A Stamp for Julius

I waddled back home under the streetlights and climbed up onto the study desk. A fresh slip of smooth white paper was resting beside the little wooden stamp holder. You whispered, "私の名前はジュリアスです"—Julius, another gentle and handsome sound. I paused, tilting my head to admire the polished grain of a small wooden alphabet block carved with a neat 'J'. With both stubby paws, I pressed the carved base firmly into the moist purple ink pad, then carefully lowered it onto the clean paper. Pop. A crisp, deep violet letter sat neat and clear. I patted the cool desk, humming a sleepy tune.