"Ducks and Daisy" by Audrey Novinger

"Ducks and Daisy" is a short story loosely based on my two years as a Cottey student. I wrote this story for my American Realism and Naturalism class taught by Dr. Trisha Stubblefield. In the spirit of the realism and local color genres, my story includes specific details about the setting as well as local (Cottey) traditions. "Ducks and Daisy" relates to this year's Image Tree theme because it explores moments of joy within stressful and uncertain times of change. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I enjoyed writing it!

Tap, tap, tap! Tap, tap!

Daisy groaned and raised her sleep mask.

Tap, tap! Peep! Peep!

Ah, the birds were outside her window again. She fumbled for her glasses and wristwatch. It was 7:30 am, and it was Monday. Daisy sighed. She did not have class until 9:30, so she needn't rise just yet.

For a moment, she allowed herself to lie in bed and listen to the birds' tapping. This week was a moderately busy week, class-wise. As an English student, she had several papers due and many readings to complete, but the real challenges would arise in the next three weeks when professors began dishing out final exams. Except for the long hours she would be spending in front of her laptop, Daisy was looking forward to these last few weeks of spring semester. The Missouri weather was growing warmer, which meant sunny walks to Radio Springs, and clubs were hosting lively end-of-the-year parties. Daisy planned to attend an indie band concert in Kansas next week with a friend, and she was looking forward to hearing some good music. As much as she loved springtime, though, she was aware of the looming changes ahead of her.

In less than five weeks, she would don a white cap and gown as an associate graduate from Cottey College. Her time at the small women's college in the rural town of Nevada had gone by faster than the trucks speeding down West Austin Boulevard. The end of the academic year also meant the culmination of unique Cottey traditions. Among the eccentric traditions included the wearing of "Duck Jackets," or "DJs" as they were more commonly known. The denim jackets worn by members of the upper classes were typically adorned with a great many buttons, bells, and baubles. To outsiders, the jackets must have looked ridiculous, but they were prized possessions of many Cottey students. As a graduating student, Daisy knew the time to pass on her DJ to a freshman was drawing near. Speaking of time, Daisy conceded she should get her day started, or else she would be late to English class.

After eating granola and drinking a mug of tea in bed (she liked to eat in her room to avoid talking to people before she had her caffeine), Daisy finished getting ready and laced her tennis shoes. She had just enough time for a short walk before class. She popped in her earbuds and headed out.

The air outside of Reeves Hall was muggy and humid, typical of southern Missouri climate, and she was glad she brought her water bottle; this walk was sure to make her sweaty. She had just begun to settle into the beat of her music when she heard a faint, high-pitched whine. Daisy pulled her earbuds out and looked around, but all she saw were a few squirrels nibbling on acorns. Hm, she thought, what could have made such a sound? She stood quietly, hoping to locate the source of the noise.

A few students passed on their way to early classes but, otherwise, the small campus was tranquil. She placed an earbud in her ear and stopped– there it was again! She looked around feverishly, hoping to see more than sleepy squirrels. The wooden fence around the Reeves Hall dumpsters stood ajar, and Daisy saw something black dart behind one of the big bins. She trembled and took a step closer. Stray animals were common in Nevada, especially around campus where students dropped scraps of food. More than once, Daisy had come face to face with mean looking dogs while walking to the park. Daisy loved animals, but she hoped whoever hid behind this dumpster was safe to pet (and was not a skunk) because her curiosity was going to get the better of her. Proceeding with caution, she crept around the large metal bin. Meeeeoooww! A tiny calico with milk-dipped paws peered up at her fearfully. "Oh, sweet baby!" she cried, "What are you doing here?"

Daisy crouched, extending her hand. "Come here, little one." The kitten looked at her hesitantly, but hunger must have won as it edged towards her palm. Gently, Daisy stroked the kitten's soft ears. She felt its cold nose nudge her fingers, and her eyes felt moist with desire to scoop it close to her chest where it would be safe. She made the mistake of stepping forward, and the kitten skittered away towards the softball field.

"Did you get to pet Wallace?" a student Daisy recognized as a softball player stopped in front of her.

"Is that the kitten's name?" Daisy asked, surprised. She didn't think the tiny creature looked like a "Wallace."

"That's what people around her have been calling him," the softball player said.

"Interesting," Daisy mused. "How long has he been hanging around?"

"Since last Friday. He likes hanging around Reeves. We've been leaving water over there for him," they pointed to the bike shed.

"That's good," Daisy said. "Do you know where he came from?"

The athlete shrugged. "Someone probably dumped him here. He doesn't seem scrawny enough to have been on his own for long. I bet they were driving down the highway and thought some college kids would take him in. Or, maybe he lives in the area. Either way, he seems hungry."

Daisy thanked her friend and waved goodbye.

-----

Throughout the rest of the day, Daisy looked for the kitten wherever she went. She had taken a detour on her morning walk to buy some cat treats from the supermarket, just in case she ran into her furry friend. Technically, she knew students were not supposed to feed stray animals, but who was going to stop her from feeding the world's cutest kitten? Daisy had a feeling Wallace (seriously, who named that poor cat?!) didn't have a home. When she peeked around the bike shed after dinner, she was delighted to see the fluffy kitten crouched by the makeshift water bowl. Gingerly, she took a few treats out of her pocket. Wallace, hearing her footsteps, startled. "Shh, it's okay." She tossed several treats in front of her, and backed away. Timidly, little Wallace edged towards the treats. When he was convinced she posed no threat, he snapped the snack up greedily. Smiling, she set a few more treats out.

"Where did you come from, little one?"

After Daisy felt satisfied Wallace had eaten his fill, she headed to her room where a stack of homework and several emails awaited her. One email in particular caught her eye. "Attention seniors," it read, "The time has come for this semester's final traditions." Daisy grinned at the next sentences, which included "highly secretive" tradition details meant for senior eyes only. "Additionally, it is nearly time for freshmen to receive their Duck Jackets! This includes DJs you would like to pass down to freshmen."

Daisy got up from her desk and opened her closet where her denim DJ, with all its colorful buttons and patches, hung proudly. She turned it over. The names and graduating years of students dating back to the 80s were painted on the back. She looked at her name, scrawled in pink glitter. She sighed, remembering when her senior, Fern, had given her the jacket. It had been such a bittersweet moment; she and Fern had cried from happiness and sorrow. Fern was going to grad school in Oregon, a far drive from Missouri.

"I don't know when I'll see you again," Daisy had said through her tears.

"We'll meet again," Fern had promised, "Until then, hold onto this."

She pressed her DJ into Daisy's arms, along with a small rubber duck. "My senior gave this DJ to me. The rubber duck, however, is yours to keep."

Daisy smiled at the little duck and promised to keep both items close.

Now, almost an entire year after Fern's graduation, it was time for Daisy to regift the jacket. She had several freshmen in mind, although she didn't know how to pick just one.

Thoughts of who to give the DJ to occupied her mind while she tried to finish her homework that evening. She was also concerned about Wallace. He was so small, and the streets around Cottey were always busy with cars and trucks that sped mindlessly. Setting aside her homework, she pulled up several local media accounts to see if anyone was missing a calico kitten. After 30 minutes of finding nothing, she decided to call the animal shelter in the morning. Maybe they would have an idea where Wallace came from.

-----

The next morning, Daisy made a phone call. But the shelter didn't know anyone missing a cat like Wallace. In addition, they were full, so boarding him there wasn't an option. Daisy wanted to find him a good home. She would take him in herself, but her family already had two cats, and they didn't have room for another. Daisy went to her morning classes feeling tired and anxious. Because she'd been up late reading listings for missing cats, she'd sacrificed a bit of sleep. As a last resort, she had posted a notice on Cottey's online board about Wallace, but no one had replied.

The day dragged on. Daisy didn't see Wallace that morning when she went to class, and at lunch the upperclassmen were whispering to each other about the upcoming traditions. Daisy was more quiet in her classes than usual. The imminence of graduation loomed before her. She felt as though she was on a high dive, one step away from plunging into the unknown. She was excited about transferring to a bigger school, but she was aware how soon this chapter– the Cottey chapter– of her life was to end. She wanted to enjoy the last weeks of her sophomore year as fully as possible.

That evening as Daisy walked back to Reeves Hall, she heard a tiny meow. Wallace, looking small and hungry, huddled under the bench next to the hall's main doors. She nearly cried, she was so happy to see him. Suddenly, she had an idea. She pulled out her phone and sent a text to Glenda, a family friend and professor at Cottey. Within seconds, Glenda replied, "I'll be there in five." Daisy breathed. She just needed Wallace to stay right where he was. She set out her remaining treats one at a time, trying to keep him occupied. His little pink nose twitched as he sniffed the treats, and his big green eyes looked at her appreciatively. Daisy heard a car door slam and looked up. She put a finger to her lips and motioned for Glenda to approach.

"My, he is a tiny thing." Glenda whispered.

Daisy nodded. "Thank you for taking him in."

"It's what I do, but this is the only free one you get off of me." she laughed.

Daisy smiled. "I may donate some treats the next time I see you."

Together, the two were able to distract Wallace long enough to plop him into a cat taxi. Daisy's eyes welled with tears. She would miss him dearly.

"Don't worry," Glenda said, "I'll take good care of him. You can come visit anytime."

Daisy climbed the stairs to her third floor room slowly. She was proud of herself for helping Wallace find a loving home. She knew he would thrive with Glenda, who had many cats at her remote home in the country, and he would be safe from the cars on West Austin. She had managed to snap a couple of pictures of him before Glenda took him away, and she vowed to print copies for her scrapbook.

-----

Daisy was pulling on her pajamas when she heard a knock at her door. She answered it and saw it was one of her freshman friends, Rain.

"Hey," Rain said. "The PEOs sent me a huge bag of chocolates, and I thought you might like some. There are way more than I can eat by myself."

Daisy's face brightened. The PEOs were an international women's group that owned the college and supported its students. They frequently bestowed the students with gifts like the ones Rain was offering Daisy.

"Wow," Daisy said, "Thank you!"

"No problem," Rain smiled and headed back to her room.

Daisy unwrapped a chocolate and placed it in her mouth. Its sweetness provided a long-awaited revelation. That's who Daisy should give her DJ to– Rain! She and Rain had been good friends all year, and Daisy knew how much Rain would appreciate receiving her DJ.

Pulling out her DJ and laying it on the floor, Daisy procured her craft supplies. She had a Duck Jacket to paint, and there was no time like the present.