“I’m glad everyone seems to be enjoying the new space.” Zeke stiffened in surprise when Jack’s deep voice came rumbling from behind us.
Daniel stepped forward and shook Jack’s hand, then clapped him on the back. “The room looks amazing, Jack. You really outdid yourself.
“Thank you, Daniel. It’s truly a wonderful space, but it wasn’t just me. Lots of people worked hard to get this room where it is.” Jack turned to David and clapped him on the shoulder. “It wouldn’t look nearly as good without this guy’s amazing painting skills.”
It warmed my heart how selfless Jack was. He made this amazing space for his community and was quick to let us know how much hard work others had put into it.
“Thanks, Jack. I’m happy I could be a part of this amazing project.”
Zeke surprised me by stepping forward and approaching Jack. “This room is so cozy and fun. I’m new here, but thank you for making such a welcoming space.” It warmed my heart to see my friend feeling more like himself.
Jack looked stunned for a split second before a cheek-splitting grin covered his face. “Thank you, um...”
Zeke blushed, his hand coming up to rub the back of his neck. “Zeke—my name is Zeke. I’m friends with Tristanand Ellery. They invited me tonight because I’m a puppy, but I don’t get many chances to play.”
Jack’s face softened at Zeke’s confession. “It’s nice to meet you, Zeke. Well, you three must be excited to go play, then.”
Tristan roared with excitement while I nodded. Zeke’s voice was fully void of any earlier hesitation as he spoke. “I really wanna play. Everything looks like so much fun.”
Zeke turned to Tristan and me with a questioning look. “What should we play?”
Tristan and I looked at each other with confused stares. I thought through all the games we usually played, but couldn’t think of anything Zeke could do.
I turned to Daddy, hoping to get some help, but he just shrugged and pointed to Jack. “I don’t know much about pet play, but Jack should be able to help you three find a game you can all play.”
All three of us turned to look at Jack.
“Why don’t you three go explore the room and see what you can find. If you’re still struggling, I’ll help you.”
The room felt a bit intimidating, but I understood why he wanted us to explore first. It was best to let things flow naturally. Although it was comforting to know we’d have help if we needed it.
“Thank you, Jack!” Zeke and I answered simultaneously, making us giggle.
Spinning around slowly, I took in the room, scanning to see if anything looked fun. When my eyes landed on the ball pit, I couldn’t help but squeal with excitement.
“Tristan! Zeke!” Once I had their attention, I pointed over to the corner. “Ball pit!”
“Rawwwrr!” Tristan roared before he sprinted over to the pit.
“Slow down, little one.” Daniel’s stern voice had Tristan halting in his tracks. “Rawwr.” The sound was weak and full of remorse as Tristan began his journey, but much slower this time.
“Thank you, sweetheart.”
Zeke and I followed Tristan over to the ball bit. The pit wasn’t very far away, but by the time we made it over, Tristan was already inside, making the balls fly everywhere.
Zeke started to giggle at Tristan’s antics and jumped in after him, then he barked and yipped at Tristan as they splashed around. It felt chaotic and a little intimidating. I was a princess after all.
After a few moments, both Tristan and Zeke froze suddenly and looked at me. Both of their faces were pouty, and their eyes pleaded with me. “Okay, fine!” Giggling at the absurdity of it all, I held up my skirt and climbed into the pit. My feet had barely touched the bottom of the pit before I had a dragon and a puppy bouncing around next to me.
Both Tristan and Zeke were vibrating with excitement as they stared at me expectantly. Unsure of what to do, I crouched down and scooped up a bunch of balls before throwing them up in the air.
The colorful balls bounced all around the pit as Tristan and Zeke chased them. When all the balls settled, I picked up one in each hand and threw them to the other side of the pit. Zeke was the first one to turn around and run to the other side, barking excitedly as he chased it.
The pit had so many balls that they landed at our waist. All the plastic made it hard to go very fast, so Tristan caught up in no time. Before I knew it, they were both returning to me, handing me the ball they’d picked up.
At first, it felt weird not to run around and chase the balls with them. I wanted to play, after all. But after a few throws, I realized I was playing with them. It just looked a bit different from what I was used to, but that didn’t make it any less fun.
Tristan and Zeke were all hyper energy running through the ball pit with levels of enthusiasm I didn’t know were possible. It was fun and chaotic, and I couldn’t help but giggle every time one of them fell face first into the balls. I knew it wasn’t hurting them because every time it happened, they both became a mess of laughter.
