The paperwork was quick, and Evan gasped when he saw Goldie’s name.
“Itisyou! You’re Goldilocks! Wow, I’m such a big fan!” Evan gushed. “See, I was pretty sure it was you. Not many guys your size running around town, but I didn’t wanna assume and make an a-s-s outta myself. I just loved your finishing move, the Honey Pot. Still never been anything else like it in wrestling!”
“Thank you, I appreciate that.” Goldie smiled politely.
“Wow. Is it okay if I get your autograph? I mean, on something other than the adoption papers.”
“Of course.”
Day put his headphones back on, visibly cringing. He cradled Patches close, and he nudged Goldie with his elbow.
Goldie caught his eye, and Day glanced back at his backpack. “Got it.” He dug around until he found the remaining money, and it was still a very impressive stack of cash.
Day gasped, and his brow scrunched as if in physical pain. He shook his head frantically, and he pulled on Goldie’s arm.
“Hey, breathe,” Goldie soothed quietly. “Just breathe for me. Listen to the kitty, okay? Just hold him close and listen to those purrs, all right? We’re almost done.”
Day nodded weakly, and he nuzzled his cheek against Patches’ side.
Goldie saw Day’s eyes getting that far-off look to them, and he knew it was time for them to go. He waited for Evan to bring him over an index card to sign, and he quickly traded him the card for the money. “Here you are, sir.”
“Wh-what is this?” Evan stammered.
“An anonymous donation,” Goldie replied as he scribbled his signature across the card.
“M-Mr. Nash, I…” Evan appeared faint. “Are you quite sure?”
“Yes.” Goldie smiled and handed him back the card. “Thank you for all that you do here for little guys like Patches. We’ve gotta go now, but keep up the good work.”
Day was already headed to the door.
“Th-thank you! Thank you so much!” Evan was beside himself, and Goldie could hear him shouting as they left, “Hey! Guys! Guys, come here! You’re never gonna believe what just happened…”
Day was all smiles as they headed back to the car, and he wrapped Patches under his trench coat to keep him warm. Whatever had happened or started to happen inside was over now, and he was relaxed and happy again when he got in the car.
Goldie turned the key and made sure the heat was on full blast. He waited until Day was looking at him to ask, “So, are you keeping the name Patches?”
Day wrinkled his nose and shook his head.
Goldie chuckled. “Didn’t think so. You, uh, got something in mind?”
Day pulled off his headphones, saying firmly, “He is a hero with a valiant and wise soul, and those who are wise shine like the brightness of the sky above, like the stars forever and ever.”
“So, are you naming him Star then?”
“No.” Day beamed down at the fuzzy orange head poking out from his coat. “I’m naming him Twinkle.”
“Twinkle, huh?” Goldie grinned. “That’s the name for a valiant, wise hero?”
“Yes.”
“All right. Twinkle is a good name.”
“It speaks of the glory of God and heaven’s brilliance. It is a very good name.”
Twinkle meowed.
“I guess that settles it.” Goldie laughed. “Well, come on, Twinkle. We gotta stop by the pet store to get you some kitten stuff.” He frowned, adding, “And, eh, probably something for Purrcy. Maybe some treats or a new toy or something. Try to smooth things over…”
