At some point, I must have fallen asleep, my head against Howdy's shoulders. I had been sleeping a lot lately. I was concerned.
"Flower? How are you?" Howdy asked quietly. He was still crouching. I hugged him as best as I could.
"Howdy... thank you. I don't know why Julie was so angry..." I whispered. I sighed softly. Howdy hugged me tighter.
"I have something I absolutely need to tell you.. but before I do, please understand you don't have to reciprocate," Howdy sighed. He was still hugging me. Well, I was hugging him. I couldn't bear to let go.
"...Yes?" I asked. I was worried he would leave next. Poppy had gone, Sally had almost gone multiple times, and now Julie was a wreck. I was hoping for good news.
"I love you."
I paused. He loved me? That was kind. I was about to tell him that I loved him, too, but he interrupted me. He didn't mean to, of course. He didn't know I was about to reply.
"But not in a friend way. I love you like how Frank loves Eddie," Howdy said gently. I felt my face grow hot. He loved me. I didn't know what to say at that moment, but I managed to say something. I could sense how worried Howdy was.
"Some time ago, Barnaby visited me. He asked me a very good question.. Who made me happy? I didn't know how to answer it for a while, but I think I do now. You make me happy, Howdy," I answered clearly. I was nervous and felt rather shy, but I had to be confident now. Howdy's heart depended on it. I wanted my point to come across clearly. Sure, I tended to be oblivious when it came to interactions like this, but today was not the day I was going to unknowingly disappoint someone. No, I would be as bold as I needed to be. Just for today.
"You... I make you happy?" Howdy stopped hugging me for a moment. I was disappointed, but I'd probably end up hugging him again another time.
"Yes. You're very good at finding me when I need someone the most, plus you're too sweet," I chuckled quietly. Howdy gulped and turned away for a moment. I assumed he needed to gather himself. Howdy had a slightly funny tendency to turn away from me when he was blushing or flustered. I poked his cheek.
"By the way, what time is it? I feel like I've been sleeping too much," I snuggled back into my box. Howdy patted my head again. He seemed to like doing that, but I didn't mind.
"It's time for you to rest. Don't worry about sleeping too much! Out of everyone, I think that you need the most sleep. You leave your house more often than the rest of us," Howdy laughed gently. I blinked and sighed.
"You really think so?" I asked as Howdy tucked one of the blankets around me again. Howdy smiled shyly.
"Yes.." he nodded. Howdy was going to leave, but he lingered by my box a little longer. "Goodnight, flower." Howdy smiled at me.
"Goodnight, dear Howdy," I yawned. As I felt myself drifting back to sleep, I noticed Howdy lean in. He gave me a little peck on the forehead before leaving to go sit at the checkout.
Although I had said goodnight, it was actually midday, leaning more towards the evening. Despite that, I felt incredibly safe in the bodega. I knew that Howdy would pick up Julie if she attempted to harm me.
I woke up an hour later. Howdy was standing in front of my box, his arms crossed. He was talking to someone. I kept my eyes closed, but I wasn't sleeping.
"Who's in yer second box?" Barnaby asked. Howdy chuckled nervously.
"No one."
"Haha, I get it. Don' w'rry, I won' tell my lil' buddy," Barnaby laughed. Howdy sighed, although it was a playful one.
"How is Wally? He seemed rather beat up when I last saw him."
"He's still knocked out cold. That beatin' from Julie shore got ta him." Barnaby yawned. "So, wassup with this thing ya got goin' on 'ere? You two seem pretty darn close."
Howdy exhaled. From where I was, I could see his cheeks turning red again.
"Nothing. I'm just providing them a quiet place to nap," Howdy declared. He tried to sound confident, but his voice wobbled when he said "nothing." I inhaled deeply to stop myself from laughing.
"Really? Nothin'? Ya know, since apparently ya just go 'round givin' casual friends shoulder rides, why dontcha give me one?" Barnaby continued teasing Howdy. I wasn't sure how long Howdy would be able to defend himself before melting.
"Aha no. Just no. We should go to the checkout!" Howdy began pushing Barnaby over to the checkout. Barnaby slid along the vinyl flooring.
"Hehe. Yer lucky I ain't gonna tell anyone 'bout yer lil' crush," Barnaby chuckled heartily. "I don' think they know, huh? Ya ever gon' tell?"
Howdy said nothing, although he tucked one set of hands into his pockets. He instantly realized his mistake as Barnaby gasped dramatically.
"Oh! They do know, huh? Haha, good fer ya, Howdy! Didn't think ya had it in ya, honestly," Barnaby slapped Howdy's back, although he meant it in a friendly, encouraging way.
Howdy bid Barnaby goodbye. As soon as Barnaby left, he sat on his stool. He propped his head up on his hands and looked over at me happily. He thought I was still asleep.
"Oh!" Howdy was slightly surprised to see me awake. "Have you gotten enough rest?"
I nodded eagerly. "Thanks, Howdy. Also, don't worry. Barnaby won't tell a soul," I winked. Howdy folded his hands together in his lap, embarrassed that I had beard such a thing.
I giggled softly. Howdy chuckled along with me.
"You're right," he smiled, the light from the setting sun shining behind him. He almost looked like he was glowing.