For My Good Friend Pet Finished

A promise that all the Zhang children knew all too well was about to be fulfilled for Pax. Whenever a child would turn 13, they would be allowed to purchase a pet. Nico had gotten a purple pygmy puff last year during the Christmas holidays. And, since their birthday was in September, now it was Pax's turn.

Heading into the Magical Menagerie, they knew exactly what pet they wanted to purchase. They'd had their eye on an Eastern Screech Owl for a while. The small bird had piqued their interest when they'd come last Christmas to get Nico's pet. Besides, given that they didn't have the most space in the house, a smaller pet was definitely ideal.

Upon actually entering the store, Pax firstly went straight up to the old man behind the counter. "Hello! I'm here to purchase an Eastern Screech owl, if you have any in store?"

The old man nodded and led them over to a display of various owls, pointing out which were the species Pax had asked for. Listening carefully, they thanked the man and took a closer look at the various owls.

It didn't take them long to find the perfect owl. Its feathers were a dark gingery-reddish-brown colour, and he was sat on his perch a little anxiously, pecking at his claws.

"Poor bird," they sympathised, moving in closer slowly so they didn't scare the poor creature. "It's alright...I'm not going to hurt you."

The bird seemed hesitant at first, but slowly edged forwards until it had landed on Pax's outstretched arm. "You're sweet, aren't you?" They said, petting the bird gently. "Can't believe you haven't got another owner already."

"I see you've taken to one of our older birds," the store owner noticed as the bird perched on their arm, growing more at ease by the second. "He's 5."

"That's not old." Pax protested gently.

"These owls only live until 13 in captivity usually, so he's almost halfway. We don't usually get many takers for our older pets."

"Well, you've got a taker for this little..."

"Man." The store owner smiled happily, watching Pax and the bird bond, as the bird fluttered to perch on Pax's shoulder. "Do you have a name in mind?"

"Yes," they answered almost instantly. "Tyler."

Tyler had been a close muggle family friend of the Zhangs, a tall, ginger-haired dude with a sorta scratchy beard. He had been a friend of Pax's mother at university, and then later also befriended Pax's father. He was also the best man at their wedding. When they had moved to the UK from Canada, he'd also moved with them, even though they insisted he didn't need to. He'd been given the title of 'honourary uncle' to Pax and their siblings.

Unfortunately, when Pax was six, Tyler had gotten very sick. He only lived for another 6 months.

Pax wished they could remember more about Tyler. From their parents and what Nico could remember of him, they told Pax and Jason as much as they knew about him, so much that it was almost like Pax knew him so well as well. They promised they wouldn't let his memory fade.

"That's a lovely name," commented the store owner, and Pax nodded.

"How much for him?" They quickly followed up, not wanting to cry in the middle of a shop.

"15 galleons, cage comes included."

The man took the bird from Pax's shoulder to put him in a carry-cage, whilst Pax fished out 15 golden coins. "Here you are, thank you."

The old man smiled. "It's my pleasure. Take good care of him, won't you? You've really brought him out of his shell."

Pax nodded, securing the promise. Taking the cage, they exited the store.

"Is this your way of coming back?" They held up the cage to whisper to the bird. "Because I've missed you, Tyler."

Word Count: 652

Date: July 29th 2022

What animal do you wish to purchase? Eastern Screech Owl
What do you want to name it? Tyler
Is this a boy or a girl? Boy
What is your pet's date of birth? December 7th 2017