a SOUP - December 2022
The Time I Met Peterium the Mooncalf
- Aria

Don't come for me with the name, it felt right in my head at the time, okay? Before I start with this story, have you ever seen a Mooncalf? They're far too cute, and it's really not fair at all. I didn't mean to meet one, but I wouldn't change it at all. Because this was the day that I met my favorite creature in the entire world. I was outside in the darkness of a forest by myself, because I'd gotten lost. Those that know me know that this is a completely valid thing to happen. I not only get lost really easily, but I'm incredibly clumsy. As a result of both of these things, I'd fallen practically face first over a branch, landing in this giant clearing.

Standing above me were these creatures that I'd never seen or heard of in my life. They were so incredibly cute that it wasn't fair. I squealed and then immediately panicked, afraid that I'd frighten them. But my squeal just made them more intrigued. One of them stepped closer to me and practically bashed me in the head. He nudged my head, as if he was rubbing up on me. What does that even mean when an animal you've never met in your life rubs on you? Well, after I spoke to a couple experts, I was told that Mooncalfs don't generally talk to people or get that close to them.

But I will tell you that I'm absolutely honored. This Mooncalf's little ears were so incredibly cute and I can't believe that it chose me to pay attention to for the night. I tried to step out of the little circle they'd made to take some notes and draw, and he got so upset. I nearly cried. No, let's be honest, I did cry. It was the cutest thing in the world. So, while they danced around, practically trying to bring me into their cult, I sat in the middle and drew pictures of them. This one Mooncalf was so interested, and while the others were still dancing, he sat down next to me, curled up against me and just watched me draw.

He rested his little head on my shoulder and at one point, reached his head down to try and figure out what I was drawing, and what the ink smelled like. He didn't seem to like the smell at all, and recoiled back, nearly toppling himself over. I reached out, grabbing hold of him, praying that he didn't hit his little head. He flailed; his little legs flew about haphazardly around, completely confused. I picked him back up and he immediately put his head back on my shoulder again.

I made a new friend, and I knew that I'd forever love him. So, I named him: Peterium, because at the time, it just popped into my head and was the absolute cutest thing in the world. He seemed to like it and now, after doing research, I make sure I'm always in the forest when he likes to come out and play. Because to be quite honest, he's mine. He's my buddy, my friend, and now, my favorite creature. Don't ever ask me to pick something else, because you're not going to get another answer.

Peterium is my favorite, forever and always. He is my soulmate, I've decided. You can't say anything otherwise.



Love,
Aria