BOB'S BURGERS
MY WIMP
WRITTEN BY ZARIUS
As Rudy walked down the streets of the bay, his friends having all scattered in various directions on their own way home, he took a look out at the warf and collected his thoughts.
Having spent an evening watching a horror movie, Rudy could tell the next day at school was going to be packed with stories about the experience, and he was worried about the role he would play in those recollections.
For a guy who often showcased bravery at the most awkward of times, his surprising awkwardness after watching the horror unfold on the small screen really touched him, making him wonder just what he was made of.
The calm, enchanting waves danced across the sandy beach, the howl of wind did little to irk him further, but then, it was hard to think of anything as intimidating when he'd just witnessed a recording of a young Tina Belcher tearfully bid farewell to human waste in the toilet.
"Hey" said a voice from behind him.
He turned to see Louise.
"Snuck out, I don't have a lot of time before Tina notices I'm gone. You dropped your extra inhaler" she said, handing it back to him.
"Thanks, I really ought to leave it with you long-term in case I ever lose my tried-and-true" Rudy said.
"How are you holding up? You looked darn shaken back there" a concerned Louise asked
"Yeah, I probably should'nt sweat this at all, I'm worried about what everyone's going to say at school tomorow"
Louise put her right hand tenderly on his shoulder.
"No one's gonna say anything. If a word of what you went through reaches anyone outside our circle, that circle is going to be jerked, I guarantee it"
"Thanks Louise, you always have my back" Rudy replied
"Yeah well, you still have some leftover candy, I can tell from the way you're closely guarding your pockets. A little liquoriss hush money goes a long way to concealing the truth too" Louise said, reaching into Rudy's pocket and taking some of the candy out.
"You were a lot more together watching that film" said Rudy.
"Hey, I screamed too, plus I had comfort food" replied Louise.
"I could have done with some genuine comfort, is that wrong of me? Does it make me a wimp?" said a concerned Rudy.
"Yeah, but it makes you my wimp" said Louise, giving him a small kiss on the cheek.
"Take care Rude Dog" she said before scampering off into the night, taking Rudy's remaining candy with her.
Rudy looked out again at the crashing waves and smiled tenaciously.
All those adults he imagined lining up for a hug had best turn their attention to the floppy-eared individual who deserved more than just his own embrace.