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Silence. The same as always, the two trailed along the sidewalk lacing around the city blocks side by side. They chatted rather fondly even though it was a bit one-sided as Koda did most of the talking; Finley was a man of few words. He kept his eyes focused on the walk ahead, watching the buildings grow forth from the horizon and then sinking out of view behind him, nonetheless he always saw Koda by his side. He never failed to have a smile plastered to his face when talking to Finn although he just listened.
"Mariko called on such short notice and almost immediately had to leave by the time all of us met up," commented Koda.
Under his breath Finn groaned, “Annoying. “
Smiling even brighter now that Finn opened his mouth, he went on,” But you came anyway!”
He did not refute it and avoided acknowledging it, too. Meanwhile Koda continued to radiate his perky nature in his friend’s silence. "Maybe next time I'll bring snacks and it will be more fun! Oh, wait do you smell that? It smells like caramel!" The pair passed a quaint bakery with boarded windows of pastries and a teasing aroma that wafted through the streets. Their obvious decadence enchanted Koda to linger out front of the door longer, if only Finley would let him. A second after he slowed down, Finn glanced between his distracted friend and the display window before pulling him along by the sleeve of his jacket. Although he was still reluctant, Koda resumed walking momentarily. He knew that Finn disliked sweets, so perhaps the sight of them made him nauseous, but nothing could help Koda take his eyes off the bottom rows of cakes. Only something more incredible could hopefully snag his attention or else the walk home would drag on forever. All of a sudden, Koda's hand yanked back and abruptly jerked Finley around as well. Koda seemed awestruck until a wide smile grew on his face as stared down the narrow alley between the bakery and neighboring building before taking off.
“Hey!” Finley called out,”What are you doing?”
With astriferous eyes and a sunny smile, Koda glanced back at Fin standing on the sidewalk past the mouth of the alley. “Look, Finn! Look!” Ecstatically Koda pointed his finger further down the passage to heaps of garbage and scattered cardboard boxes. Playing along with his adventurous friend, Finley started walking after him all the while acting completely disinterested despite curiosity goading him further. Knowing Koda for a plethora of years, Finley had little expectations as to what caught his friend's attention; he was just too easily amused. Seeing Koda crouched over a low box, he felt his prediction verified itself. It's nothing special. He watched it intently with glittering eyes, but Finn was too far away to piece together what exactly it held. Finley dawdled over at an even pace, trampled the invasive weeds that protruded from crevices, and let his mind wander in thought. As soon as the box came into view, however, his mind went blank. Koda looked up expectantly at Finley who was now gaping, speechless by his side. No words. Silence.
