Finished Stargazing PV Pamela Graham

@Pamela Graham

Joseph’s face contorted into a look of mirth, as though he was torn between shaking his head and bursting out laughing. He decided the second might not be the most sustainable if he was planning on preserving his dignity.

“Aircool Poor-O?” he repeated, his voice twisted with disbelief. “The character’s a detective?”

Joseph turned to look away from Pam, his eyes watering from the suppressed laughter. Sure, he’d heard of his fair share of characters with ridiculous sounding names - most of them pulled from old fairy tales his parents used to mutter to him at night, long before he could even walk. But this? It was in a league of its own. Vivid images of a dischevelled, inconspicuous looking beggar puffing out blasts of chilly breath at criminal suspects clouded his mind, forcing a smile onto his face.

Surely the first mystery Mr. Poor-O had to solve was how anyone managed to take him seriously with a name like that.

“Maybe you should loan me a few of Agatha’s books someday,” Joseph suggested, curiosity creeping into his voice to drown out his prior incredulity. “I’d love to take a look. Always craving a good read, you know.” He flashed her a lazy grin. Joseph loved reading. The thought of having a new book to devour always sent a certain thrill coursing through his body. And besides, maybe they’d be able to discuss the adventures of the great Poor-O together after he was done poring over the books. Nothing beat sitting down to chat about a book character.

Well, almost nothing, he corrected, his gaze shifting over the precious pet rock in his palm. If only there was a book on how irresistibly adorable rocks could be.

Pam pointed out that it was late, and probably time to leave.

Nodding, Joseph made a low guttural sound of agreement, his legs protesting as he rose unsteadily from his cushion. She was right. The overhead sky had formed an inky-black backdrop speckled with glittering stars. Strikingly beautiful, but a sign they should retire to bed soon.

“See ya around,” Joseph said gently, vigorously shaking the stiffness out of his aching feet. At last. Finally. He was free to go. Free to enjoy the solitude he’d been yearning for all night.

Yet somehow… the feeling tugging at him didn’t quite feel like relief.

~ End ~