Keep Your Doors Open. Ryan Vuckovich

creature was smart, beyond smart. But, it acts so weirdly. It drops prey in front of him like a cat, sneezes like a human, scratches its ear like a dog, and plays the shell game like an ape.

      “You must be from Mars,” said Paris, “Because I have never heard of a dog that was able to do the things you can do.” And with that statement, Paris knew what to call this interesting being, Martian. And the two of them have played the shell game together ever since, even to this day when Paris was to meet up with Roxy.

      After losing a game to Martian, Paris looked at his clock and realized he needed to start toward Roxy’s place. He started to head toward his door less entrance but paused. Martian followed behind him and nudged his hand.

      “I’m… I’m nervous Martian. This is my first time spending time with…someone… outside of work. Aside from you of course, but Roxy will be the first…well… she isn’t you,” Paris laughed at this comment. He then went down to one knee to hug his friend, “I wish you were coming along with me pal.”

      After his hug, Martian quickly ran into the living room. When he came back, he nudged Frank’s hand open. Paris put his hand close to Martian’s mouth, and his friend dropped the pink super ball into Paris’s hand. Paris looked at the object for a few moments and almost cried, and Martian gave him a big wet kiss.

      Frank laughed, “Thank you, old friend.”

      And with that, Paris placed the super ball into his pocket, got off of his knee, and started his journey to Roxy’s knowing full well that no matter what happens, his best friend will have three cups waiting in the living room for him when he comes back; one for himself, one for his best friend, and one for Roxy if she chose to visit.