Fishtank.

I have a pet fish this semester. Four actually, and they are black tetras, and I didn't name them because I can't keep them apart. They are collectively "my fish" or "fishies," and that is all they ever need to be.

Over Christmas break, my parents asked me what I wanted. At first, I said a computer, to which they responded mine still had a warranty. Then I asked for a new front bumper to my car. Dustin asked what was the point of scratching an additional bumper. Then I remembered the loneliness of my dorm, and I asked for a fishtank. Mom hesitated to respond, then expressed her concern that any pet of mine would promptly die. Thanks for the faith, Mom.

Either way, I finally got my fish tank and bought my pet fish. I used to think fish were a fake pet. I mean, dogs and cats have feelings. Fish just kind of exist. The day I brought my fish home, I forgot to open the bag when i let them sit in the tank for the water temperature to adjust. As a result, when I returned my fish weren't looking so well. I felt panic to a degree that I wouldn't have expected over the danger that this four fish I'd had for a few hours were facing. I quickly released them into the tank, and watched terrified until they had all finally resumed their typical swimming.

Every morning when I wake up, I feed them and smile. Every night, I say goodnight to them. It sounds ridiculous, but I have legitimately built up an attachment to these four little creatures that inhabit a tank of water in my dorm. I look forward to seeing them, I'm glad to care for them, and I know that life would be lonely without them.