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Vasz

Sand sprays across the beach with each wag of my tail.

I sigh, staring up at the big, white, forbidden coconut in the sky.

She’s so beautiful.

“Goddess?” I whisper, pausing my movements to wait for a response.

Sometimes, she talks back.

By talk, I mean scream.

The trees usually bend when she does, and I almost fly away.

When the bright coconut in the sky is hidden behind—I don’t know what she’s behind—and it’s all wet, loud, gross, and cold, the world goes bright and the Goddess roars.

Tonight, the Sacred Coconut bathes my surroundings in black, grey, more grey, and light grey.

It’s the only time I get to see her, when Cindi is getting ready to sleep and Ordus is watching her, and my stomach tells me I won’t be fed for a long, long, long time—until I wake Cindi up, usually, so I like to do that nice and early.

Chuffing, I try again.

“Shark-doggopus Goddess.” My tail slaps the ground once.

“I’m talking to you.”

Nothing.

“Please? I’ve been a good boy.” My ears drop, and I lower my head to my paws, swishing my tail behind me as I stare at the Sacred Coconut longingly.

“Goddess, I… You may know me as a warrior, a valiant protector. I have faced many fearsome battles—as you are aware—and I return the stick to my queen every time she throws it.”

Why must everyone ignore me?

I am perfect . I have never done anything wrong in my entire life.

“I ask—and I don’t ever ask of you—but I want this one thing. It’s small. Not a big ask. Easy for you to do because you’re a Goddess.” Flattery will get me far.

“If you could fill this entire island with coconuts… I know, I know . Ordus would be angry, but he doesn’t worship you like I do. What matters is that I, your humble servant, am repaid for my service.”

The bushy thing drifts over the Sacred Coconut.

A silent answer.

The Goddess does not think I am a good boy.