Otterly Thoughtful

“You ought to be the most fascinating otter, Slick,” I said as he and I were out on an abandoned beach of Galveston. There are plenty of beaches occupied with crowds of people and I didn’t want anyone to get suspicious or intrusive. I wanted to keep this discovery of an unique otter under wraps. I sat on the beach while Slick 47 (the 47 was the number that was etched on him through his poor skin) played in the water. It looks as through he hasn’t done it in a long time. Poor little fella… When I found him, it looked extremely weak, however soon, I found out that this otter was outstanding.

Slick 47 was the most strongest, most fastest and most relentless otter you could have imagine. It seems whatever the previous owner had done to him, not only cruelly made experiments on the little guy but also heighten the otter’s skills as well as capabilities. Seeing this all unfold as I gave Slick myself test that don’t require any torture, I have come to realize that this particular otter was a super otter. An otter who was also quite intelligent and very cunning. I have moments when I couldn’t find my glasses. All considering that Slick 47 himself took it under my eyes. But never once did I find it annoying nor concerning if the otter was a serial thief or prankster, I was just more and more astonished than anything.

As Slick continued to enjoy the sea water there, I started jolting some stuff in my notebook as I always do. I don’t go out much, and make new friends. My cousin Erica would often call me the introvert of the family and I must say that still holds true. I am very independent and keep a lot of things to myself. The reason being is that I feel like sometimes people don’t get me. I mean sure, they all see a smart marine biologist, but never once have they got to know me personally, even having a full on conversation. It would often make me feel extremely lonely and isolated, but I don’t blame anyone, not even myself. It's just the way things are apparently.

I wrote everything that I have ever experienced in my life through my numerous notebooks. There has to be at least a dozen upon dozen of notebooks pertaining my entire life. This was volume 33 I believe. As I jolt my lingering thoughts and details onto my personal notebook. Slick came up by me and decided to unwind by climbing up to my lap all while getting comfortable right there. Soon enough, I had the little critter taking his nap. It was the cutest and dangest thing I have ever seen. Throughout my life, I had no pets, considering I was allergic to most animals but for some odd reason, I wasn’t with otters. By which, I find it curious to say the last. Who would have thought that an otter was the only mammal I wasn’t allergic to? It was quite intriguing indeed.

Never had I thought I would relatively owe an otter, let alone any animal. For some odd reasons, my senses weren’t acting up as I would with a cat or dog or any furry surfaced animal. It was like Slick was meant to be mine and mine alone. After taking care of him for a good month without anyone noticing that I did in fact have an animal (including Erica), Slick 47 took a liking to me for what seemed very content to the idea of having such a friend such as myself. He probably had more friends and family than I ever did. Especially considering, he’s experiment number 47… I do wonder if there were 46 other experiments prior but for now, I am keeping this guy under my radar, no matter what. For I too have grown fond of him.

Slick remained on my lap as I continued jolting more thoughts and ideas into my handy notebook. I was completely absorbed to be present there as I wrote all of the continuous noteworthy things I was experiencing at the moment. This otter is the closest thing I have to a friend. Sure, I have Erica, but she’s my older cousin first and foremost. Plus, she acted more of a parental figure, considering both our parents got killed roughly five years ago. It’s been us ever since, and we are practically always doing something for our careers we both set out to make a living for.

Looking back, I couldn’t help but welled up. Which is rare for me to do. I’m not known as a crier. Out of my cousin and I, Erica was definitely the crier out of us two. But somehow, just thinking about my parents, as well as my uncle and aunt, all of whom have perished, I just start crying right there, without even knowing it until Slick woke up from his little nap, and nudged his head to my chin.

I look down to see the otter looking at me as if he was looking into my soul. Somehow, just looking at him calmed my nerves. It was as if I could communicate with him without a single word. Looking into those adorable eyes, I saw my reflection back towards me. I may be broken, inside and out, but I have a friend who I can rely on. Even if he’s only an otter. He just gets me. Slick is one of a kind and I treasure him more than I treasure anything else the world has to offer.

I then smiled toward Slick and replied by saying: “Thanks bud. I appreciate it.”

The intelligent otter responded with a chirp as he gave another nudge, eventually wanting to be held on it. For a strong little guy, he was such a cuddle bug as such that I couldn’t help but swell up with happy tears. Slick is my best friend and I’ll be sure to make sure he stays safe with me. No matter what the cost. For I, Maxwell James, am a provider and protector of this outstanding otter named Slick 47.