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Tap. Tap. Tap.
The rhythmic sound of Slinkys clattering down the staircase filled the quiet house as Nim crouched at the top step, lining up yet another brightly colored coil.
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Leonard the giraffalope asked, one plush hoof tapping the ground nervously.
Nim grinned, his excitement uncontainable. “A good idea? No. A great idea? Absolutely! Trust m e, Leonard, this is going to be amazing!”
Leonard tilted his head. “Amazing? Or catastrophic?”
Nim waved him off. “Tomato, tomahto.” He gave the Slinky a gentle nudge, sending it tumbling down the steps. “See? Perfectly safe.”
Leonard sighed but couldn’t resist the playful glint in Nim’s eyes. “Fine. Let’s race.”
Moments later, Nim and Leonard cheered as coils bounced and clattered, each trying to outpace the other.
“Go, green one! Go!” Nim hollered, leaning over the banister.
“Blue’s taking the lead!” Leonard countered, his hooves tapping in excitement.
But then…disaster struck. One particularly springy Slinky veered off course, ricocheting off the banister and knocking over a precariously balanced toy tower at the bottom of the stairs. The tumbling toys set off a domino effect, sending blocks, stuffed animals, and action figures scattering across the living room.
Nim froze, his hands still in mid-cheer. Leonard’s button eyes widened in mock horror. For a moment, the two stared at the chaos in silence.
Then Nim snorted. Leonard let out a wheezy laugh. And before long, both were doubled over in uncontrollable giggles.
“Okay,” Nim managed between laughs, wiping a tear from his eye. “Maybe not one of our finer moments.”
“No,” Leonard agreed. “But definitely one of the most fun.”
As their laughter faded, Nim sank onto the bottom step, surveying the mess with a wistful smile. “This has been a blast. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner for my first season in the Elves of Christmas program.”
Leonard climbed up beside him, his movements slower, more deliberate than usual. “Right back at you, Nim. You’ve got a good heart. Maybe a bit too much energy…and sugar…but a good heart.”
Nim chuckled, then noticed Leonard’s vibrant fur seemed a little less bright, his movements less animated. His smile faded and he let out a long, heavy sigh. “Oh Leonard, this is it, isn’t it?
Leonard nudged Nim’s arm gently. “Cheer up, Nim. I’ve done my job, and it’s time for me to rest. But before I go, there’s something you should know.”
Nim leaned in, his brows furrowing. “What is it?”
“Lil’s assigned kids, Issabella and Cheyenne? They’re Joe and Jake’s cousins.”
Nim’s jaw dropped. “No way! How do you know that?”
Leonard smirked. “Giraffalope intuition.”
Nim shook his head, marveling at this bit of news.
“I’ll miss you, Leonard,” Nim said softly.
“I’ll miss you too, Nim. But you’ll be fine. Just keep being you. And maybe ease up on the maple syrup, yeah?”
Nim chuckled. “No promises.”
As the first light of dawn crept through the windows, Leonard gave Nim one last, proud smile. Then, with a gentle shimmer of magic, he stilled, his plush form slumping slightly as he transformed back into a simple stuffed giraffalope.
“Goodbye, Leonard.”
a pinch of homestead 