caked up

The television blares two parties fighting over petty claims. The judge in the courtroom doesn't seem to want to side with either of them but the decision must be made. Someone has to pay up.

The doorbell rings and it takes a moment for Leo to drag himself from the couch. Gloom waits on his shoulders, a cynical parrot that won't stop screeching insults to his character. He wishes it would go away.

Bloodshot eyes barely glance through the peephole as he swings the door open. He isn't worried about intruders. He isn't worried about visitors. He just wants to get back to his show.

There's a package on the doorstep. There are holes poked on the sides, with a wide note that reads "LIVE ANIMAL" on the side. Leo frowns slightly and crouches down, squinting at where the return address should be. It simply reads 'The Endless' in neat, block letters.

Leo looks around, as if suddenly remembering that someone had to put the box on his doorstep. Maybe he can convince them to take it back - he most certainly did not order a live animal.

There's a sensation in his gut that says to leave the box, close the door, and pretend he never saw it. He knows this is fear attempting to rear it's big, ugly head and bring him crashing back into reality. Settle, compromise, be a follower.

"Nah, fuck that." He mutters under his breath as he picks up the box and carries it inside, placing it in the middle of the living room. He stares at it for a moment longer, watching as its contents pokes its nose through one of the holes.

He struggles to open the box for a few minutes, not sure where the top is and how it opens. He wants to use a knife but he's terrified he might injure whatever's inside. He knows who the sender is but he's never receieved a package from them before.

Just as he's trying to think of when he even gave the entity his address, the top of the box pops off and a spotted puppy is wagging its tail in a pool of blankets, surrounded by tiny chew toys.

Wet spots well at the corner of his eyes as the little puppy licks his nose, trying to chew with its itty bitty baby teeth. He picks up the warm package and presses kisses to the top of its head as the puppy tries to lick and chew at his face.

Leo's laughing, spinning around the room as he dances with the little babe. Maybe things will be okay. Maybe this won't be so bad. Maybe he'll actually be able to bounce back from this.

He stops spinning and the puppy vomits on his shoulder.