The Comfort from Perfection

     Mistakes must never exist here. Not where vulnerable souls lay on narrow beds, depending on healing paws for their recovery.

     At the NeoHospital, neither patient nor caregiver afforded a silent reprieve from the everyday hustle and bustle of its white, antiseptic halls. A jar of tongue depressors tipped over and clattered against the floor. Cardiac monitors bickered over each other to compete for eyes and ears. Groans escaped from the mouths of volunteers overwhelmed by endless tasks.

     Every Neopet was exhausted. Well, except for one.

     Pink, the white Usul, was the model volunteer. Each step flowed with a magical air that energised worn-out Neopians to straighten their shoulders and take a much-needed breath despite the strain. One volunteer swore Pink had walked past a patient afflicted with the Grey Curse, and couldn’t believe their eyes. Colour bloomed back into the patient’s face, returning to rainbow hues in both body and spirit.

     Admiration followed her not only for her earnestness and talent but also for her kindness. When her list of duties neared its end, she willfully took on the burdens of those lagging. Her selflessness earned her the title “Faerieland’s everyday hero” for putting herself out there to help others when should could have easily stayed safe and comfortable in her homeland.

     While praise followed Pink, her petpet attracted a different kind of attention.

     Perfection the Meepit never lived up to his name.

     He hopped behind her at a much slower pace. The distance between them is ever-growing like a newborn Mallard waddling behind its mother. The cup of water in his stubby paws sloshed, splashing puddles in his wake.

     Suddenly, a bloodcurdling shriek pierced the general clamour. A nurse behind them found herself flat on the floor and her uniform wet.

     Pink spun around to help the nurse up with gentle and steady paws. The nurse shook her head, more mortified than injured from having the wind knocked out of her.

     “Perfection, let me hold that for you,” Pink said gingerly, kneeling for the cup with only a third of the water remaining.

     Whispers slithered from the corner. Pink’s ears twitched at the conversation between two volunteers.

     “Why does Pink keep that walking liability with her? He doesn’t deserve her.”

     The other voice pressed an index finger to his lips and shushed her.

     “Don’t be mean. That’s not for us to decide. Even so, I do get your point.”

     The Meepit deflated with ears drooping.

     Pink patted Perfection’s head. “Pay them no heed. You’re my friend, and I love you.”

     The Meepit squeaked with spirits lifted and merrily bounced by her side once more.

     The war against the Voidlings wore down everyone, and Pink was no exception. Though she always delivered food and cleaned up messes with a smile, fatigue wove itself into her fur. She brushed herself carefully every morning, smoothing and hiding any hints of breakdown.

     Despite having its workers and volunteers overexerted, the NeoHospital made remarkable progress in healing worth recognising. Word had spread all the way to multiple news outlets. The Neopian Times reached out to Nurse Glee for a series of interviews with the volunteers to honour their hard work later that day. Pink was a shoo-in for a front-page feature.

     But today was not Pink’s day.

     Her clothes itched with loose strands, and if not for her pale fur, the dark circles under her eyes would have been obvious and concerning.

     Pink knew she wasn’t well, and her mistakes piled up. She accidentally shattered a glass jar of Healing Gauze Pads. She misplaced the crate of Healing Potions. To make matters worse, she nearly served a patient food they’re allergic to. Though she wanted to leave, another volunteer colleague intercepted her in the lobby.

     “Don’t worry. I properly disposed of the broken glass, we found the potions, and the patient is safe with her correct meal. We believe in you,” they said after beaming through a grin. “Speak with the NT reporter. You are our inspiration and our hope. All of Neopia should give you the recognition you deserve.”

     Pink smiled back, but those kind words slid past her heart.

     “Thank you,” she replied, returning to her station with apprehension churning in her chest.

     She doubted meeting everyone’s expectations of her. In her mind, her efforts repeatedly came up short. The off chance of everyone discovering her shortcomings filled her with dread, undermining any confidence she had gained from previous achievements.

     At first, her disquiet was minor and ignorable, mere “blink-and-you-miss-it” moments. Hallways seemed to stretch into infinity. The bright faces of her admirers warped grotesquely and scornfully. And the clocks themselves ticked backwards, plaguing her with a longer day of dread.

     When afternoon came, Pink was at the end of her rope with anxiety. She feared every doorway and corner, half expecting the interviewer to buzz her with questions she didn’t have the heart to answer. Her pulse uncontrollably thudded in her ears, and her breaths weighed her down. She fled to the restroom as her strong front finally crumbled.

     The sink mirror displayed a perfect reflection with a bright smile, smooth fur, and a straight posture. Yet, within herself, she felt a chill, an itch, and the certainty she would faint soon. She pressed a paw to her face. Her vision blurred before she realised she was crying.

     A tug at her skirt interrupted her gasps for air.

     Perfection whelped with round eyes ready to overflow with tears.

     She scooped her Meepit and hugged him tight. “I’m not enough,” she muttered. “I’m not worth anyone’s time.”

     With his tiny arm, he raised a cup of water to her. Much of it was gone. Pink’s eyes trailed to the floor, where the puddles led from outside the bathroom door. She picked up the cup to gulp it down.

     The Meepit wiped away her tears as she drank and snuggled close. His care wasn’t grand and certainly will never be enough in the eyes of other Neopians. But it didn’t matter. Perfection poured his all into cheering his friend up, and that was enough.

     Pink’s breathing slowed. The world steadied.

     “Thank you for knowing me well,” she said, warmth bubbling from her throat. “You’re the best friend I need.”

     Pink embraced him once more, tighter this time.

     The Usul set him down and splashed cold water on her face. Looking in the mirror, she saw her own image, pronounced with eye bags and tangled fur. She sighed, pleased.

     The NeoHospital fawned over her as the star volunteer, but the love from her petpet gave her permission not to meet impossible standards. More importantly, to move forward as her genuine self.

     She shook off her doubts and left the bathroom. The Meepit straggled behind, observing to make sure his dear friend was okay.

     Around the corner as predicted, a Neopet with a notepad and a camera slung around her neck approached the Usul.

     “You’re Pink, the volunteer everyone’s been raving about, right? Can you spare a moment for my article?”

     Behind the interviewer, Perfection bounced cheerfully with the most embarrassing crooked smile. Pink broke into a chuckle, and all the pressure melted away. Her shoulders lowered, and her chin lifted.

     “Yes, I have time. How can I help you?”

     The End.