Galton croaked as his father dragged him by the hood along the winding streets of this cured magical land. All the young boy had wanted was a toad, or even a rat, but no. Nothing could go right in his life.

Summer seemed to be built on broken dreams for this young lad. Not only had his free time been stolen from him, only to be replaced by hard labor in the family sweat sweets shop, another "incident" had stripped him of his right to a slimy, hopping, friend. London summers had become quite hot, and a lack of ventilation had made a fanning himself a priority, not paying attention. An escaped toad and a candy mixer was enough to seal his fate.

"GALTON, drag your feet more and we'll donate your savings... Really, a new robe, and now a soon-to-be pet?!" Galton's mother exclaimed as she led the trio.

"But it's not a toad" Galton mumbled, knowing enough not to let his mother hear. His father did though. His grip on the robe tightened, Galton swore he could feel the threads straining as he tried to escape.

A few steps more and he was shoved into the hellscape that was the Magical Menagerie. Cats, Owls, Puff balls? Gross. He wanted a slick, grimy friend.

"Oh look at those Arctic Owls, aren't those just so regal!" His mother's annoying voice rang out. "You know, I had an owl when I was your age."

"Ugh, just let me go!" Galton grabbed at his father's arm and ripped away. Flying further into the shop, face to face with the cats. So many cats. All too... plain. So he walked and sulked, not letting his head turn to the toads in fear of crying.

Then, then he saw... it. A cat. Not any cat, a hairless cat. It sat in it's cage, still as a rock, a slim, pale tail flicking from side to side, eyes locked with Galton's. It maybe wasn't slimy, but it sure could be. And his parents would never possibly complain, there was no hair! It was genius.

As he moved closer the exact details of the cat came into focus. Young looking even with its ample skin rolls, it had a nice peach flesh tone, to it. Grey eyes, long tail, scowl, what could more could you want. It was true love. Nothing would separate them, not even the scary scab that stretched it's pink belly.

The Landsdales found their son, and did there best to adjust to reality. It was very... Galton. He'd found a way to somehow get what he'd wanted. And so it was done. Galton fetched the shopkeeper as his parents exchanged glaces. Galton would be leaving for school soon, something that was probably for the best.

As he trotted out of the store, fiend in hand, me mumbled "Hi Toad"

Words:484

What animal do you wish to purchase? Egyptian Mau
What do you want to name it? Toad
Is this a boy or a girl? Girl
What is your pet's date of birth? June 9th 2018

You are now the proud owner of a lovely hairless cat. I nominate your head of house to assist in your pet's hygiene. Remember a clean cat is a happy cat...