#it would be a crime if I didn't continue this Casi ;; he's so cute ... I love him so much already 🙏 )

[a-earthssprout]

🌼🐌 @howthesleeplesswander doesn't like beanut putter ... ? 😟 // continued from 🥜 !

IT WASN'T THAT THE CHILD PURPOSEFULLY IGNORED THE WARNINGS. Rather, she found herself so distracted by her goal that they were simply very hard for her to hear. When Ari thought of someone who was deserving of a treat—the best one, in Ari’s personal opinion—Xiao was the first of many that came to mind, and she knew just where to find him!  

Just outside of Springvale, near a small grove of birch trees, was where she had first stumbled across the mysterious man, who made butterflies appear out of thin air and was then presumed to be the ruler of them all—such is how he earned himself the affectionate title ‘ Mr. Flutter - by ’. Though nothing guaranteed that he would be wandering through these familiar woods, Ari hoped with all her little heart that she'd find him here again—that he'd be standing on some nearby rock, releasing his beloved companions into the open world and allowing them to fulfill their purpose: to flutter about freely and spread happiness, like sprinkles of winged magic. 

Turns out, when one hopes for something with all their heart, it tends to come true! What a lucky day! 

Inevitably the child stumbled over her own two feet, just as she always did when her pace was too quick—too excited—and only heard one of his many warnings when she noticed him stepping away. 

Ari, who did not understand why but was not a bold enough child to question the reason, simply obeyed. She rose from the ground with the spoonful of peanut butter held high and intact, the skin on her knees red with irritation from the mild abrasion. Though so much about the interaction confused her, the lack of understanding did not affect the bright smile on Ari's face, for the cheer his presence filled her heart with could not—and would not—be masked.

" I … I can't have any more beanut - putter, " Ari began to explain, shaking her head. " 'cuz thhh … then I'll get a t — tummy ache … " 

" I … I don't www … want a tummy ache … nnn … no, thank you … " 

" —but mr. fluh … flll … mr. Flutter - by can have beanut putter! and he won't have any t — tummy aches, 'cuz he hasn't had any beanut putter! " 

Instead of stepping forward, Ari—a child with a remarkably cooperative nature—stayed still, though she extended out the spoon a little further. HOPEFUL were those big green eyes of hers, and she was just about to start pushing once more until something very important was suddenly remembered. 

… Does he not like peanut butter? 

Oh, how terribly sorry she felt for Xiao—for those with taste buds like that. Ari could not imagine the life they must suffer without the pleasant company of precious peanut butter. But she was taught to respect people and their differences, and to not push boundaries when they are set. 

And also not to assume. It is best to ask so that you are clear, right? 

“ … do … does mr. Flutter - by not like beanut putter, please?”