Hunter was on his way to meet Mika at the movies. Just then, he noticed Doug and Delilah were headed his way.
"Oh look! Hunter's coming!" said Delilah.
"Mr. Doug! Mrs. Delilah!" said Hunter. "You're headed home already?"
"Yep!" said Doug. "We just got off work!"
"And where are you headed off to?" said Delilah.
"I'm off to the movies to meet with a friend," said Hunter.
"You've made a friend?" said Doug.
"Yes. I've recently met a girl named Mika, and she asked me to hang out with her."
The parents suddenly gasped with excitement. "A girl?!"
"Yes."
"That's wonderful, dear!" said Delilah.
"Our young man has found young love!" said Doug.
"I don't know about love," said Hunter. "The pups believe that she asked me out on an actual date. It might be true, but I'm a bit concerned."
"Why's that?"
"Well… I've never really hung out with other human kids due to my history. The pups taught me many things about what to do when I'm around girls. And I'm just concerned with how she'll feel about me."
"Hunter," said Delilah, "we know your life hasn't been entirely well. And we get how that could affect your interactions with other humans. But you shouldn't let it prevent you from making something better for yourself. If you really care about this girl, then just be yourself and tell her what you feel alright with telling her."
"And if she truly cares about you," said Doug, "then she'll understand your feelings and want to be with you more."
"Yeah, you're right," said Hunter. "I better get going. Don't want to keep the young lady waiting. See you later." He continued walking.
"Be safe!" said Delilah.
"And have fun!" said Doug.
…
Hunter arrived at the movie theater. He suddenly heard a voice say, "Hunter! Over here!"
He saw Mika waving to him and happily made his way to her. "Hey there! I didn't keep you waiting for too long, did I?"
"Not at all!" said Mika. "I just arrived a few minutes before you did!"
"Oh! Well…" Hunter did a bow gesture. "Let me say, miss, that I'm deeply honored you took the courtesy to have me join you tonight!"
Mika giggled and did a curtsy. "Well good sir, I'm deeply honored you accepted! Shall we?!"
"By all means!"
They made their way to the entrance. Hunter opened the door and held it open for Mika.
"After you!" said Hunter.
"Thank you!" said Mika as she entered the building.
After getting their tickets and snacks, they made their way to their movie's screening room. Since there was still time before the movie started, it gave them some time to talk.
"So what do you like to do for fun?" Hunter asked Mika.
"Well, I like playing piano and reading. What about you?"
"I like to dabble with technical things and take pictures of animals. Mostly dogs."
"You like dogs?! So do I! What's your favorite kind?!"
"Uh… Dalmatians?"
"Mine too! Have you ever heard of the Triple D?! They're these cute Dalmatian puppies who appear in commercials!"
"Oh, I've heard of them alright."
"I've always wanted a dog, but my parents say they're too much of a responsibility. Do you have any pets?"
"I used to have a cat, but it didn't work out."
"Was it a bad cat?"
"Yeah."
"Say Hunter, do you go to school?"
"Uh… not really. My school situation is a bit… complicated."
"Oh. Well, it would be nice if we got to see each other at school."
"Yeah… It would…" Hunter said to himself.
…
The movie soon started. It told the story of a young boy who lived in poverty along with his family. His home kingdom was soon invaded by an evil wizard and his dark legion. During the invasion, the boy's family was captured and imprisoned. To avoid being captured himself, he had to flee and seek out assistance to help save his home. But later on, the boy learned that his family had been sacrificed in order to fulfill the wizard's ultimate goal.
As the movie played, Hunter became deeply emotional. His heartbeat quickened. He tightly gripped his armrests. And tears swelled in his eyes. What'd happened to the boy reminded him too much of what'd happened to him and the Dalmatians. Remembering what Dylan had said, he tried to breath and calm down but it didn't seem to work.
He suddenly felt a gentle warmth. He saw Mika's hand resting on top of his. He turned to her and saw that she looked rather worried and concerned. He wondered when did she notice him getting emotional. He felt embarrassed but also a bit relieved.
…
The movie soon ended. As the kids stepped out the theater, Hunter still looked zoned out.
"Hunter? Are you alright?" said Mika. "Did you not like the movie?"
"No, it's not that," Hunter insisted. "The movie was good. It's just that…"
"What?"
"Do you mind if we go somewhere else to talk?"
"Sure. I don't mind."
They soon arrived at Camden Park and sat on a bench.
"The reason I got so emotional is because I felt sorry for the young warrior when he lost his family."
"Oh," said Mika. "It was a really sad scene."
"But it's not just that. I actually saw myself being reflected through him."
"What do you mean by that?"
"I suppose you could say… I'm just like him."
Mika pondered Hunter's words and came to a realization. "Hunter… Are you an orphan?"
Hunter sighed. "In a way, yes. I lost my parents a few years ago. I live with a foster family now, and they've been really kind to me. But my life hasn't been entirely good. I've done things I'm not entirely proud of doing. And I don't really have any friends. You're the first person I've met who's ever been kind to me." He signed again. "I'm sorry you had to hear that. You must think that I ruined the date. And I really wanted to impress you. If you don't want to see me anymore, I understand."
Mika placed a hand on Hunter's shoulder. "Hunter, I don't think that at all."
"You don't?"
"No. I know we haven't known each other for long, but I think you're nice and caring. You say you've done things you're not proud of doing, and I can understand why you don't want to tell me what they are. What matters is who you are and what you do now. And right now, I want to be here with you."
"So you don't mind continuing being friends with someone like me?
"Not at all."
Hunter was glad to hear Mika say that. He suddenly heard music being played. He turned and saw a nearby guitar player performing. Seeing an opportunity opening, he got off the bench and cleared his throat. "'Cuse me miss, would you do me the honor of joining me in a dance?"
Mika giggled. "I'd love to."
Hunter offered his hand, Mika gladly accepted it, and the two of them happily slow danced.
"Mika?"
"Yes Hunter?"
"Thanks for coming into my life."
"You're welcome. And thanks for becoming part of mine."
They continued slow dancing.
…
Hunter had arrived back at the Dalmatian house. When he'd entered the place, he was immediately greeted by the Dalmatians looking excited.
"Well?!" said the Dalmatians.
"Well what?" said Hunter.
"How did everything go?!" said Dylan.
"Was she impressed?!" said Dolly.
"Was it romantic?!" said Dizzy.
"Does she like you?!" said Dee Dee.
"Now now, sweets," said Delilah. "Give him a minute."
"So did you both have fun?!" said Doug.
"We did," said Hunter. "The most fun I've had in forever."
"Did you at least get a picture of her?!" said Dolly.
"I did take some photos and sent them to the tablet."
"Really?!" said Dylan.
"Let's go check 'em out!" said Dolly.
The pups immediately left the foyer while the parents remained.
"Oh, those kids," said Doug.
Hunter sat down and sighed with relief.
"Were you able to tell her about yourself?" said Delilah.
"Yeah," said Hunter. "I only told her a bare minimum, and she really understood me."
"That's good. You've taken the first steps of attaining companionship. We're very proud of you."
"We really are," said Doug.
"Thanks," said Hunter.
He hugged the parents, who happily hugged him back.
In the living room, Dawkins had made a projector setup so the pups could see the pictures Hunter had sent to the tablet. The first picture they saw was of Mika at the movies.
"Wow!" said the pups.
"She really does look pretty!" Dolly.
"Yeah!" said Dylan.
The next one was a selfie of Hunter and Mika at the park.
"That's a nice selfie!" said Da Vinci.
"I'll say!" said DJ.
The next photo that came up suddenly made the pups go, "Awwww!" It was another selfie, but it showed Mika giving Hunter a surprise kiss on the cheek, and the latter's face blushed red.