd better check the cook book!"
So saying he turned his attentions to a teal-covered book that was lying on the nearby table, giving a satisfied nod before returning to the oven. In a flash he had opened the door, jerked out the tray of the golden-brown treats, and plopped them onto the cooling racks. Kanoa's blue eyes were wide at the sight of so much activity, and before I could stop him he had stretched a timid hand towards the rack.
"No! Don't touch it!" The unicorn shouted, his own hand reaching out to intercept Kanoa's. Immediatly my boy drew his hand back and tightened his grip on his panda, giving a soft sniffling sound, though he did not cry. Seeing how he affected him, the unicorn's anger vanished, and he turned those mysterious copper eyes back at me. "I'm sorry, miss. I didn't mean to upset him, but he would've burnt himself on the tray."
"Just... next time try to be a little nicer, okay?" I murmured, soothing Kanoa as best I knew how.
"I'm sorry. I get a little over zealous sometimes when it comes to cooking. My name's Ichigo, by the way. If it helps, I'll be glad to give him one of the treats once they're finished cooling."
"That sounds nice," I replied with a smile. "I'm Quick, and this is my son, Kanoa."
Reaching out a much gentler silver hand, Ichigo patted Kanoa's head. "Hi there, Kanoa. I hope you like oats and honey!"
Seeing the heavy mood lift, Kanoa seemed much happier, and when the treats had cooled and he tried one, he DID quite like them, Journal! That settled it - Ichigo positively erupted with joy when he heard I'd like to adopt him (especially when I told him about the nice, new kitchen I was planning to make in the house.) I'm so happy that it worked out this way. Now the family's just one more person bigger!
(I've attached a snapshot of Ichigo. Isn't he just darling?)
