Staring into the void Pet

𝕾𝖙𝖆𝖗𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖎𝖓𝖙𝖔 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖛𝖔𝖎𝖉

Sinclair had been around animals since she was born. At the family farm it was the ducks and chickens, though sometimes she'd encounter the common grass snake. At the outskirts of her family's plot of land there was a forest, where she'd join her mother on her hunts to procure mostly deer, fox, and rabbit to be sold to nearby inns and restaurants.

From her bedroom window in Somerset, she'd seen the shadows of an owl from time to time, heard their melodic hooting songs. She never quite found out about what species was making that noise... that is until now.

Sinclair's heels clicked as she looked around the pet store. She had been meaning to get a little animal companion for herself, considering she'd always been living with animals, and being without one right now just didn't feel right. She thought an animal might fill the little void in her heart, especially when making friends was proving to be a little difficult for her. Maybe I'll get a cat.. I do enjoy cats. The cats were cute, alright. Had their own personalities... But yes, quite a lot of them were aloof in a manner she was all too familiar with. She chuckled internally.

"Hello dear! May I help you?" A voice came from the counter. The shopkeeper stood in attempt to approach her, but Sinclair quickly responded, "Oh I'm just looking for now, thank you!" She'd much rather not have someone hovering over her while looking at the animals, as it was a little nerve wrecking when she was about to make such a big decision. Also, she noticed just how tall and big he was, and as a 12 year old she was a little intimidated. "Alright, well let me know if you're curious about out animals, okay?"
Sinclair thanked him. She smiled in appreciation that the shopkeeper seemed to take the hint, and continued looking with her hands in the pockets of her skirt. Sinclair took her time observing the animals behaviours and reading the small signs next to each one.

She approached the owls, tilting her head to get a better view of them. She hadn't seen so many so up close before. In all honesty, it was quite beautiful to see them and their huge eyes and well-kept feathers. And their talons...

Sinclair swallows.
Indeed the tools of a predator..

But should she get an owl? She felt a little conflicted, but this did not come from insecurity, rather from analysis - she was just the type of person to fully commit to something once she has decided due to the guilt she'd feel otherwise, so she takes great effort to make sure it's something worthy! I'm sure other animals have their purposes too, but there is something appealing about having a cute bird and a personal mailman in one...

Sinclair spotted a tawny owl. It wasn't as big as some of the other ones, but looked like it could carry a decent amount of weight. While the small owls were incredibly cute, she was just a practical person. And its... eyes were black. Or at least, so incredibly dark brown that they appeared black. It feels like she were staring into two voids. The girl notes that it seemed opposite to her, with her dark hair and light hazel eyes and its dark eyes and hazel plumage. She looks over at the shopkeeper and waves her hand to get his attention, "Hi...uhh..I'd like to get to know more about this owl!"

Ernest looked up and came over, "That's a male tawny owl, he's about 10 months old. Bred in captivity but he knows how to hunt," he takes a pamphlet out and hands it to her with a trustworthy smile, "Here is more in depth information about these owls."

"May I touch him?"
"Go ahead."

The owl gently hooted at her upon her gentle touch. A sound much too familiar. She thought of the trembling leaves by her window and the gentle hoot at the moonlit farm, and something stirred inside her. But she mustn't be swayed by emotions, she still needs to be rational about how well this animal would suit her lifestyle. After some more back and forth with questions, care info, all the like, she made her decision. The information was comprehensive, the owl seemed like a nice companion, and she did not have any worries.

"I want this guy." Sinclair points firmly at the tawny, who turns his head at her and blinks slowly, its head tilting in thought.

What animal do you wish to purchase? Tawny Owl
What do you want to name it? Mr. Montague
Is this a boy or a girl? Boy
What is your pet's date of birth? April 8th, 2024