Ty smirks as the new monkey scratches itself nervously as it looks up at Ty.
"Okay, Dusty, here's the deal. You are a monkey until you pay me back for that model you broke. I saw one in the zoo gift shop, with tax it comes to $21.36. No, don't go reaching for your wallet!" Ty snapped as Dustin began to rummage through his discarded clothing. "You have to earn it, monkey boy. In fact, I'll even let you choose your own Monkey Grinder, though you'll have to collect $42.72, since you'll have to split your take with him." Dustin watched his clothing shift like in a mirage, they became a little red vest, a little red cap, and tin cup.
Dustin awkwardly pulled on the clothing, and when he hefted the heavy metal cup, Ty tossed a penny in it.
"Now only $42.71 to go," Ty laughed, and shooed Dustin away.
A monkey grinder? Dustin ambled on all fours through the zoo waving his cup around, but all he got were peanuts and popcorn. He needed a man to play music while he begged.
He was feeling hopeless. He was going to spend the rest of his life as a monkey thanks to his weird foster brother. He cast an evil glare back to wear he could see Dustin enjoying himself with other guys. From his hiding place in the bushes, Dustin scanned the area. He recognized a couple of guys, but he didn't know if they would help him. He climbed up a tree for a better vantage point. Then he scooted out to the edge of the branch for a better view.
He leaned out lost his footing and fell into the lap of the young man sitting on a bench under the tree.
"Ooof!" the young man said grabbing Dustin. His overturned box of popcorn was already transforming into a varied-colored hand organ of the type organ grinders play while their monkeys perform. Dustin looked up into the brown eyes. He recognized the young man. The man was changing too. His t-shirt was now becoming a blousy carnival or gypsy type shirt. His leather jacket was becoming a vest. His expression of suprise and anger was changing to one of greedy ownership, and a pet owners love. Dustin wasn't sure this was what he wanted.