Poppet
Since they landed in California, Poppet and Widget had been going their separate ways more and more often. She knew where he was, of course. She always knew. Even when he didn’t tell her where he was going. But most of the time, it didn’t seem to matter. They would find each other again eventually.
In the meantime, she had hours to fill.
Her first stop was the library, but she didn’t stay for long. It was much too quiet for her liking. And instead of the regulars who had grown used to her presence, she was faced with those who only thought of her as an annoyance.
Instead, she headed for the park, starting at the swings, then moving along the trails, occasionally wandering off the path and taking unexpected detours. She continued that way until she found a quiet patch of grass, spinning in circles, arms out for balance. She giggled, landing hard on her bum.
It didn’t matter if she had an audience. They could think what they liked of her. Laying down, she closed her eyes, wishing she could see the stars.