Octavio

My aquatic roommate is displeased. He burrows against the rocks lately. Away from the books. No longer playful when I wake up early for work or come home late from everywhere. Then again, he's terribly temperamental. I ought to know better. Sometimes I forget to check. Dust what little I have up there. Make things tidy. Inspect. I’ve been wanting to buy a plastic sailboat or plant to place in the bowl for privacy, but I can never find one real enough. Octavio deserves it - authenticy, especially when so close to Emily. He's just too fussy. Enjoys space. Playmates would be nice. Sadly, he's a loner in the way I can’t understand. The entire library is enough. Once we moved out because it was necessary. I sent him off with an uncle. He turned lily white and ate less than usual. When it was safe again, I set up his quarters. A rose-poppy glow reappeared as he chased his tale. Not today. Peeved is his mood. I can tell. He faces my picture instead of my direction and still nothing. Too proud to need me. It’s time I start paying more attention to what’s on my shelf. Visit some old friends. Do a little reading. See about Octavio.