There isn't much change, you know, when don't get to move much. Sun on my skin, occasional sips of water, my life a simple affair as I sat overlooking the busy streets.

No one really noticed me, see. I was small, and not as brightly colored as my neighbors. And I was of a prickly disposition, when the popular thing was to be soft and beautiful.

But that was fine. I had the sun and my safe place by the window. My distant peers came and left on a daily basis, but I never really got to know them anyway, safe in my own little pot. I didn't have friends, not really.

All that changed one day though, when she came.

I have seen many kinds of people. I am, by my own admission, small. So was this newcomer, who came in ushered by the chime of the door opening. I didn't think much of it at the time, because no one ever looked for me anyway.

When she came close to my window, I ignored her, still focused on the sun outside. So I was completely caught off guard when she chose me, out of all the others.

I was small, prickly and dull. Who would ever choose me?

In a stupor I allowed myself to be taken away, led on bouncing steps back to my soon-to-be new home. I had time to think for a while as I lay in temporary darkness, wondering what kind of person would have chosen one such as I.

Perhaps it was because we were both small? That seemed like a reasonable proposition.

When I emerged again into the light, I was temporarily overwhelmed by how loud my surroundings were. Tall shadows loomed over me, and I shrank back microscopically.

"Meet my new friend!"
"You actually went and did it!"
"Awww it's so cute!"
"What are you going to name it?"

I sat under this unfamiliar spotlight, bearing the scrutiny of taller beings compared to the one who had brought me here. I would shift if I could, but I was rooted to the spot.

Energetic discussion surrounded me. I was lost and alone, and sensed the approach of another figure. I would have warned them, but alas speech eluded me.

A sharp howl as a delicate nose met my spines. I might be small, but I had my defenses. The puppy was scooped away swiftly even as I was lifted to safety.

"Angkko!"
"Are you alright?"

That concern, it was directed at me. I, who never had a name, and was never noticed beyond my weekly waterings. I could cry, but sadly moisture was made to be trapped within me, not expressed outwards.

"Paul."

I was still held close to the small human, and didn't realize she was addressing me until she repeated herself.

"Your name will be Paul, let's be friends from now."

A name. I had a name. I would twirl if I could. My spines trembled. A name, a home, and a new friend.

"Welcome to the family."

"Paul? You named your cactus Paul?!"
"Problem?"
"Couldn't you have picked a better name?"
"Don't insult Paul you'll hurt his feelings."
"Eunha, it's a cactus."
"He's my friend."
"I never thought I'd say this, but you are so weird."

"Yuju, don't start."