Chapter 12, Letters for the Mailman: Parakarry woke up early in the morning. He stretched and spread out his wings, feeling stiff. He decided to use the bathroom first and then take a shower. After taking a bath, he picked up his toothbrush and began brushing his teeth. He washed his face to fully wake himself up. He put on his uniform and shell then headed to the kitchen, his stomach growled in hunger. He opens the fridge thinking about what to eat. He saw bacon and eggs on the top shelf. He picked up a jar containing jelly. Can't go wrong with bacon, eggs, and toast. He fried the eggs and bacon and placed the bread in the toaster. He made himself a cup of coffee while waiting for his breakfast to cook. When the food was ready, he sat down at the table enjoying his food. He thought about Kara, he wondered how the sleepover went. She'll probably tell him when she comes back from school. Hopefully he doesn't have another long shift this time. He then remembered he had to tell the postmaster about Kara. He hoped he'll let her work. He could use the help in finding the letters he lost, and he'll get to spend more time with her. Even if they're working. That would make the days pass quicker. After eating he cleaned up his mess and headed back to his room. He picked up the letter he wrote for Bow. It was in a pink envelope sealed with a red heart sticker. Holding it made him feel anxious. He placed it in his mailbag before heading out taking the cup of coffee with him.

The postmaster was at the counter. Sorting through the bag of mail for the day. He turned his head when he heard the door open.

"Parakarry. You have some letters this morning." He said.

"I do?" He placed his coffee down on a table and went to the counter. The postmaster gives it to him. The younger paratroopa opens up the letters.

"Dear Parakarry,

Your niece is such a doll to have in my class. She's always eager to learn and is very sweet. She has trouble with some assignments but I know that she tries her best. She reminds me of myself when I was her age. I'm sure she will go far after high school. Thank you for being her guardian and for keeping an eye on her. Please let me know if I can help.

P.S. I haven't received a letter from my parents in a long while. You see...their...occupation; requires them to travel by sea 24/7, and the only way I can hear from them is by mail. They usually write to me, and I want to know if they're okay. If their letter is lost, could you find it for me please? I'd greatly appreciate it.

- Koopigan Sushi. (A.K.A Mr. Sushi)"

Parakarry smiled at the letter and looked at the next one.

"Dear Parakarry,

Parakara is a good student. She's so shy, but she tries her best to come of her shell whenever she has to act something out. (Figuratively of course.) I'm writing because she told me something disturbing. I offered her to take her to the counselor's office but she refused. I know you're busy delivering mail, and I'm sure the job is stressful and not easy; but could you please find some time out of your schedule to come meet with me? Your niece is such a sweet girl and I hate to hear that something terrible is happening to her.

- Spindall Spinner (A.K.A Mr. Spinner)"

Parakarry looked worried, maybe it was about the bullies Parakara told him about the other day? That was probably it. He opens the next letter.

"Dear Parakarry,

My mother sent me a beautiful tea set and it arrived broken! That set was made in Poshley Heights! On the box it read fragile! Can you not read! Just because you're a hero now, mailman etiquette doesn't apply to you anymore!? My mom is getting old! There's going to be a time I'll never receive gifts from her again! It would be really nice to pass something down to my daughter to remember her grandmother! Be careful with my mail next time!

- Katherine Koopa"

"That was either the work from the postman from that kingdom. Or it broke while it while it was being shipped to the Mushroom kingdom." Parakarry thought shaking his head as he reads the next one.

"Dear Parakarry,

A few days ago my siblings from Goom U came to visit my family and I. They told our parents that they sent all of us some postcards when they were studying abroad but we never received them. Could you find them for us please? Also, you're my favorite hero! I think it's cool that we have two heroes living here in Koopa Village. But I think you're the best!

- Bobert Koopa"

Parakarry looked at the name. "Bobert?" That was Parakara's friend. The letter made him smile.

"Dear Parakarry,

Parakara is really nice. I hardly talk to anyone because I'm a gloomba. Lots of people think we're nasty. The other kids treat me like I'm a walking disease. It's understandable though. My kind do live in the sewers. But Parakara didn't seem to mind me being one. Maybe that's why she's so nice. She's related to a hero. I would like for her to come over to my house one day. I understand if you don't want her to though. The sewers is nasty. But it would be nice to have someone visit me once in a while.

- Gloombarias Gloomy"

Parakarry felt bad for the poor girl. She must be lonely, and sad because of her situation. He made a mental note to ask Parakara if she wanted to visit her.

"Oh I forgot. You had a package too." The postmaster handed it to him. Parakarry was surprised. He didn't order anything. But it did remind him that he needed to order a desk and clothes wardrobe for Parakara. He opens the package revealing a painting of a black and white rabbit. A letter came with it. He reads it.

"Dear Parakarry,

Parakara made this! I asked the class to paint their happiest memory and she painted a pet rabbit she used to have. She said his name was Cookie. I was planning to put it on display for an upcoming art show, but then I heard from a coworker that you're her uncle! I thought you should keep it. You helped save our kingdom after all. I think you should have something that your niece made. Consider it a gift! By the way, your niece is such a gem! She enjoys painting and pottery. I hope she continues to express herself through art!

- Serenie T. "

"It's a painting Parakara made in school." Parakarry smiled brightly.

"How is she by the way?" Asked the postmaster.

"She's fine. She stayed at a friend's house last night...do you still want an apprentice?"

"Is Parakara anything like you?" He asked.

"Well, she's a bit clumsy, but very bright."

"Hmm...I'll consider it." He says smiling as he turns around and starts sorting through another pile of mail. He hands him the stack of letters. Here's your delivery. Have fun today."

"Can I have an application boss?" Parakarry asked. The postmaster pulled out an application.

"You know I can't pay her until she graduates right? She needs a diploma before she can start working." He said.

"I know, it's just to help her get experience." Parakarry takes the application and puts it in his bag.

"Alright." Said the postmaster, Parakarry throws away his coffee before taking off.

Parakara wakes up from the bathroom feeling head pain. Her stomach felt weak and her mouth tasted bitter. As she sits up, she checks her phone. There were a lot missed calls from her mother. Parakara decided she'll call later. Right now she wanted to eat something. She looked at the plate beside her. She didn't each much from it last night. Only a few crackers. So she went ahead and finishes up the plate. The fish was cold, but still good. She drinks the rest of the tea.

"Kara?" Lily knocked on the door.

"You can come in." She said. Lily opened the door. Her hair was a mess, and her eyes were slight red, she looked liked she had been crying.

"What's wrong?" Parakara asked.

"Louie's mad at me. But it's fine. He'll get over it. How are you feeling?"

"Better than last night."

"That's good to hear." Lakilily said. "Hey...you want to go shopping when you come back from school?"

"I want to...but I'm going to visit Bobert today."

"Wait. What?" Lakilily asked.

"This Bob-omb I met in school. He wanted me to come over to his house before, but I couldn't because my uncle wasn't home today. So I'm going to see if I can see him today."

"You're kidding! Why didn't you tell me this earlier!? I would have never brought the boys!" Lakilily smiled a little.

"What's the big deal?" Parakara asked.

"Do you not realize it? Bobert likes you!"

"What? No he doesn't."

"No boy brings a girl over to their house that they don't like. He has a crush on you!"

"He doesn't...he's just being friendly." She protested messing with the end of her hair.

"What makes you say that?"

"I mean...he hasn't tried to hold my hand or anything."

"But it doesn't mean he doesn't have a crush on you, silly." Lakilily said. "Come on. Let's get you cleaned up so you can look nice for him."

"Okay." She said nervously.

"You're gonna be okay." Lakilily said encouragingly. She takes out some towels and gives them to her.

"Can you give me my bag?" She asked.

"Will do." Lakilily leaves the bathroom and comes back with it. Parakara takes it gingerly.

"Thank you." She said quietly.

"No problem!" Lakilily left closing the door to give her privacy. Parakara turns on the bathwater and then the shower. She stepped in letting the water relax her. She sighs happily as she closes her eyes. This is exactly what she needed. Her muscles began to relax, and her headache finally goes away leaving behind a dull ache. She got out of the tub, drying herself quickly with the towel. Then used it to pat her hair dry. She went through her back and put on her uniform and shell. After that, she brushes her teeth and combs her hair; she decided to do twin tails again. She braids them and ties them at the ends. She smiled at the mirror. She felt cute.

"Kara." Lily knocked on the door. Parakara opened the door. Lily had a makeup palette in her hands. "Sit on the toilet." The lakitu said. Parakara sits down. Lakilily started doing her friend's makeup. She put on light blue eyeshadow, and rosy blush. Then placed eyelash extensions on her eyes. "I'm not going to use this. You can keep it. Take it as an apology gift." She opened up some glittery pink lip gloss and gave the tube to her friend, when she was done putting it on her. Parakara looks in the mirror and giggles softly. She really thought she looked adorable now.

"Ready?" Lakilily asked.

"I am." Parakara answered getting off the toilet. She picks up her bag. Lily lead Parakara to the door. Parakara hugged her friend goodbye before leaving.