A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

Silas said, "It's not healthy, you know. Animals are just like people, if they get too chubby, they can get sick."noveldrama

Eamon blinked. "Really? I thought a little extra fluff was a good thing?"

Silas shook his head. "Being skinny isn't good, but being too fat is even worse. Million's been hanging out with you a lot lately, looks like he's not getting enough exercise, and maybe you're sneaking him too many treats."

He frowned, a little more serious now. "It can actually shorten his life."

"Wait, seriously?" Eamon glanced over his shoulder, then quickly snatched the drumstick out of Million's paws.

Million, mid-chomp, froze in disbelief. His big black eyes stared up at Eamon, utterly bewildered. He clearly couldn't understand why his precious chicken leg had just been swiped. I mean, he'd already eaten so much today. Wouldn't one more drumstick be fine?

"Woof?" Million tried to protest, letting out a little yip.

"You're practically a furry soccer ball at this point, buddy. You really can't eat any more, or you'll just puff up even more," Eamon scolded gently.

Calliope crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "Million, you seriously need some exercise. You're probably as out of shape as Eamon's old armchair.”

Million just let out a long sigh.

"Really, look at that belly, round as a pumpkin," Calliope added, chuckling. She'd never expected Eamon to have such a knack for spoiling pets.

Million hadn't always looked pudgy. He just had long fur, so he always looked a bit round, but was actually a healthy weight. Ever since he started sticking close to Eamon, though, Calliope was convinced Million had gotten chunky for real.

All that fluff hid a lot, but when he got wet, it was clear he'd turned into a little butterball. The way his white fur shone only made him look more plump.

Million tried to look down at his own belly, maybe to check the damage, but he couldn't really see over his own fluff. After a couple of unsuccessful attempts, he just looked defeated.

"Did I really overfeed him?" Eamon said, sounding a little guilty. He was actually starting to worry about Million's health.

"Yeah, it's probably not the best. But hey, it's not too late. Why don't I help him get some exercise? We'll get him back in shape," Calliope offered.

Eamon looked at Million, brow furrowed with concern. "Do you think it'll help if we start now?"

Calliope grinned. "Of course. It's never too late."

“Good, that's a relief." Eamon let out a long breath.

Then something seemed to occur to him, and he looked up at them. "By the way, what brings you two here? Weren't you supposed to be

traveling? You didn't have,

come

all the way back here for me You're young. Go out, see the world! It's the holidays, after all."

"I'm too old for all that. I'm happiest right here in this old house," he added with a shrug.

"Well, we wanted to spend some time with you before heading out," Calliope said with a warm smile. "If you want to come, we'd love to have you with us!"

"Oh, no, no You kids go have your fun. What would an old man like me do tagging along? I'd just slow you down Eamon chuckled. "Besides, I've got Million to keep me company. That's more than enough for me."

He shrugged again, clearly content.

"Oh, and by the way," Silas said, turning to Eamon, "Gideon stopped by earlier,

didn't he? What did he want?"

"Oh, that?" Eamon sighed. "It's

always about the company with him.

He never wanted to manage the

place properly, and now he regrets it.

Want me to help him smoothe things over! He thinks Calista's not up for it, says he's too young."

Eamon glanced at Silas. "What do you think? Is Calista cut out for it, or is Gideon right?"

Silas thought for a moment. "Calista might be a little green, but he's hardworking,

and honestly, he's got more talent than he does. I trust him a lot more than I trust Gideon."