The story of a lonesome ol'Jerome

*Andy’s POV*

"Of course, his name is Sherpa, but you have to wash your hands first." We washed our hands in the kitchen, and then she led me into another room I hadn't been in. The smell of ferret hit you like a brick as soon as you opened the door. There was a BIG three-level cage against the wall, and a white ferret with glittering black eyes came scampering out of a hammock, before dragging its claws against the bars by the cage door. He was so cute! He really wanted out!

“My bay-bee!” She squeed, opening the door and cradling the white weasel, smooshing him to her bosom, and rubbing his little, bear-like ears.“ How are you my muffin-man?” He licked his lips and looked satisfied. Cute, gangly bastard!

“Can I hold him?” I held out my arms hesitantly. I hadn’t met many ferrets, but I like them. Sherpa seemed like a nice guy.

She grinned. “Sure, just support his little back, since ferrets have such long spines.” She handed him to me, and I rubbed his little ears, which he seemed to like. Then I rubbed his round little tummy, and he seemed ticklish, which was really funny, so I blew a raspberry on his belly button, laughing. And I looked up, grinning, to see Gwyn staring at me with a mix of shock, total horror, and amusement. She gently extracted Sherpa from me, starting to laugh.

“Andy, you just blew my ferret. That’s not his belly button.”

Notes

QOTD: have you ever met a ferret? have you ever had a ferret as a pet?

yes, i used to volunteer at a ferret rescue for years. i had a ferret for years but don't currently. Sherpa was a ferret at the shelter when i was still in undergraduate college and i wasn't in a position to foster or adopt yet, and he got sick and passed away before i graduated. i love you and miss you buddy, and i haven't forgotten you. in my imagination you get to come home with me, kiddo. this one's for you, Sherp. <3