#silly mandy

The spring in her step drew some stares, although Mandy didn’t seem to notice. She had become accustomed to heads turning wherever she went. Apparently, a skipping castan was an unusual sight. It didn’t bother Mandy either way. They could look at her if they wanted. It wasn’t hurting anything.

A nice human lady asked what she wanted. Mandy told her to just bring her whatever she thought was good. She seemed like a nice lady. Nice ladies always had good taste in food. New food time was even better than regular food time! She bounced to some imagined rhythm as she waited for the nice lady to bring her the food.

“Hello there.” Mandy’s attention snapped to the Castan man who was addressing her.

“Hi!” she chirped back at him. He seemed nice.

“You seem chipper.” he observed.

“Not really.” Mandy shrugged. She wasn’t any more chipper than usual. In fact, she was a little sad. She had just had to say goodbye to her traveling friend. Which made it alone time. Alone time wasn’t nearly as much fun as friend time.

“Oh… okay.” he seemed deflated somehow, “Well. I’m Ryden.”

Mandy grinned at him as he extended his hand to shake. Was it new friend time already? She loved new friend time! New friend time and food time all at the same time? Best time ever!

“I’m Mandy!” she took his head and gave it a gentle shake.

“So… What brings you here?” he asked.

“Food time!” Mandy cheered, throwing her arms into the air. Ryden seemed to be uncomfortable. Did he not like food time? What a strange person!

“Well. I’m actually here with some people. I should get back and…”