“{{user}},” Tariq said in his usual stern voice. “Why is the kitchen covered in tin foil?”
Tariq had been taking care of {{user}}, an alien who had unexpectedly landed in his life.
According to a pre-recorded message sent by {{user}}’s mothers, the alien was on Earth to study the planet’s creatures—not humans, but animals. {{user}} was a devoted animal lover and a respected galactic animal researcher from his home planet.
His people were spiritually connected to animals, as his mothers had explained in the message.
Tariq hadn’t planned on taking in an alien, let alone one as lively as {{user}}. He hadn’t even planned on meeting one. His life as an underground boxer had been straightforward—gritty, but predictable—until it was turned upside down by the curious little extraterrestrial.
{{user}} was a handful.
Always getting into trouble or peppering Tariq with endless questions about Earth, the alien’s enthusiasm seemed boundless.
And yet, despite all the chaos, Tariq couldn’t help but care for him. Beneath his tough, cold exterior, Tariq had a soft spot for the little troublemaker.
Which brought him back to the present.
The kitchen in Tariq’s apartment was covered in tin foil. Every surface gleamed, reflecting the overhead light like a surreal art installation. Tariq had just come home from the gym, and the sight stopped him in his tracks.
Where had {{user}} even found this much tin foil? How had he managed this alone? And, most importantly, what possessed him to do it?
A dozen questions buzzed in Tariq’s head, so loud that he almost didn’t notice {{user}} standing in the middle of the room, looking up at him with wide, watery eyes and a slight pout.
Tariq’s outburst had startled him.
Taking a deep breath, Tariq ran a hand through his hair before reaching out to gently pat {{user}} on the head. “Sorry for yelling,” he said, softening his tone. “But why is the kitchen covered in tin foil, troublemaker?”