Hachi's Morning

It was a quiet day on the island. A light and soft blanket of dew draped the grasses, while the dusk of morning dawned a tinted morning glow upon each blade. Down in the village, a quiet whistle of wind sweeped the stoney pathways and brushed through the willows that weep over the lined houses. Such peace could take you by surprise for the ordinary of the island was energetic and busy, the streets filled with playfulness and fun. There wasn't a sad day on the island, even when sleep dawned upon the inhabitants; the wind always whistled and the waves always swooshed. One cottage in particular was plotted under the willow. It was made of wooden planks, and as usual, was pastel pink. Next to it was a small assortment of flowers, particularly favoring Lilies of the Valley. A rustle came from the bushes on the outskirts of the cottage, interrupting the sound of the island. A small puppy emerged, dotted with pinks and blues across its fur. It had thin, bug-like wings, antenne, and an energetic puppy face. It shook free of the spindly twigs and frilly leaves into the open grass; only to sniff the air and run back behind the house. There the willow provided a gape near the root; that led to a small opening into a small den. The bug-resembling puppy made its way towards it, leaping into the hole and tumbling down. Above, the roots of the willow circled the den, and below soft moss and small plants padded the floor. Cushions laid about, along with a small table, draped a colorful cloth, carved from the willow root itself. It was clear the whole of the den was curated for its liking; no other critter would fit the seats just as perfectly as it did. The small puppy playfully bounded over to the opposite side of the den where a small, steady stream of water leaked from the roots. It lapped up the trickling water, and began to once again turn about and venture out the den. The sun shone more brightly now, and the bug had to squint a moment before arising from its den. Before continuing, it bounded over to a thick bracken that surrounded the backyard of the cottage, keeping the willow’s trunk hidden away, and the bug’s cove concealed to all visitors. A variety of daisies stuck out from the branches, and within it a twig sticks out. It grabs it in between its jaws in an attempt to bring it with. However, after the twig refused to budge, it pulled harder and the impact of the stick unlodging sent the puppy flying backwards. Sloppily holding the stick in its mouth, It strolled near to the cottage that hid the entrance to its den; approaching a small window and leaped in. Inside was what you’d expect of a pink cottage, simple, wooden, and pink. The pup knowingly wanders into a near doorway, laid there was a very low bed frame draped in a pink blanket, encompassing a much larger animal, clearly of rein of the cottage. It jumps on it, purposefully aiming for the face. “Oh Hatchi… every morning.” Toku groans.