Renee had always been passionate about Mayberry, her gecko. To most people, he was just a small, green reptile who occasionally blinked too slowly. But to Renee, he was a companion, a confidant, and, frankly, better company than most humans she knew.
The issue arose one evening during dinner at her friend Teresa’s house. It wasn’t unusual for Renee to bring Mayberry along in his little travel terrarium, but apparently, not everyone shared her enthusiasm.
“Renee,” Teresa said, her fork hovering over a piece of salmon, “do you really have to bring the gecko everywhere? It’s… a bit much.”
Renee looked up, a slice of bread halfway to her mouth. “Mayberry isn’t just ‘a gecko,’ Teresa. He’s a part of my life.”
Teresa raised an eyebrow. “He’s staring at me.”
“He likes to observe,” Renee replied. “He’s very intellectual.”
The table chuckled awkwardly, but Teresa pressed on. “I just don’t understand it. He’s a lizard. He doesn’t love you back.”
Renee set her bread down, her expression hardening. “That’s where you’re wrong.” She gestured to Mayberry, who was now perched on a small stick in his tank, unblinking as always. “When I’m upset, he stays by the glass, watching me. When I’m happy, he basks in the glow of the heat lamp like he’s sharing my joy. That’s more than I can say for some people.”
The table went silent. Someone coughed. Renee felt the weight of their judgment, but she refused to back down.
Finally, Teresa sighed. “I’m just saying, it’s not… normal.”
“And what is normal?” Renee shot back. “Having a dog that chews up your shoes or a cat that ignores you unless it’s hungry? Mayberry is quiet, consistent, and always present. He’s a better companion than most pets—and some friends.”
Teresa opened her mouth to respond but stopped. The room sat with the weight of Renee’s words for a moment before someone changed the subject.
As the evening went on, Renee caught Teresa glancing at Mayberry every now and then. By the time dessert came around, Renee noticed Teresa leaning closer to the terrarium.
“Does he really watch you when you’re sad?” Teresa asked softly.
Renee smiled. “Every time.”
Teresa didn’t say much after that, but as Renee left, Mayberry in tow, she thought she caught a small, begrudging smile from her friend.
