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Antonio asked his uncle if he could come with him to the pet store one day. The clairvoyant needed to get more rat food and the zoolinguist wanted to get some more treats for his animal friends.
The store had been growing in recent weeks, with Antonio using his gift to find animals' homes and helping people understand them better. The store’s owner was fond of the boy and loved to get his help whenever Antonio visited. She’d also teach him more about animal health and answered all his curious questions.
The bell chimed as the door swung open, allowing the two Madrigals to enter. “Hello, Antonio!” Señora Anna greeted the child. “¡Hola señora!” “Good afternoon seer.” She gave a friendly smile to the clairvoyant. “Afternoon,” Diego replied.
“Anything I can help you two with?” Señora Anna asked. “Antonio wanted to get new treats and I needed you to look at Othello,” Diego said as a rat made its way onto his shoulder. “Of course,” Anna replied. “Antonio, you know where the treats are.” The child nodded and went to the section of food.
Diego followed the woman further into the store where there was a small infirmary. Another benefit to Encanto being open was new opportunities for trade and business growth. Anna was one of the newer residents and was a veterinarian from a nearby city.
The clairvoyant placed the black rat on the table as Anna put on a pair of gloves. “What’s the trouble?” She asked as she held out a hand for the rat to crawl into. After a hesitant sniff, the rat allowed itself to be handled. “I think he’s developing a tumor on his stomach,” Diego replied as leaned against the wall, keeping a close eye on his pet. “He had one on his chin before, correct?” Anna asked as she moved the rat to its back. “Yes, and before that, there was one by his tail.”
Anna gave the creature a once-over looking for any other marks. “It’s common for tumors to fade or reappear in other locations. It’s nothing to be concerned about. I can have this removed in a few minutes then he’ll be all set.” “Gracias señora.” The alter thanked her. “De nada Diego.”
Diego returned to the main shop to leave the woman to work when he saw Antonio. “Find everything you wanted pequeño rata?” The boy nodded his head and held up a few bags. “Si and I got the food you needed too.” Diego ruffled the child’s curls with a fond smile. “Look at you being responsible, well done ‘Tonio.”
The sound of the bell drew the Madrigals’ attention to the door where a new customer walked in. The easy attitude Diego held drained as soon as he saw who it was.
“You!” The two adults jinxed, both voices full of annoyance and a hint of anger.
“What are you doing here, bad luck brujo?” Señora Pezmuerto demanded. “Gee bitch I wonder. What’s a pet owner doing in a pet shop?” Diego sasses as crossed his arms. “Tch, of course, you’d call those vermin pets.” The alter clenched his jaw at the woman’s words. He really didn’t want to start something right now, not with-
-Antonio pulled on the edge of the clairvoyant’s vest. “Tío Diego, are you going to use words with the fish killer now?” He whispered just loud enough that only the alter heard him. Well, if Antonio already knew what he was thinking…
“Si ‘Tonio, tío Diego is going to say some words now. Why don’t you go over and talk to your animal friends that are up for adoption.” Diego ushered his nephew away from the scene. As soon as he was out of earshot the alter turned back to Pezmuerto.
“Alright, first of all, asshole, our rats are more than just mere pets to us. They’ve been a constant companion for us when few others were. Second of all, you don’t get to barge in here and start some shit for no good reason. Especialmente cuando mi sobrino está aquí.” “Oh, I’m starting things?” Pezmuerto fired back. “Says the one who makes a point to make everyone’s life hell.” “Oh, you wanna talk about hell? Try living in our shoes for one fucking day. I guarantee you’d lose your mind with this power.” “Some power, all you use it for is curses and manipulation.”
“Curses?” Diego cackled. “Name me one thing that wasn’t the result of someone’s own actions.” “You cursed me brujo! You gave me a prophecy that my fish would die, and now it’s all that happens.” “Because you’re an incompetent twit!” Diego pointed to the empty bowl she was holding, most likely here to pick up a new fish. “You can’t have anything in a space that small and expect it to live. If it doesn’t die from depression then it’ll be because you don’t keep the bowl clean and don’t use a filter.”
“You’re one to talk about pet care, I bet you have more bodies piled up than I do! What with carrying those plague animals everywhere and them dying off after two years.” “Oh, that’s rich,” Diego said, wiping a tear from his eye with how hard he was laughing. “News flash dumbass, a full rat’s life is two years. Some are lucky enough to make it to three with how well we take care of them. Tell me bitch, how long do your fish live? A few years, a few months?” “Longest I’ve had is five years.” She said proudly. “See! Goldfish can live anywhere from ten to fifteen years if they're taken care of.” Diego threw up his arms in exasperation.
Señora Anna emerged from the back room and walked to the counter where the two were having their argument.
“Oh, and one more thing,” Diego held up his finger. “If you’re gonna be pissed about something, at least have the courtesy to update it. ‘Oh Bruno’s creepy and his vision killed my goldfish. That happened like twenty fucking years ago, probably more!”
Anna cleared her throat to signal her presence.
Diego turned at the noise and his glare quickly faded to a calmer expression.
“Othello is all set, and I’ve included some cream to use in case the area gets irritated.” She spoke as she let the animal scamper back to its owner. The seer held out his hand and lifted the rat to his eye level. “Hey there little guy, glad you’re feeling better.” The rodent nipped at his face a moment before crawling up his arm and settling at the base of his neck. It squeaked in his ear and Diego chuckled. “Si, si, I know. You don’t like it when I leave you back there.” Another squeak and Othello settled down. “Don’t worry, I’ll give you a nice fruit bowl when we get home for being so good.”
“Someone’s attached.” Anna quipped at the exchange. Diego awkwardly cleared his throat “well yes, they’ve helped us through a lot.” The alter glanced back at the still irritated Pezmuerto. “Do me a favor and help this woman with her lack of animal knowledge.” He remarked as he paid Anna for her service and the items Antonio got.
Gathering his nephew and the bag Diego left without another glance at Señora Pezmuerto.
“...Diego, what’s a twit?” Antonio innocently asked. “You heard all that?” The alter stared at the child. “Well, not all of it. I just wanted to hear you teach that fish killer a lesson. She needs to take better care of her pets.”
Diego just shook his head as he laughed. “Yeah kid, yeah she does.”
“Mami, what’s a twit?”
“DIEGO DIABLO MADRIGAL!”
“Oh fuck-”