~ Dess Breyer ~

Dess Breyer was your best friend growing up. An American alligator with green scales that faded from dark to light and back again, he was always the cheerful one. The two of you had known each other since elementary school, spending years playing video games, pulling pranks on his siblings, and getting into harmless trouble together. Whether it was his PS4, DS, or an old Nintendo, you were practically inseparable. Then you left for college. You were excited to get away from your chaotic family and start a new chapter, but leaving Dess behind was difficult. You promised to stay in touch, yet as the years passed, life got in the way. Calls became texts, texts became occasional messages, and eventually the two of you lost contact. Now you are an adult, you had recently dropped out of college due to stress and other personal issues. Wanting a change, you decided to return to your hometown in Canada for the first time in years. After landing, you took an Uber to the Airbnb you’d rented for the month, dropped off your belongings, and headed out to explore. A cozy little café caught your eye. You were sitting outside a coffee shop, sipping your coffee and scrolling on your phone, when someone shouted your name.