268.4 A Crocodile's Soliloquy -3- - Story About Buying My Classmate Once A Week

A Crocodile's Soliloquy -3- Foxes, whales, hedgehogs. One by one, they disappear. The abundance of companions that once crowded the store dwindled, and before I knew it, I found myself placed on a wagon marked with a "Sale" sign. This isn't right. It absolutely isn't right. It's unthinkable that someone as excellent as me, the most remarkable crocodile, would suffer such a fate. Though there are others placed on this wagon, the number of those who found their destined owners far surpasses ours. How did it come to this? I was supposed to be the first, to guard and supply tissues for a gentle and wonderful owner. Never did I expect to find myself in a situation where an owner wouldn't appear. It's heartbreaking. Today again, I can hear the heartless store clerk labeling me as "leftover stock." It's no use. It's over. Surely, I will remain unsold, and without ever fulfilling my duty as a tissue cover, I'll be disposed of. *** *** *** And then, just when I was drowning in such pessimism, it was middle-schooler Shiori-chan who saved me. Shiori-chan rescued me from the wagon, which had a price tag indicating a forty percent discount, carried me to the register, and took me home. She then placed me in the sunniest spot in her room, letting me bask in the sunlight, and plumped me up from my shriveled state. Naturally, she also filled my belly with tissues, giving me a purpose. Six months have passed since then, and Shiori-chan has become my idol, while I became the first member of the Shiori-chan fan club. Shiori-chan may still be a child as a middle school student, but she is kind and wonderful. I'm truly happy working as a tissue cover under Shiori-chan's care. Being with Shiori-chan means I don't have to live in fear of being discarded, nor do I have to feel sadness watching my companions find their destined owners. Sometimes, Shiori-chan even strokes me. I've been blissfully content here ever since I arrived. However, there's something that concerns me. It's the fact that Shiori-chan occasionally appears lonely. Whether it's a school day or not, Shiori-chan is always alone. It's rare for anyone else to enter this room besides Shiori-chan. Therefore, I wish to practice talking. Someday, I hope to become a conversational partner for Shiori-chan.