Key of Liberation: Beyond the Savannah (A Key Keepers novel)

Episode 55

***Cole***

Maggie looked at the line offering the prize the kid wanted.

Cole sighed. If it got any longer, it would begin to form a snake.

Sweat beaded Maggie's brow. "How badly do you want that cat?"

The kid shouted, "I can wait if it means that I get a giant kitty!"

Maggie sighed. "You have to win it first, kid."

Alastair grumbled. "I'm an adult now! Right, Honey?"

Honey tilted her head.

How was Ame not sure if his disability impacted his intelligence? This kid could be an even bigger handful than Eiran could.

Honey licked Collin's face, making him smile. He snuggled his pup.

Honey let out a short series of barks.

"No!"

Maggie stared at him. "What?"

"Honey wants to play with the plushie."

"Why not let her once you get it?"

"She wants to chew it."

"Oh..." Maggie's eyes drifted. "Maybe we should get her a few new chew toys..."

Cole got out his sketchpad and favorite pencil. If Cyan was working right now, then he should try to do the same. He hadn't been working much, either, as of late.

Although, what should he draw? The lights would be more impressive as it got darker, but then it would be difficult to see his work in progress.

He stared at Collin's dog as she stared back at him. He smiled and started to sketch her.

By the time he finished, they reached the front of the line.

A woman called out, "Next!"

The kid practically darted over to the counter.

The lady at the counter giggled. "My, what a rambunctious kid brother you have."

"I'm not a kid!" Alastair shouted.

"And he's not my brother," Maggie said.

"So, you want to play?"

Collin nodded like a Bobble head.

The lady smiled. "Let me see your terminal."

Collin held his wrist out.

The lady motioned to a red toy gun. "The gun will be more stable if you hold it with both hands. One hit in the outer ring will win you a small prize. Two hits in the inner ring will get you a medium prize. Three hits in the bull's-eye will net you a big prize."

"Kitty's big prize?" Collin asked, pointing at the plushie.

She giggled. "It is, so do your best."

His eyes were practically sparkling as he picked up the gun. "I will!"

His hands shook as he held the gun. Predictably, his three attempts failed to hit their mark.

Maggie bought him another turn, and his second attempt failed.

Collin sniffed as his lower lip quivered. He wiped his tears away.

"Don't you think you're giving up too easily?" Cole asked.

Collin blinked. "But I didn't even hit the larger rings. I still need to save money for snacks too."

"I'll pay," Maggie said, buying three more turns.