{"sf1_id":1006432,"sf2_id":"q1xr4zym","title":"Smitten Together","author":"Hot Paws","words":89,"posted_at":"2016-05-22T15:51:00.000Z","tags":["Fox","Novel","ShadowDal","Smitten Together","mickey"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/1006432-smitten-together","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/q1xr4zym","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/b4/54/b454eab8-5102-478d-ba06-013c83ebad1d","description":"This is my new story I'm writing, which is going to be my debut furry novel, once complete. I planned to write it all the way through, but to become known, I have to do this. So the premise of this novel is that it's going to be a same sex romance book.\nWhen Mickey, a fox, meets Luscious, a tiger at a nightclub, they become friends which blossoms into romance. No, they don't believe love at first sight or anything, and they definitely don't play football. The obstacle of their romance is money disparity, and when there is a car accident, it brings them to the realization that they can overcome said obstacle.","content":" **Chapter\u0026nbsp;One**\n\n_Buzz.\u0026nbsp;Buzz.\u0026nbsp;Buzz.\u0026nbsp;Buzz.\u0026nbsp;Buzz.\u0026nbsp;Buzz.\u0026nbsp;Buzz.\u0026nbsp;Buzz._\n\nThe\u0026nbsp;alarm\u0026nbsp;clock\u0026nbsp;went\u0026nbsp;off\u0026nbsp;at\u0026nbsp;6:00\u0026nbsp;A.M.,\u0026nbsp;bringing\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;new\u0026nbsp;day.\u0026nbsp;After\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;hectic\u0026nbsp;night\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;trying\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;sleep,\u0026nbsp;Mickey,\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;red\u0026nbsp;fox,\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;able\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;drift\u0026nbsp;off\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;sleep\u0026nbsp;close\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;four\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;morning.\u0026nbsp;Those\u0026nbsp;were\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;best\u0026nbsp;two\u0026nbsp;hours,\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;sleep,\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;fur\u0026nbsp;ever\u0026nbsp;gotten.\u0026nbsp;However,\u0026nbsp;if\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;doesn't\u0026nbsp;get\u0026nbsp;enough\u0026nbsp;sleep,\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;gets\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;little--if\u0026nbsp;not\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;lot--cranky.\n\n\"Urgh!\"\u0026nbsp;grunted\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;fox.\u0026nbsp;\"I\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;got\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;stop\u0026nbsp;drinking\u0026nbsp;sodas\u0026nbsp;so\u0026nbsp;late\u0026nbsp;at\u0026nbsp;night\u0026nbsp;.\u0026nbsp;.\u0026nbsp;.\"\u0026nbsp;He\u0026nbsp;then\u0026nbsp;got\u0026nbsp;out\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;bed,\u0026nbsp;dressed\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;navy\u0026nbsp;blue\u0026nbsp;boxer\u0026nbsp;shorts,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;went\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;way\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;bathroom,\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;take\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;shower,\u0026nbsp;so\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;can\u0026nbsp;wake\u0026nbsp;up.\u0026nbsp;\"Maybe\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;nice,\u0026nbsp;hot\u0026nbsp;shower\u0026nbsp;will\u0026nbsp;do\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;trick.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Getting\u0026nbsp;into\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;shower,\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;fox\u0026nbsp;pulls\u0026nbsp;off\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;boxers,\u0026nbsp;throwing\u0026nbsp;them\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;bathroom\u0026nbsp;floor.\u0026nbsp;Pulling\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;shower\u0026nbsp;curtain\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;side,\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;fox\u0026nbsp;can\u0026nbsp;bask\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;glory\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;nudity,\u0026nbsp;as\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;takes\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;shower,\u0026nbsp;only\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;be\u0026nbsp;re-clothed\u0026nbsp;afterwards.\u0026nbsp;And\u0026nbsp;now\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;naked,\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;can\u0026nbsp;check\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;body\u0026nbsp;out,\u0026nbsp;something\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;does\u0026nbsp;privately.\u0026nbsp;\n\nMickey\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;6'1\",\u0026nbsp;with\u0026nbsp;long,\u0026nbsp;ash-blonde\u0026nbsp;hair\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;went\u0026nbsp;down\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;shoulders.\u0026nbsp;He\u0026nbsp;had\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;perfect\u0026nbsp;proportioned\u0026nbsp;body,\u0026nbsp;which\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;proud\u0026nbsp;of,\u0026nbsp;so\u0026nbsp;much\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;thanks\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;parents\u0026nbsp;for\u0026nbsp;making\u0026nbsp;him\u0026nbsp;like\u0026nbsp;this.\u0026nbsp;Only\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;chest,\u0026nbsp;pecs,\u0026nbsp;belly,\u0026nbsp;six-pack,\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;inner\u0026nbsp;sides\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;legs,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;tip\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;tail\u0026nbsp;were\u0026nbsp;white,\u0026nbsp;while\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;rest\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;body\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;red,\u0026nbsp;with\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;exception\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;arms,\u0026nbsp;legs\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;paws,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;tips\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;ears\u0026nbsp;which\u0026nbsp;were\u0026nbsp;brown.\u0026nbsp;His\u0026nbsp;crisp\u0026nbsp;blue\u0026nbsp;eyes\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;like\u0026nbsp;swimming\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;Caribbean,\u0026nbsp;but\u0026nbsp;what\u0026nbsp;complete\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;\"sexiness\"\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;pecs,\u0026nbsp;six\u0026nbsp;pack,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;muscles.\u0026nbsp;Yes,\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;fox\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;muscular.\u0026nbsp;He\u0026nbsp;makes\u0026nbsp;sure\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;works\u0026nbsp;out\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;maintain\u0026nbsp;good\u0026nbsp;health.\u0026nbsp;And\u0026nbsp;being\u0026nbsp;gay\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;single,\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;wants\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;make\u0026nbsp;sure\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;he'll\u0026nbsp;be\u0026nbsp;alive\u0026nbsp;for\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;time\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;gets\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;mate.\u0026nbsp;But\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;pecs\u0026nbsp;are\u0026nbsp;what\u0026nbsp;attracts\u0026nbsp;other\u0026nbsp;gay\u0026nbsp;furs.\u0026nbsp;Of\u0026nbsp;course,\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;six-pack\u0026nbsp;can\u0026nbsp;do\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;trick,\u0026nbsp;but\u0026nbsp;there's\u0026nbsp;something\u0026nbsp;about\u0026nbsp;Mickey's\u0026nbsp;pecs\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;makes\u0026nbsp;him\u0026nbsp;get\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;attention\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;other\u0026nbsp;males.\u0026nbsp;In\u0026nbsp;other\u0026nbsp;words,\u0026nbsp;even\u0026nbsp;though\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;isn't\u0026nbsp;considered\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;nudist,\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;goes\u0026nbsp;shirtless.\u0026nbsp;He\u0026nbsp;had\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;body\u0026nbsp;for\u0026nbsp;it.\u0026nbsp;\n\nTurning\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;water,\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;fox\u0026nbsp;waited\u0026nbsp;until\u0026nbsp;it\u0026nbsp;turned\u0026nbsp;lukewarm,\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;preferred\u0026nbsp;water\u0026nbsp;temperature,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;allowed\u0026nbsp;it\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;soak\u0026nbsp;over\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;fur.\u0026nbsp;He\u0026nbsp;got\u0026nbsp;lost\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;warmth\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;water,\u0026nbsp;as\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;picked\u0026nbsp;up\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;loofah\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;poured\u0026nbsp;body\u0026nbsp;wash\u0026nbsp;all\u0026nbsp;over\u0026nbsp;it.\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;soon\u0026nbsp;rubbed\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;loofah\u0026nbsp;all\u0026nbsp;over\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;body,\u0026nbsp;smearing\u0026nbsp;body\u0026nbsp;wash,\u0026nbsp;cleansing\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;naked\u0026nbsp;body.\u0026nbsp;He\u0026nbsp;thoroughly\u0026nbsp;cleansed\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;body,\u0026nbsp;making\u0026nbsp;sure\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;washes\u0026nbsp;over\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;sheath,\u0026nbsp;sac,\u0026nbsp;toes,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;paw\u0026nbsp;pads,\u0026nbsp;as\u0026nbsp;well\u0026nbsp;as\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;tailhole.\u0026nbsp;What\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;learned,\u0026nbsp;when\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;young\u0026nbsp;kit,\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;this:\u0026nbsp;\"Make\u0026nbsp;sure\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;thoroughly\u0026nbsp;wash\u0026nbsp;your\u0026nbsp;body,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;get\u0026nbsp;rid\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;those\u0026nbsp;germs.\"\u0026nbsp;When\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;eighteen,\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;learned\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;it\u0026nbsp;included\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;sheath\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;sac,\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;wash\u0026nbsp;them\u0026nbsp;before\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;after\u0026nbsp;sex.\u0026nbsp;So\u0026nbsp;now\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;fox\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;twenty-six,\u0026nbsp;going\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;twenty-seven,\u0026nbsp;showering,\u0026nbsp;getting\u0026nbsp;ready\u0026nbsp;for\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;day,\u0026nbsp;as\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;relaxed\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;tub.\u0026nbsp;Once\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;fully\u0026nbsp;awake,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;clean,\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;turned\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;water\u0026nbsp;off,\u0026nbsp;got\u0026nbsp;out\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;tub,\u0026nbsp;grabbed\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;towel,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;wrapped\u0026nbsp;it\u0026nbsp;around\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;waist.\u0026nbsp;He\u0026nbsp;left\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;bathroom\u0026nbsp;dripping\u0026nbsp;wet,\u0026nbsp;but\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;couldn't\u0026nbsp;care\u0026nbsp;less.\u0026nbsp;Now\u0026nbsp;came\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;next\u0026nbsp;thing\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;fox's\u0026nbsp;morning\u0026nbsp;agenda:\u0026nbsp;Breakfast.\n\n\"Okay\u0026nbsp;.\u0026nbsp;.\u0026nbsp;.\u0026nbsp;what\u0026nbsp;can\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;for\u0026nbsp;breakfast?\"\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;asked,\u0026nbsp;particularly\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;himself,\u0026nbsp;going\u0026nbsp;through\u0026nbsp;many\u0026nbsp;different\u0026nbsp;cabinets.\u0026nbsp;He\u0026nbsp;already\u0026nbsp;done\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;weekly\u0026nbsp;shopping,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;cabinets\u0026nbsp;were\u0026nbsp;chock\u0026nbsp;full\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;groceries,\u0026nbsp;from\u0026nbsp;cereals\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;those\u0026nbsp;breakfast\u0026nbsp;snacks.\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;also\u0026nbsp;purchased\u0026nbsp;cereal\u0026nbsp;bars\u0026nbsp;but\u0026nbsp;those\u0026nbsp;are\u0026nbsp;necessarily\u0026nbsp;snacks.\u0026nbsp;\"Come\u0026nbsp;on,\u0026nbsp;there's\u0026nbsp;gotta\u0026nbsp;be\u0026nbsp;something\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;can\u0026nbsp;eat.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\nMickey\u0026nbsp;wasn't\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;hungry\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;begin\u0026nbsp;with.\u0026nbsp;But\u0026nbsp;breakfast\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;breakfast.\u0026nbsp;Ultimately,\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;decided\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;toaster\u0026nbsp;pastries.\u0026nbsp;So\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;got\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;packet\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;toaster\u0026nbsp;pastries,\u0026nbsp;strawberry,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;tore\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;wrapper\u0026nbsp;open.\u0026nbsp;He\u0026nbsp;then\u0026nbsp;began\u0026nbsp;nomming\u0026nbsp;them\u0026nbsp;up.\u0026nbsp;He\u0026nbsp;preferred\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;eat\u0026nbsp;untoasted\u0026nbsp;toaster\u0026nbsp;pastries\u0026nbsp;because\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;\"didn't\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;time\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;heat\u0026nbsp;them.\"\u0026nbsp;To\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;fox,\u0026nbsp;waiting\u0026nbsp;for\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;toaster\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;like\u0026nbsp;watching\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;snail\u0026nbsp;run\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;marathon.\u0026nbsp;Laziness.\u0026nbsp;It's\u0026nbsp;an\u0026nbsp;imaginative,\u0026nbsp;self-diagnosable\u0026nbsp;disease\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;not\u0026nbsp;considered\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;disease.\u0026nbsp;After\u0026nbsp;finishing\u0026nbsp;up\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;two\u0026nbsp;toaster\u0026nbsp;pastries,\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;rubbed\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;belly\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;said,\u0026nbsp;\"Damn,\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;love\u0026nbsp;strawberry\u0026nbsp;toaster\u0026nbsp;pastries.\"\n\nOf\u0026nbsp;all\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;stuff\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;buys,\u0026nbsp;junk\u0026nbsp;food\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;sodas,\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;still\u0026nbsp;manages\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;stay\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;shape.\u0026nbsp;Thank\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;gym\u0026nbsp;for\u0026nbsp;that.\u0026nbsp;If\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;didn't\u0026nbsp;work\u0026nbsp;out,\u0026nbsp;as\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;months\u0026nbsp;go\u0026nbsp;by,\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;would\u0026nbsp;be\u0026nbsp;one\u0026nbsp;pudgy\u0026nbsp;fox.\u0026nbsp;\n\nMickey\u0026nbsp;unwrapped\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;towel\u0026nbsp;from\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;waist\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;threw\u0026nbsp;it\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;dirty\u0026nbsp;clothes\u0026nbsp;pile,\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;laundry\u0026nbsp;room,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;got\u0026nbsp;another\u0026nbsp;towel\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;placed\u0026nbsp;it\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;bathroom.\u0026nbsp;He\u0026nbsp;then\u0026nbsp;walked\u0026nbsp;back\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;bedroom\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;change.\u0026nbsp;It\u0026nbsp;didn't\u0026nbsp;take\u0026nbsp;him\u0026nbsp;long\u0026nbsp;as\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;sported\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;blue\u0026nbsp;polo\u0026nbsp;shirt\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;navy\u0026nbsp;blue\u0026nbsp;jeans\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;goes\u0026nbsp;down\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;knees.\u0026nbsp;It\u0026nbsp;signifies\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;favorite\u0026nbsp;color.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I'm\u0026nbsp;all\u0026nbsp;dressed\u0026nbsp;up\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;ready\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;go.\"\u0026nbsp;said\u0026nbsp;Mickey,\u0026nbsp;smiling.\u0026nbsp;He\u0026nbsp;loves\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;be\u0026nbsp;active,\u0026nbsp;rather\u0026nbsp;than\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;sit\u0026nbsp;at\u0026nbsp;home\u0026nbsp;like\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;hermit.\u0026nbsp;He\u0026nbsp;learned,\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;long\u0026nbsp;time\u0026nbsp;ago,\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;excessive\u0026nbsp;sitting,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;not\u0026nbsp;being\u0026nbsp;active,\u0026nbsp;can\u0026nbsp;cause\u0026nbsp;blood\u0026nbsp;clots\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;form.\u0026nbsp;That\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;main\u0026nbsp;fear:\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;life\u0026nbsp;threatening\u0026nbsp;condition.\u0026nbsp;And\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;explains\u0026nbsp;why\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;strives\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;maintain\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;healthy\u0026nbsp;lifestyle.\u0026nbsp;Of\u0026nbsp;course,\u0026nbsp;fast\u0026nbsp;food\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;moderation\u0026nbsp;won't\u0026nbsp;necessarily\u0026nbsp;hurt\u0026nbsp;him.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\nSo\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;time,\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;Mickey's\u0026nbsp;digital\u0026nbsp;watch,\u0026nbsp;read\u0026nbsp;6:30\u0026nbsp;A.M.\u0026nbsp;The\u0026nbsp;perfect\u0026nbsp;time\u0026nbsp;for\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;morning\u0026nbsp;jog\u0026nbsp;came,\u0026nbsp;like\u0026nbsp;it\u0026nbsp;does\u0026nbsp;every\u0026nbsp;morning.\u0026nbsp;The\u0026nbsp;sky\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;still\u0026nbsp;dark,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;clear,\u0026nbsp;when\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;exited\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;home,\u0026nbsp;locking\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;door\u0026nbsp;behind\u0026nbsp;him.\u0026nbsp;It\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;quiet,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;it\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;like\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;only\u0026nbsp;animal\u0026nbsp;left\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;Earth.\u0026nbsp;This\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;paradise\u0026nbsp;for\u0026nbsp;introverts.\u0026nbsp;It\u0026nbsp;didn't\u0026nbsp;matter\u0026nbsp;where\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;goes,\u0026nbsp;as\u0026nbsp;long\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;gets\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;exercise.\u0026nbsp;So\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;fox\u0026nbsp;went\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;merry\u0026nbsp;way,\u0026nbsp;jogging\u0026nbsp;South,\u0026nbsp;whilst\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;rest\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;community\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;sound\u0026nbsp;asleep,\u0026nbsp;except\u0026nbsp;for\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;furs\u0026nbsp;who\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;jobs\u0026nbsp;who\u0026nbsp;are\u0026nbsp;awake\u0026nbsp;but\u0026nbsp;not\u0026nbsp;outside.\n\n\"I\u0026nbsp;just\u0026nbsp;know\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;this\u0026nbsp;will\u0026nbsp;be\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;good\u0026nbsp;day.\"\u0026nbsp;said\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;fox,\u0026nbsp;as\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;ran\u0026nbsp;at\u0026nbsp;medium\u0026nbsp;speed,\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;footpaws\u0026nbsp;taking\u0026nbsp;him\u0026nbsp;wherever\u0026nbsp;they\u0026nbsp;went.\u0026nbsp;\"The\u0026nbsp;forecast\u0026nbsp;says\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;we're\u0026nbsp;going\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;clear\u0026nbsp;weather\u0026nbsp;today,\u0026nbsp;so\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;means\u0026nbsp;something,\u0026nbsp;right?\u0026nbsp;And\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;love\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;life.\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;found\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;calling,\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;be\u0026nbsp;an\u0026nbsp;artist.\u0026nbsp;Sure\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;wads\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;cash\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;bank\u0026nbsp;account,\u0026nbsp;but\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;couldn't\u0026nbsp;care\u0026nbsp;less\u0026nbsp;about\u0026nbsp;that.\u0026nbsp;But\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;should\u0026nbsp;stop\u0026nbsp;by\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;bank\u0026nbsp;later\u0026nbsp;today.\"\n\nIt\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;true.\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;filthy,\u0026nbsp;stinking\u0026nbsp;rich.\u0026nbsp;He\u0026nbsp;came\u0026nbsp;from\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;well-endowed\u0026nbsp;family,\u0026nbsp;arriving\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;spring\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;1989.\u0026nbsp;His\u0026nbsp;birth\u0026nbsp;date,\u0026nbsp;May\u0026nbsp;16th,\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;an\u0026nbsp;important\u0026nbsp;one\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;remember.\u0026nbsp;It\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;day\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;Jake\u0026nbsp;Munroe,\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;racer,\u0026nbsp;won\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;Furtropolis\u0026nbsp;700--a\u0026nbsp;yearly\u0026nbsp;racing\u0026nbsp;event.\u0026nbsp;His\u0026nbsp;mother\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;father\u0026nbsp;struck\u0026nbsp;oil,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;interestingly\u0026nbsp;enough\u0026nbsp;gold,\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;October,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;changed\u0026nbsp;their\u0026nbsp;lives\u0026nbsp;forever.\u0026nbsp;They\u0026nbsp;invest,\u0026nbsp;check\u0026nbsp;their\u0026nbsp;stocks,\u0026nbsp;doing\u0026nbsp;whatever\u0026nbsp;they\u0026nbsp;needed\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;do\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;keep\u0026nbsp;their\u0026nbsp;money\u0026nbsp;coming.\u0026nbsp;When\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;growing\u0026nbsp;up,\u0026nbsp;boy\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;spoiled.\u0026nbsp;Instead\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;getting\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;toy\u0026nbsp;train\u0026nbsp;for\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;5th\u0026nbsp;birthday,\u0026nbsp;they\u0026nbsp;got\u0026nbsp;him\u0026nbsp;an\u0026nbsp;actual\u0026nbsp;train!\u0026nbsp;\n\nAnd\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;seventeenth\u0026nbsp;birthday,\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;got\u0026nbsp;an\u0026nbsp;island\u0026nbsp;named\u0026nbsp;after\u0026nbsp;him--The\u0026nbsp;Island\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;Mick.\u0026nbsp;The\u0026nbsp;island\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;last\u0026nbsp;special\u0026nbsp;gift\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;wanted,\u0026nbsp;for\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;requested\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;parents\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;build\u0026nbsp;their\u0026nbsp;money\u0026nbsp;up,\u0026nbsp;rather\u0026nbsp;than\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;spend\u0026nbsp;it\u0026nbsp;all\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;luxurious\u0026nbsp;gifts.\u0026nbsp;But\u0026nbsp;their\u0026nbsp;visits\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;their\u0026nbsp;summer\u0026nbsp;homes\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;exquisite.\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;could\u0026nbsp;only\u0026nbsp;handle\u0026nbsp;that.\u0026nbsp;And\u0026nbsp;since\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;has\u0026nbsp;enough\u0026nbsp;money\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;bank,\u0026nbsp;it\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;common\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;didn't\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;work,\u0026nbsp;but\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;wanted\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;because\u0026nbsp;it\u0026nbsp;teaches\u0026nbsp;him\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;value\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;dollar.\u0026nbsp;His\u0026nbsp;parents\u0026nbsp;didn't\u0026nbsp;want\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;work,\u0026nbsp;since\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;basically\u0026nbsp;had\u0026nbsp;everything,\u0026nbsp;but\u0026nbsp;it\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;choice\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;work.\u0026nbsp;So\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;applied\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;many\u0026nbsp;places,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;eventually\u0026nbsp;hired\u0026nbsp;at\u0026nbsp;Solace,\u0026nbsp;an\u0026nbsp;art\u0026nbsp;studio,\u0026nbsp;located\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;northwest\u0026nbsp;part\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;vicinity,\u0026nbsp;Ocean\u0026nbsp;Springs.\u0026nbsp;\n\nAs\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;thought\u0026nbsp;about\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;past\u0026nbsp;life,\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;said,\u0026nbsp;\"I'm\u0026nbsp;only\u0026nbsp;happy\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;parents\u0026nbsp;weren't\u0026nbsp;those\u0026nbsp;type\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;furs\u0026nbsp;who\u0026nbsp;waste\u0026nbsp;their\u0026nbsp;money\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;one\u0026nbsp;day.\u0026nbsp;Investing\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;number\u0026nbsp;one,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;it'll\u0026nbsp;show,\u0026nbsp;for\u0026nbsp;certain,\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;our\u0026nbsp;stocks\u0026nbsp;will\u0026nbsp;be\u0026nbsp;forever\u0026nbsp;high\"\n\nA\u0026nbsp;nearby\u0026nbsp;voice,\u0026nbsp;saying,\u0026nbsp;\"Who\u0026nbsp;are\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;talking\u0026nbsp;to?\"\u0026nbsp;caught\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;off-guard.\u0026nbsp;\n\nMickey\u0026nbsp;stopped\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;tracks\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;immediately\u0026nbsp;turned\u0026nbsp;around,\u0026nbsp;forming\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;faux-karate\u0026nbsp;pose\u0026nbsp;by\u0026nbsp;moving\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;arms\u0026nbsp;parallel\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;front\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;face,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;lifting\u0026nbsp;up\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;right\u0026nbsp;leg.\u0026nbsp;\"W-who\u0026nbsp;goes\u0026nbsp;t-there?\"\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;fox\u0026nbsp;asked,\u0026nbsp;timidly.\u0026nbsp;\n\nRight\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;front\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;fox\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;bobcat,\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;female\u0026nbsp;one\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;be\u0026nbsp;exact.\u0026nbsp;Mickey's\u0026nbsp;height,\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;bobcat\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;dressed\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;grey\u0026nbsp;sweatshirt,\u0026nbsp;with\u0026nbsp;matching\u0026nbsp;sweat\u0026nbsp;pants.\u0026nbsp;\"Did\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;hear\u0026nbsp;me,\u0026nbsp;sir?\"\u0026nbsp;She\u0026nbsp;didn't\u0026nbsp;think\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;heard\u0026nbsp;her.\u0026nbsp;\"Who\u0026nbsp;are\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;talking\u0026nbsp;to?\"\u0026nbsp;she\u0026nbsp;repeated.\u0026nbsp;The\u0026nbsp;bobcat\u0026nbsp;wanted\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;know,\u0026nbsp;as\u0026nbsp;it\u0026nbsp;appeared\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;talking\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;himself.\n\nMickey\u0026nbsp;relaxed,\u0026nbsp;laid\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;arms\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;side,\u0026nbsp;standing\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;tippy\u0026nbsp;toes,\u0026nbsp;stretching\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;limbs\u0026nbsp;out.\u0026nbsp;\"Oh,\u0026nbsp;I'm\u0026nbsp;just\u0026nbsp;taking\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;morning\u0026nbsp;jog.\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;thought\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;alone,\u0026nbsp;but\u0026nbsp;then\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;ran\u0026nbsp;into\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;or\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;ran\u0026nbsp;into\u0026nbsp;me.\"\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;said,\u0026nbsp;scratching\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;back\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;head,\u0026nbsp;grinning\u0026nbsp;sheepishly.\u0026nbsp;\"So\u0026nbsp;are\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;morning\u0026nbsp;fur?\"\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe\u0026nbsp;bobcat\u0026nbsp;yawned,\u0026nbsp;shrugged\u0026nbsp;her\u0026nbsp;shoulders,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;said,\u0026nbsp;\"Yes.\u0026nbsp;Why?\u0026nbsp;Are\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;morning\u0026nbsp;fur\u0026nbsp;too?\"\n\nMickey\u0026nbsp;nods.\u0026nbsp;\"Sometimes\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;am,\u0026nbsp;sometimes\u0026nbsp;I'm\u0026nbsp;not.\u0026nbsp;I'm\u0026nbsp;not\u0026nbsp;when\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;am\u0026nbsp;unable\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;get\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;good\u0026nbsp;night's\u0026nbsp;sleep.\"\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;said.\u0026nbsp;\"It\u0026nbsp;all\u0026nbsp;depends,\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;know?\"\n\nThe\u0026nbsp;bobcat\u0026nbsp;nodded\u0026nbsp;her\u0026nbsp;head,\u0026nbsp;understanding\u0026nbsp;what\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;fox\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;saying.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"So\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;take\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;morning\u0026nbsp;jog\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;wake\u0026nbsp;up\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;muscles,\"\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;said,\u0026nbsp;flexing\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;body\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;front\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;bobcat.\u0026nbsp;\"To\u0026nbsp;get\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;adrenaline\u0026nbsp;pumping,\u0026nbsp;through\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;body,\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;an\u0026nbsp;important\u0026nbsp;part\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;morning\u0026nbsp;routine.\u0026nbsp;Without\u0026nbsp;it,\u0026nbsp;I'll\u0026nbsp;become\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;hermit,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;don't\u0026nbsp;want\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;become\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;sloth.\"\n\n\"They\u0026nbsp;say\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;sloth\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;one\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;seven\u0026nbsp;deadly\u0026nbsp;sins,\"\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;bobcat\u0026nbsp;said,\u0026nbsp;\"I\u0026nbsp;find\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;seven\u0026nbsp;deadly\u0026nbsp;sins\u0026nbsp;interesting,\u0026nbsp;too.\u0026nbsp;Gluttony,\u0026nbsp;lust,\u0026nbsp;envy,\u0026nbsp;greed,\u0026nbsp;wrath.\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;don't\u0026nbsp;get\u0026nbsp;pride\u0026nbsp;though.\u0026nbsp;Isn't\u0026nbsp;pride\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;good\u0026nbsp;thing?\"\u0026nbsp;she\u0026nbsp;asked.\n\n\"Actually,\u0026nbsp;pride\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;over\u0026nbsp;exaggerating\u0026nbsp;one's\u0026nbsp;abilities.\"\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;said,\u0026nbsp;explaining\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;sin\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;Pride\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;bobcat.\u0026nbsp;\"Prideful\u0026nbsp;furs\u0026nbsp;tend\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;think\u0026nbsp;they\u0026nbsp;are\u0026nbsp;much\u0026nbsp;better\u0026nbsp;than\u0026nbsp;others,\u0026nbsp;such\u0026nbsp;as\u0026nbsp;if\u0026nbsp;they\u0026nbsp;win\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;lottery\u0026nbsp;or\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;new\u0026nbsp;car,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;they're\u0026nbsp;high\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;mighty\u0026nbsp;about\u0026nbsp;it,\u0026nbsp;ordering\u0026nbsp;others\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;grovel\u0026nbsp;at\u0026nbsp;their\u0026nbsp;footpaws.\u0026nbsp;And\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;end,\u0026nbsp;it's\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;prideful\u0026nbsp;furs\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;get\u0026nbsp;bitten\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;ass.\"\n\n\"How?\"\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;bobcat\u0026nbsp;asked.\n\n\"They\u0026nbsp;lose\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;most\u0026nbsp;important\u0026nbsp;thing:\u0026nbsp;friendship.\"\n\nThe\u0026nbsp;bobcat\u0026nbsp;only\u0026nbsp;nodded.\u0026nbsp;But\u0026nbsp;then,\u0026nbsp;she\u0026nbsp;gasped,\u0026nbsp;saying,\u0026nbsp;\"Oh!\u0026nbsp;We\u0026nbsp;just\u0026nbsp;gotten\u0026nbsp;caught\u0026nbsp;up\u0026nbsp;with\u0026nbsp;this\u0026nbsp;conversation,\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;forgot\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;introduce\u0026nbsp;myself.\u0026nbsp;My\u0026nbsp;name\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;Amaya.\u0026nbsp;Amaya\u0026nbsp;Blackburn.\"\n\n\"Nice\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;meet\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;Amaya,\"\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;smiled,\u0026nbsp;\"my\u0026nbsp;name\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;Mickey.\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;Dylan\u0026nbsp;Prescott.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"So\u0026nbsp;Mickey,\u0026nbsp;can\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;tell\u0026nbsp;me\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;bit\u0026nbsp;about\u0026nbsp;yourself?\"\u0026nbsp;Amaya\u0026nbsp;asked.\n\n\"Oh\u0026nbsp;boy.\u0026nbsp;Where\u0026nbsp;should\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;start?\"\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;chuckled,\u0026nbsp;silently.\u0026nbsp;\"I\u0026nbsp;guess\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;could\u0026nbsp;start\u0026nbsp;with\u0026nbsp;this\u0026nbsp;fact\u0026nbsp;right\u0026nbsp;here.\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;come\u0026nbsp;from\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;well-endowed\u0026nbsp;family,\u0026nbsp;so\u0026nbsp;therefore,\u0026nbsp;I'm\u0026nbsp;rich.\"\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;said.\u0026nbsp;\"In\u0026nbsp;October,\u0026nbsp;when\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;five\u0026nbsp;months\u0026nbsp;old,\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;parents\u0026nbsp;struck\u0026nbsp;oil\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;gold,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;life\u0026nbsp;changed\u0026nbsp;forever.\"\n\n\"Man,\u0026nbsp;talk\u0026nbsp;about\u0026nbsp;luck!\"\u0026nbsp;exclaimed\u0026nbsp;Amaya.\u0026nbsp;\"Do\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;live\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;huge\u0026nbsp;mansion?\u0026nbsp;Do\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;your\u0026nbsp;own\u0026nbsp;private\u0026nbsp;swimming\u0026nbsp;pool?\u0026nbsp;Do\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;butler,\u0026nbsp;hired\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;cater\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;your\u0026nbsp;every\u0026nbsp;whim?\u0026nbsp;Do\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;limousine?\u0026nbsp;May\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;ride\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;your\u0026nbsp;limousine?\u0026nbsp;Do\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;your\u0026nbsp;own\u0026nbsp;private\u0026nbsp;island?\"\u0026nbsp;The\u0026nbsp;bobcat\u0026nbsp;began\u0026nbsp;rambling\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;on.\n\nMickey\u0026nbsp;felt\u0026nbsp;flattered\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;Amaya\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;asking\u0026nbsp;too\u0026nbsp;many\u0026nbsp;questions\u0026nbsp;about\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;rich\u0026nbsp;lifestyle.\u0026nbsp;Truth\u0026nbsp;be\u0026nbsp;told,\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;lives\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;normal\u0026nbsp;lifestyle,\u0026nbsp;just\u0026nbsp;like\u0026nbsp;any\u0026nbsp;other\u0026nbsp;citizen,\u0026nbsp;than\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;stereotypical\u0026nbsp;rich\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;famous.\u0026nbsp;Indeed,\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;has\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;crap\u0026nbsp;ton\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;money\u0026nbsp;but\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;prefers,\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;be\u0026nbsp;treated,\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;same.\u0026nbsp;\"Actually,\u0026nbsp;Amaya,\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;only\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;an\u0026nbsp;island\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;own,\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;Island\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;Mick.\"\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;said,\u0026nbsp;straightening\u0026nbsp;out\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;shirt.\u0026nbsp;\"You\u0026nbsp;see,\u0026nbsp;even\u0026nbsp;though\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;lots\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;money\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;bank\u0026nbsp;account,\u0026nbsp;I'm\u0026nbsp;not\u0026nbsp;telling\u0026nbsp;how\u0026nbsp;much,\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;want\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;be\u0026nbsp;treated\u0026nbsp;like\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;regular-class\u0026nbsp;citizen.\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;don't\u0026nbsp;want\u0026nbsp;special\u0026nbsp;treatment,\u0026nbsp;because\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;don't\u0026nbsp;want\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;be\u0026nbsp;taken\u0026nbsp;advantage.\"\u0026nbsp;He\u0026nbsp;then\u0026nbsp;placed\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;right\u0026nbsp;handpaw\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;chest.\u0026nbsp;\"To\u0026nbsp;be\u0026nbsp;completely\u0026nbsp;honest,\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;would\u0026nbsp;give\u0026nbsp;all\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;money\u0026nbsp;away,\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;local\u0026nbsp;charities.\"\n\n\"So\u0026nbsp;what\u0026nbsp;you're\u0026nbsp;saying\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;even\u0026nbsp;though\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;were\u0026nbsp;grew\u0026nbsp;up\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;rich\u0026nbsp;family,\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;don't\u0026nbsp;like\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;rich\u0026nbsp;lifestyle?\"\u0026nbsp;asked\u0026nbsp;Amaya.\u0026nbsp;She\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;becoming\u0026nbsp;interested\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;fox,\u0026nbsp;like\u0026nbsp;she\u0026nbsp;wanted\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;learn\u0026nbsp;everything\u0026nbsp;about\u0026nbsp;him.\u0026nbsp;\n\nMickey\u0026nbsp;nodded.\u0026nbsp;\"Yes.\u0026nbsp;That's\u0026nbsp;exactly\u0026nbsp;what\u0026nbsp;I'm\u0026nbsp;trying\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;say.\"\n\n\"What\u0026nbsp;else\u0026nbsp;can\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;tell\u0026nbsp;about\u0026nbsp;yourself?\"\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;bobcat\u0026nbsp;asked,\u0026nbsp;smiling.\u0026nbsp;She\u0026nbsp;dug\u0026nbsp;her\u0026nbsp;handpaws\u0026nbsp;into\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;pockets\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;her\u0026nbsp;sweat\u0026nbsp;pants.\u0026nbsp;\"You\u0026nbsp;must\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;some\u0026nbsp;fears?\u0026nbsp;Some\u0026nbsp;likes\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;dislikes?\u0026nbsp;Fetishes?\"\n\n\"It\u0026nbsp;just\u0026nbsp;so\u0026nbsp;happens,\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;do\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;some\u0026nbsp;fears.\"\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;replied,\u0026nbsp;taking\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;deep\u0026nbsp;breath.\u0026nbsp;\"My\u0026nbsp;biggest\u0026nbsp;fear\u0026nbsp;isn't\u0026nbsp;death,\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;could\u0026nbsp;easily\u0026nbsp;embrace\u0026nbsp;it,\u0026nbsp;but\u0026nbsp;contracting\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;life-threatening\u0026nbsp;disease.\u0026nbsp;You\u0026nbsp;know,\u0026nbsp;cancer,\u0026nbsp;AIDS,\u0026nbsp;cholera?\u0026nbsp;My\u0026nbsp;likes\u0026nbsp;include\u0026nbsp;long\u0026nbsp;walks\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;beach,\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;course,\u0026nbsp;playing\u0026nbsp;mindless\u0026nbsp;video\u0026nbsp;games,\u0026nbsp;carnival\u0026nbsp;rides,\u0026nbsp;roller-coasters,\u0026nbsp;partying,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;cute\u0026nbsp;guys.\"\u0026nbsp;The\u0026nbsp;fox\u0026nbsp;blushed\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;deep\u0026nbsp;red,\u0026nbsp;melting\u0026nbsp;internally,\u0026nbsp;when\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;mentioned\u0026nbsp;cute\u0026nbsp;guys.\n\nAmaya\u0026nbsp;noticed\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;blushing.\u0026nbsp;She\u0026nbsp;proceeded\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;ask,\u0026nbsp;\"Mickey,\u0026nbsp;why\u0026nbsp;are\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;blushing?\"\u0026nbsp;Then\u0026nbsp;it\u0026nbsp;all\u0026nbsp;made\u0026nbsp;sense\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;her.\u0026nbsp;\"Are\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;gay,\u0026nbsp;Mickey?\u0026nbsp;You\u0026nbsp;blushed\u0026nbsp;when\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;said\u0026nbsp;'cute\u0026nbsp;guys',\u0026nbsp;so\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;must\u0026nbsp;be\u0026nbsp;gay.\u0026nbsp;Don't\u0026nbsp;worry,\u0026nbsp;if\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;are\u0026nbsp;gay\u0026nbsp;I'll\u0026nbsp;accept\u0026nbsp;your\u0026nbsp;lifestyle.\u0026nbsp;To\u0026nbsp;make\u0026nbsp;this\u0026nbsp;more\u0026nbsp;comfortable,\u0026nbsp;I'll\u0026nbsp;reveal\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;sexual\u0026nbsp;orientation.\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;am\u0026nbsp;bisexual,\u0026nbsp;though\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;sister\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;straight.\u0026nbsp;She\u0026nbsp;tolerates\u0026nbsp;homosexuals\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;rest\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;LGBTQ\u0026nbsp;community.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\nMickey\u0026nbsp;smiled,\u0026nbsp;for\u0026nbsp;it\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;more\u0026nbsp;comfortable\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;come\u0026nbsp;out\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;closet.\u0026nbsp;He\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;Amaya\u0026nbsp;haven't\u0026nbsp;known\u0026nbsp;each\u0026nbsp;other\u0026nbsp;for\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;day,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;already\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;getting\u0026nbsp;ready\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;reveal\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;her\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;gay.\u0026nbsp;There\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;no\u0026nbsp;need\u0026nbsp;for\u0026nbsp;semblance\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;this\u0026nbsp;reality,\u0026nbsp;at\u0026nbsp;least\u0026nbsp;not\u0026nbsp;now.\u0026nbsp;So\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;looked\u0026nbsp;directly\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;bobcat's\u0026nbsp;eyes,\u0026nbsp;proceeding\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;tell\u0026nbsp;her\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;truth,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;said,\u0026nbsp;\"There's\u0026nbsp;no\u0026nbsp;sense\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;hide\u0026nbsp;this\u0026nbsp;fact,\u0026nbsp;but\u0026nbsp;yes\u0026nbsp;I'm\u0026nbsp;gay.\u0026nbsp;But\u0026nbsp;I'm\u0026nbsp;currently\u0026nbsp;single,\u0026nbsp;but\u0026nbsp;looking.\"\n\n\"I\u0026nbsp;wish\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;could\u0026nbsp;help,\u0026nbsp;but\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;only\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;sister.\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;don't\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;any\u0026nbsp;brothers,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;male\u0026nbsp;cousins\u0026nbsp;are\u0026nbsp;already\u0026nbsp;married,\u0026nbsp;some\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;them\u0026nbsp;are\u0026nbsp;gay,\u0026nbsp;too.\"\u0026nbsp;Amaya\u0026nbsp;said,\u0026nbsp;smiling,\u0026nbsp;happily\u0026nbsp;accepting\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;fact\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;her\u0026nbsp;new\u0026nbsp;friend\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;gay.\u0026nbsp;\"Sorry.\"\u0026nbsp;she\u0026nbsp;added,\u0026nbsp;looking\u0026nbsp;down.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Hey,\"\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;said,\u0026nbsp;using\u0026nbsp;two\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;fingers\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;lift\u0026nbsp;Amaya's\u0026nbsp;head.\u0026nbsp;\"Listen,\u0026nbsp;don't\u0026nbsp;be\u0026nbsp;sad\u0026nbsp;about\u0026nbsp;that.\u0026nbsp;I'm\u0026nbsp;not\u0026nbsp;meant\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;become\u0026nbsp;mates\u0026nbsp;with\u0026nbsp;one\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;your\u0026nbsp;family\u0026nbsp;members.\u0026nbsp;I'll\u0026nbsp;find\u0026nbsp;someone\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;I'll\u0026nbsp;cherish\u0026nbsp;forever.\u0026nbsp;But\u0026nbsp;when\u0026nbsp;I'm\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;dire\u0026nbsp;emergency,\u0026nbsp;I'll\u0026nbsp;give\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;call.\"\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;said.\n\n\"Sweet!\u0026nbsp;Do\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;mobile\u0026nbsp;phone?\"\u0026nbsp;Amaya\u0026nbsp;asked,\u0026nbsp;already\u0026nbsp;perked\u0026nbsp;up.\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;reached\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;pocket\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;pulled\u0026nbsp;out\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;hi-tech,\u0026nbsp;fancy,\u0026nbsp;cell\u0026nbsp;phone.\u0026nbsp;He\u0026nbsp;then\u0026nbsp;gave\u0026nbsp;it\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;bobcat.\u0026nbsp;\"Here,\"\u0026nbsp;she\u0026nbsp;said,\u0026nbsp;punching\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;her\u0026nbsp;phone\u0026nbsp;number.\u0026nbsp;\"Whenever\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;need\u0026nbsp;me,\u0026nbsp;give\u0026nbsp;me\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;call.\"\u0026nbsp;The\u0026nbsp;bobcat\u0026nbsp;then\u0026nbsp;gave\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;cell\u0026nbsp;phone\u0026nbsp;back.\u0026nbsp;\"Feel\u0026nbsp;free\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;call\u0026nbsp;me\u0026nbsp;whenever\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;want\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;talk\u0026nbsp;with\u0026nbsp;me,\u0026nbsp;just\u0026nbsp;don't\u0026nbsp;invite\u0026nbsp;me\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;any\u0026nbsp;big\u0026nbsp;gatherings.\u0026nbsp;Big\u0026nbsp;groups\u0026nbsp;give\u0026nbsp;me\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;hives.\"\u0026nbsp;she\u0026nbsp;said,\u0026nbsp;blushing\u0026nbsp;deep.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Cool.\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;friend\u0026nbsp;who's\u0026nbsp;introverted!\"\u0026nbsp;grinned\u0026nbsp;Mickey,\u0026nbsp;treating\u0026nbsp;Amaya's\u0026nbsp;\"introvertness\"\u0026nbsp;like\u0026nbsp;it's\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;good\u0026nbsp;thing.\u0026nbsp;\"Don't\u0026nbsp;worry,\u0026nbsp;it's\u0026nbsp;cool.\u0026nbsp;A\u0026nbsp;lot\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;furs\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;problems\u0026nbsp;socializing.\u0026nbsp;I'm\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;type\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;loves\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;good\u0026nbsp;time\u0026nbsp;with\u0026nbsp;friends,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;you're\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;type\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;prefers\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;be\u0026nbsp;alone.\"\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;said.\u0026nbsp;\"There's\u0026nbsp;nothing\u0026nbsp;wrong\u0026nbsp;with\u0026nbsp;being\u0026nbsp;introverted.\"\n\nAmaya\u0026nbsp;narrowed\u0026nbsp;her\u0026nbsp;eyes\u0026nbsp;at\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;fox,\u0026nbsp;but\u0026nbsp;smiled\u0026nbsp;nonetheless.\u0026nbsp;\"Yeah,\u0026nbsp;you're\u0026nbsp;right,\u0026nbsp;Mickey.\u0026nbsp;My\u0026nbsp;introverted\u0026nbsp;personality\u0026nbsp;makes\u0026nbsp;me\u0026nbsp;special,\u0026nbsp;unique.\"\u0026nbsp;she\u0026nbsp;said.\u0026nbsp;\"But\u0026nbsp;I'm\u0026nbsp;okay\u0026nbsp;with\u0026nbsp;small\u0026nbsp;groups.\u0026nbsp;Big\u0026nbsp;events,\u0026nbsp;like\u0026nbsp;nightclub\u0026nbsp;events,\u0026nbsp;scare\u0026nbsp;me.\u0026nbsp;I'm\u0026nbsp;afraid\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;if\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;do\u0026nbsp;something\u0026nbsp;embarrassing,\u0026nbsp;I'd\u0026nbsp;be\u0026nbsp;branded\u0026nbsp;for\u0026nbsp;life.\u0026nbsp;Something\u0026nbsp;like,\u0026nbsp;stuttering\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;words,\u0026nbsp;tripping\u0026nbsp;over\u0026nbsp;stuff,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;infamous\u0026nbsp;ripping\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;pants.\"\n\nMickey\u0026nbsp;placed\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;handpaws\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;Amaya's\u0026nbsp;shoulders\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;calmly\u0026nbsp;said,\u0026nbsp;\"You\u0026nbsp;shouldn't\u0026nbsp;worry\u0026nbsp;about\u0026nbsp;things\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;scare\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;all\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;time.\u0026nbsp;Instead,\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;should\u0026nbsp;work\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;overcoming\u0026nbsp;your\u0026nbsp;fear,\u0026nbsp;even\u0026nbsp;if\u0026nbsp;it\u0026nbsp;takes\u0026nbsp;forever.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"That's\u0026nbsp;another\u0026nbsp;thing\u0026nbsp;.\u0026nbsp;.\u0026nbsp;.\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;also\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;fear\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;public\u0026nbsp;speaking.\"\u0026nbsp;Amaya\u0026nbsp;chuckled\u0026nbsp;nervously,\u0026nbsp;brushing\u0026nbsp;one\u0026nbsp;leg\u0026nbsp;against\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;other,\u0026nbsp;as\u0026nbsp;she\u0026nbsp;said\u0026nbsp;that.\u0026nbsp;\"I\u0026nbsp;know,\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;need\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;overcome\u0026nbsp;that,\u0026nbsp;but\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;thought\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;overcoming\u0026nbsp;something\u0026nbsp;so\u0026nbsp;scary\u0026nbsp;.\u0026nbsp;.\u0026nbsp;.\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;just\u0026nbsp;nerve-wracking.\u0026nbsp;Can\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;believe\u0026nbsp;that?\u0026nbsp;Someone\u0026nbsp;who\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;talkative,\u0026nbsp;like\u0026nbsp;myself,\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;afraid\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;public\u0026nbsp;speaking.\u0026nbsp;Man,\u0026nbsp;talking\u0026nbsp;about\u0026nbsp;irony.\"\n\nMickey\u0026nbsp;chuckled,\u0026nbsp;taking\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;liking\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;Amaya\u0026nbsp;already.\u0026nbsp;\"Okay,\u0026nbsp;Amaya,\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;like\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;already.\u0026nbsp;Let's\u0026nbsp;hang\u0026nbsp;together\u0026nbsp;this\u0026nbsp;morning.\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;don't\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;report\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;work\u0026nbsp;until\u0026nbsp;noon,\u0026nbsp;so\u0026nbsp;let's\u0026nbsp;spend\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;morning\u0026nbsp;together,\u0026nbsp;doing\u0026nbsp;whatever\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;comes\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;mind.\"\n\nAmaya\u0026nbsp;smiled.\u0026nbsp;She\u0026nbsp;too\u0026nbsp;took\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;liking\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;fox,\u0026nbsp;even\u0026nbsp;though\u0026nbsp;both\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;them\u0026nbsp;are\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;friend\u0026nbsp;zone,\u0026nbsp;but\u0026nbsp;both\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;fox\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;bobcat\u0026nbsp;couldn't\u0026nbsp;care\u0026nbsp;less.\u0026nbsp;\"That\u0026nbsp;would\u0026nbsp;actually\u0026nbsp;be\u0026nbsp;nice,\u0026nbsp;Mickey.\"\u0026nbsp;she\u0026nbsp;smiled.\u0026nbsp;\"Thanks\u0026nbsp;for\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;offer.\u0026nbsp;Maybe\u0026nbsp;we\u0026nbsp;could\u0026nbsp;get\u0026nbsp;some\u0026nbsp;breakfast.\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;haven't\u0026nbsp;had\u0026nbsp;breakfast,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;it's\u0026nbsp;pushing\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;seven\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;morning.\"\n\n\"Cool.\u0026nbsp;All\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;had\u0026nbsp;were\u0026nbsp;toaster\u0026nbsp;pastries.\"\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;replied.\u0026nbsp;\"Of\u0026nbsp;course,\u0026nbsp;it's\u0026nbsp;not\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;filling\u0026nbsp;breakfast,\u0026nbsp;but\u0026nbsp;it's\u0026nbsp;something.\u0026nbsp;What\u0026nbsp;place\u0026nbsp;do\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;mind?\"\n\n\"Mmmm\u0026nbsp;.\u0026nbsp;.\u0026nbsp;.\u0026nbsp;maybe\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;diner?\"\u0026nbsp;asked\u0026nbsp;Amaya.\u0026nbsp;\"Do\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;debit\u0026nbsp;or\u0026nbsp;credit\u0026nbsp;card\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;linked\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;your\u0026nbsp;bank\u0026nbsp;account?\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Are\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;expecting\u0026nbsp;me\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;pay\u0026nbsp;for\u0026nbsp;our\u0026nbsp;breakfast?\"\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;raised\u0026nbsp;an\u0026nbsp;eyebrow,\u0026nbsp;placing\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;handpaws\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;hips.\u0026nbsp;\"Because\u0026nbsp;if\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;are,\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;will.\u0026nbsp;It's\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;me.\"\u0026nbsp;The\u0026nbsp;fox\u0026nbsp;then\u0026nbsp;pulled\u0026nbsp;out\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;wallet,\u0026nbsp;showing\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;bobcat\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;debit\u0026nbsp;card.\u0026nbsp;\"This\u0026nbsp;baby\u0026nbsp;has\u0026nbsp;helped\u0026nbsp;me\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;emergencies,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;never\u0026nbsp;once\u0026nbsp;misused\u0026nbsp;it.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You're\u0026nbsp;also\u0026nbsp;responsible\u0026nbsp;with\u0026nbsp;your\u0026nbsp;things!\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;like\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;already!\"\u0026nbsp;Amaya\u0026nbsp;smiled.\u0026nbsp;Of\u0026nbsp;course\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;responsible,\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;had\u0026nbsp;everything\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;wanted\u0026nbsp;when\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;young\u0026nbsp;kit.\u0026nbsp;And\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;course\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;parents\u0026nbsp;are\u0026nbsp;still\u0026nbsp;supporting\u0026nbsp;him.\u0026nbsp;Being\u0026nbsp;rich\u0026nbsp;has\u0026nbsp;its\u0026nbsp;responsibilities.\u0026nbsp;\"Afterwards,\u0026nbsp;we\u0026nbsp;could\u0026nbsp;go\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;mall\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;watch\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;movie.\"\u0026nbsp;Since\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;one\u0026nbsp;with\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;money,\u0026nbsp;it\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;choice,\u0026nbsp;but\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;thought\u0026nbsp;it\u0026nbsp;wasn't\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;good\u0026nbsp;idea\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;waste\u0026nbsp;it\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;insignificant\u0026nbsp;things--besides\u0026nbsp;breakfast.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"We\u0026nbsp;can\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;fun,\u0026nbsp;but\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;cannot\u0026nbsp;spend\u0026nbsp;too\u0026nbsp;much,\"\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;replied,\u0026nbsp;placing\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;wallet\u0026nbsp;back\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;pants\u0026nbsp;pocket.\u0026nbsp;\"I\u0026nbsp;don't\u0026nbsp;want\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;bank\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;freeze\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;account.\u0026nbsp;They\u0026nbsp;could\u0026nbsp;do\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;with\u0026nbsp;debit\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;credit\u0026nbsp;cards.\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;won't\u0026nbsp;get\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;trouble\u0026nbsp;with\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;parents,\u0026nbsp;because\u0026nbsp;they\u0026nbsp;could\u0026nbsp;easily\u0026nbsp;pay\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;tab,\u0026nbsp;but\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;thought\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;having\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;money\u0026nbsp;frozen\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;terrifying,\u0026nbsp;like\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;talking\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;big\u0026nbsp;crowd\u0026nbsp;center\u0026nbsp;stage.\"\n\nAmaya\u0026nbsp;gulped\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;fear,\u0026nbsp;thinking\u0026nbsp;about\u0026nbsp;public\u0026nbsp;speaking,\u0026nbsp;especially\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;front\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;crowd\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;fifteen\u0026nbsp;thousand\u0026nbsp;furs.\u0026nbsp;\"So\u0026nbsp;.\u0026nbsp;.\u0026nbsp;.\u0026nbsp;we\u0026nbsp;better\u0026nbsp;get\u0026nbsp;something\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;eat\u0026nbsp;now,\u0026nbsp;huh?\"\u0026nbsp;The\u0026nbsp;truth\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;she\u0026nbsp;wanted\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;get\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;thought\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;public\u0026nbsp;speaking\u0026nbsp;out\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;her\u0026nbsp;mind.\u0026nbsp;\"Which\u0026nbsp;car\u0026nbsp;are\u0026nbsp;we\u0026nbsp;taking?\u0026nbsp;Yours\u0026nbsp;or\u0026nbsp;mine,\u0026nbsp;because\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;driver's\u0026nbsp;license.\"\u0026nbsp;Amaya\u0026nbsp;then\u0026nbsp;asked\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;fox.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"With\u0026nbsp;all\u0026nbsp;due\u0026nbsp;respect,\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;right\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;middle\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;morning\u0026nbsp;jog.\u0026nbsp;So\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;need\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;resume\u0026nbsp;that.\u0026nbsp;You're\u0026nbsp;welcome\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;tag\u0026nbsp;along,\u0026nbsp;too.\"\u0026nbsp;answered\u0026nbsp;Mickey.\u0026nbsp;\"I\u0026nbsp;always\u0026nbsp;take\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;mini\u0026nbsp;fun\u0026nbsp;run\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;morning.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Yeah\u0026nbsp;.\u0026nbsp;.\u0026nbsp;.\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;know.\u0026nbsp;I've\u0026nbsp;seen\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;run\u0026nbsp;past\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;house\u0026nbsp;every\u0026nbsp;morning,\u0026nbsp;before\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;go\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;work.\"\u0026nbsp;Amaya\u0026nbsp;smirked\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;fox.\u0026nbsp;\"No\u0026nbsp;wonder\u0026nbsp;you're\u0026nbsp;able\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;look\u0026nbsp;good\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;swimsuit,\u0026nbsp;being\u0026nbsp;all\u0026nbsp;shirtless.\u0026nbsp;The\u0026nbsp;guys\u0026nbsp;must\u0026nbsp;be\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;your\u0026nbsp;tail\u0026nbsp;at\u0026nbsp;all\u0026nbsp;times,\u0026nbsp;huh?\"\u0026nbsp;\n\nMickey\u0026nbsp;blushed,\u0026nbsp;deep,\u0026nbsp;red\u0026nbsp;as\u0026nbsp;crimson\u0026nbsp;blood.\u0026nbsp;\"Come\u0026nbsp;with\u0026nbsp;me,\u0026nbsp;jog\u0026nbsp;with\u0026nbsp;me,\u0026nbsp;while\u0026nbsp;we\u0026nbsp;talk.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe\u0026nbsp;brown\u0026nbsp;furred,\u0026nbsp;whiskered\u0026nbsp;face,\u0026nbsp;with\u0026nbsp;black\u0026nbsp;tufts\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;her\u0026nbsp;ears,\u0026nbsp;bobcat,\u0026nbsp;with\u0026nbsp;black\u0026nbsp;spots\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;streaks\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;her\u0026nbsp;body,\u0026nbsp;but\u0026nbsp;covered\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;clothing,\u0026nbsp;said\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;Mickey,\u0026nbsp;\"We\u0026nbsp;could\u0026nbsp;just\u0026nbsp;take\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;car.\u0026nbsp;It's\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;lot\u0026nbsp;quicker\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;way.\"\u0026nbsp;She\u0026nbsp;knew\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;fox\u0026nbsp;preferred\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;jog,\u0026nbsp;though.\u0026nbsp;So\u0026nbsp;she\u0026nbsp;knew\u0026nbsp;what\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;going\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;say.\u0026nbsp;But\u0026nbsp;before\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;could\u0026nbsp;reply,\u0026nbsp;Amaya\u0026nbsp;jogged\u0026nbsp;right\u0026nbsp;past\u0026nbsp;him.\u0026nbsp;Two\u0026nbsp;furs\u0026nbsp;being\u0026nbsp;active,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;it's\u0026nbsp;not\u0026nbsp;even\u0026nbsp;eight\u0026nbsp;yet.\u0026nbsp;\"Or\u0026nbsp;we\u0026nbsp;could\u0026nbsp;do\u0026nbsp;what\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;want,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;jog.\"\u0026nbsp;She\u0026nbsp;turned\u0026nbsp;her\u0026nbsp;head,\u0026nbsp;facing\u0026nbsp;Mickey,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;stuck\u0026nbsp;out\u0026nbsp;her\u0026nbsp;tongue\u0026nbsp;at\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;fox.\u0026nbsp;But\u0026nbsp;she\u0026nbsp;wasn't\u0026nbsp;looking\u0026nbsp;where\u0026nbsp;she\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;going,\u0026nbsp;as\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;honk\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;car\u0026nbsp;made\u0026nbsp;Amaya\u0026nbsp;jump.\u0026nbsp;She\u0026nbsp;crossed\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;intersection\u0026nbsp;at\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;green\u0026nbsp;light,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;nearly\u0026nbsp;got\u0026nbsp;hit\u0026nbsp;by\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;vehicle\u0026nbsp;going\u0026nbsp;at\u0026nbsp;fast\u0026nbsp;speed.\u0026nbsp;\"Waaaaaaaah!\"\u0026nbsp;she\u0026nbsp;cried,\u0026nbsp;jumping\u0026nbsp;out\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;way\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;nick\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;time.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Amaya!\"\u0026nbsp;shouted\u0026nbsp;Mickey,\u0026nbsp;\"please\u0026nbsp;watch\u0026nbsp;where\u0026nbsp;you're\u0026nbsp;walking\u0026nbsp;next\u0026nbsp;time!\u0026nbsp;You\u0026nbsp;almost\u0026nbsp;gotten\u0026nbsp;killed!\"\u0026nbsp;And\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;fox\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;right.\u0026nbsp;Judging\u0026nbsp;by\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;speed\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;car\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;going,\u0026nbsp;had\u0026nbsp;it\u0026nbsp;struck\u0026nbsp;Amaya\u0026nbsp;she\u0026nbsp;would've\u0026nbsp;been\u0026nbsp;killed\u0026nbsp;instantaneously.\u0026nbsp;But\u0026nbsp;she\u0026nbsp;wasn't,\u0026nbsp;so\u0026nbsp;that's\u0026nbsp;good.\u0026nbsp;Right?\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;rushed\u0026nbsp;over\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;bobcat,\u0026nbsp;pulling\u0026nbsp;her\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;chest,\u0026nbsp;wrapping\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;arms\u0026nbsp;around\u0026nbsp;her.\u0026nbsp;\"For\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;love\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;all\u0026nbsp;things\u0026nbsp;special,\u0026nbsp;look\u0026nbsp;both\u0026nbsp;ways\u0026nbsp;when\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;cross\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;street,\u0026nbsp;okay?!\"\u0026nbsp;\n\nAmaya\u0026nbsp;pulled\u0026nbsp;herself\u0026nbsp;away\u0026nbsp;from\u0026nbsp;Mickey,\u0026nbsp;turning\u0026nbsp;herself\u0026nbsp;away\u0026nbsp;from\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;fox.\u0026nbsp;The\u0026nbsp;green\u0026nbsp;light\u0026nbsp;soon\u0026nbsp;turned\u0026nbsp;red,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;she\u0026nbsp;crosses,\u0026nbsp;when\u0026nbsp;it\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;safe\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;cross,\u0026nbsp;with\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;jogging\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;suit.\u0026nbsp;She\u0026nbsp;wagged\u0026nbsp;her\u0026nbsp;short\u0026nbsp;tail\u0026nbsp;as\u0026nbsp;she\u0026nbsp;soon\u0026nbsp;stopped\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;her\u0026nbsp;tracks.\u0026nbsp;\"Okay,\u0026nbsp;there's\u0026nbsp;gotta\u0026nbsp;be\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;diner\u0026nbsp;nearby,\u0026nbsp;Mickey.\"\u0026nbsp;she\u0026nbsp;said,\u0026nbsp;overlooking\u0026nbsp;her\u0026nbsp;current\u0026nbsp;location.\u0026nbsp;Right\u0026nbsp;now,\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;fox\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;bobcat\u0026nbsp;are\u0026nbsp;at\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;intersection\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;Elmwood\u0026nbsp;Street\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;Charleston\u0026nbsp;Avenue.\u0026nbsp;The\u0026nbsp;nearest\u0026nbsp;stores,\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;front\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;them,\u0026nbsp;not\u0026nbsp;far\u0026nbsp;from\u0026nbsp;them,\u0026nbsp;were\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;99\u0026nbsp;cent\u0026nbsp;store,\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;frozen\u0026nbsp;yogurt\u0026nbsp;creamery,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;store\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;fixes\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;sells\u0026nbsp;computers\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;other\u0026nbsp;electronics.\u0026nbsp;\"OH!\u0026nbsp;Mickey!\u0026nbsp;We\u0026nbsp;should\u0026nbsp;totes\u0026nbsp;hit\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;creamery\u0026nbsp;shop\u0026nbsp;after\u0026nbsp;breakfast!\"\u0026nbsp;Amaya\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;one\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;those\u0026nbsp;furs\u0026nbsp;who\u0026nbsp;says\u0026nbsp;\"totes\"\u0026nbsp;instead\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;\"totally.\"\u0026nbsp;Has\u0026nbsp;she\u0026nbsp;even\u0026nbsp;heard\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;tote\u0026nbsp;bags?\u0026nbsp;\"What\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;your\u0026nbsp;favorite\u0026nbsp;flavor\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;frozen\u0026nbsp;yogurt?\u0026nbsp;Mine\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;tie\u0026nbsp;between\u0026nbsp;watermelon\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;cotton\u0026nbsp;candy.\"\u0026nbsp;she\u0026nbsp;asked\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;fox,\u0026nbsp;turning\u0026nbsp;over\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;face\u0026nbsp;him.\u0026nbsp;\"And\u0026nbsp;before\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;ask,\u0026nbsp;yes\u0026nbsp;they\u0026nbsp;make\u0026nbsp;cotton\u0026nbsp;candy\u0026nbsp;flavored\u0026nbsp;fro\u0026nbsp;yo.\"\n\n_Man\u0026nbsp;Amaya\u0026nbsp;sure\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;talkative._\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;thought.\u0026nbsp;_And\u0026nbsp;yet\u0026nbsp;.\u0026nbsp;.\u0026nbsp;.\u0026nbsp;she\u0026nbsp;has\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;fear\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;speaking\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;public.\u0026nbsp;Maybe\u0026nbsp;she\u0026nbsp;could\u0026nbsp;imagine\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;crowd\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;their\u0026nbsp;underwear,\u0026nbsp;or\u0026nbsp;better\u0026nbsp;yet\u0026nbsp;naked.\u0026nbsp;But\u0026nbsp;then\u0026nbsp;again,\u0026nbsp;there\u0026nbsp;are\u0026nbsp;youngsters\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;audience,\u0026nbsp;so\u0026nbsp;best\u0026nbsp;stick\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;imagining\u0026nbsp;everyone\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;their\u0026nbsp;underwear,\u0026nbsp;especially\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;TV.\u0026nbsp;Did\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;leave\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;curling\u0026nbsp;iron\u0026nbsp;on?\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;wonder\u0026nbsp;what\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;look\u0026nbsp;like\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;sequined,\u0026nbsp;red\u0026nbsp;dress.\u0026nbsp;Oh\u0026nbsp;crap.\u0026nbsp;Am\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;really\u0026nbsp;imagining\u0026nbsp;myself\u0026nbsp;dressed\u0026nbsp;up\u0026nbsp;like\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;girl?_\n\nThe\u0026nbsp;bobcat\u0026nbsp;snapped\u0026nbsp;her\u0026nbsp;fingers,\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;front\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;Mickey,\u0026nbsp;breaking\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;fox\u0026nbsp;from\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;personal\u0026nbsp;thoughts.\u0026nbsp;Good\u0026nbsp;thing\u0026nbsp;Amaya\u0026nbsp;cannot\u0026nbsp;read\u0026nbsp;minds,\u0026nbsp;especially\u0026nbsp;what\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;thought\u0026nbsp;about\u0026nbsp;dressing\u0026nbsp;up\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;dress.\u0026nbsp;\"The\u0026nbsp;answer\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;sixteen\u0026nbsp;thousand\u0026nbsp;two-hundred\u0026nbsp;fifty-one!\"\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;blurted.\u0026nbsp;He\u0026nbsp;then\u0026nbsp;shook\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;head,\u0026nbsp;coming\u0026nbsp;back\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;reality.\u0026nbsp;\"What?\u0026nbsp;Where\u0026nbsp;am\u0026nbsp;I?\"\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;asked.\u0026nbsp;\"Did\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;say\u0026nbsp;something,\u0026nbsp;Amaya?\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"You're\u0026nbsp;at\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;corner\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;Elmwood\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;Charleston.\u0026nbsp;And\u0026nbsp;yes,\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;did\u0026nbsp;ask\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;question.\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;asked\u0026nbsp;what\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;your\u0026nbsp;favorite\u0026nbsp;yogurt\u0026nbsp;flavor.\"\u0026nbsp;Amaya\u0026nbsp;said,\u0026nbsp;sticking\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;tongue\u0026nbsp;out\u0026nbsp;at\u0026nbsp;Mickey.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Oh,\u0026nbsp;right,\"\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;blushed.\u0026nbsp;\"I'll\u0026nbsp;say\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;favorite\u0026nbsp;has\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;be\u0026nbsp;mint\u0026nbsp;chocolate\u0026nbsp;chip\u0026nbsp;yogurt.\u0026nbsp;It's\u0026nbsp;so\u0026nbsp;creamy\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;tasty,\u0026nbsp;not\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;mention\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;grew\u0026nbsp;up\u0026nbsp;with\u0026nbsp;it\u0026nbsp;as\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;kit.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\nAmaya\u0026nbsp;squealed.\u0026nbsp;\"OH!\u0026nbsp;THAT'S\u0026nbsp;MY\u0026nbsp;SECOND\u0026nbsp;FAVORITE\u0026nbsp;FLAVOR!\"\u0026nbsp;she\u0026nbsp;shouted.\u0026nbsp;\"That's\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;thing\u0026nbsp;we\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;common!\"\n\nMickey\u0026nbsp;said,\u0026nbsp;\"We\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;thing\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;common\u0026nbsp;now?\u0026nbsp;Gee,\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;didn't\u0026nbsp;know.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe\u0026nbsp;bobcat\u0026nbsp;narrowed\u0026nbsp;her\u0026nbsp;eyes.\u0026nbsp;\"Are\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;being\u0026nbsp;sarcastic\u0026nbsp;with\u0026nbsp;me,\u0026nbsp;Mickey?\"\u0026nbsp;she\u0026nbsp;asked.\u0026nbsp;\"Because\u0026nbsp;if\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;are,\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;better\u0026nbsp;stop\u0026nbsp;it!\u0026nbsp;Cause\u0026nbsp;if\u0026nbsp;it's\u0026nbsp;one\u0026nbsp;thing\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;hate\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;most\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;sarcasm.\u0026nbsp;So\u0026nbsp;knock\u0026nbsp;it\u0026nbsp;off.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I\u0026nbsp;don't\u0026nbsp;know.\u0026nbsp;Am\u0026nbsp;I?\"\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;replied,\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;face\u0026nbsp;turning\u0026nbsp;into\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;grin.\u0026nbsp;\"You\u0026nbsp;know,\u0026nbsp;sarcasm's\u0026nbsp;fun,\u0026nbsp;once\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;while,\u0026nbsp;Amaya.\u0026nbsp;Learn\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;tolerate\u0026nbsp;it.\"\u0026nbsp;The\u0026nbsp;fox\u0026nbsp;then\u0026nbsp;brushed\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;tail\u0026nbsp;against\u0026nbsp;Amaya's\u0026nbsp;hips,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;sly\u0026nbsp;expression\u0026nbsp;plastered\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;face.\u0026nbsp;\"In\u0026nbsp;life,\u0026nbsp;there\u0026nbsp;aren't\u0026nbsp;any\u0026nbsp;plausible\u0026nbsp;ways\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;avoid\u0026nbsp;sarcasm.\"\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;said.\n\n\"All\u0026nbsp;right.\u0026nbsp;Let\u0026nbsp;me\u0026nbsp;ask\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;this,\u0026nbsp;then.\"\u0026nbsp;Amaya\u0026nbsp;replied,\u0026nbsp;grabbing\u0026nbsp;Mickey's\u0026nbsp;tail,\u0026nbsp;holding\u0026nbsp;onto\u0026nbsp;it\u0026nbsp;with\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;firm\u0026nbsp;grip.\u0026nbsp;\"Do\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;know\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;been\u0026nbsp;failing\u0026nbsp;figuring\u0026nbsp;out\u0026nbsp;sarcastic\u0026nbsp;remarks?\u0026nbsp;For\u0026nbsp;all\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;know,\u0026nbsp;sarcasm\u0026nbsp;sucks,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;I'd\u0026nbsp;appreciate\u0026nbsp;it\u0026nbsp;if\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;tone\u0026nbsp;down\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;sarcasm,\u0026nbsp;Dr.\u0026nbsp;Sarcastic!\u0026nbsp;And\u0026nbsp;let\u0026nbsp;me\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;another\u0026nbsp;thing.\u0026nbsp;There\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;plausible\u0026nbsp;way\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;avoid\u0026nbsp;sarcasm,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;do\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;know\u0026nbsp;what\u0026nbsp;it\u0026nbsp;is?\u0026nbsp;It's\u0026nbsp;called\u0026nbsp;walking\u0026nbsp;away!\"\n\n\"Two\u0026nbsp;things.\u0026nbsp;One,\u0026nbsp;your\u0026nbsp;parents\u0026nbsp;may\u0026nbsp;be\u0026nbsp;sarcastic\u0026nbsp;at\u0026nbsp;times,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;two,\u0026nbsp;LET\u0026nbsp;GO\u0026nbsp;OF\u0026nbsp;MY\u0026nbsp;TAIL!\"\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;replied,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;then\u0026nbsp;yanked\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;tail\u0026nbsp;free\u0026nbsp;from\u0026nbsp;Amaya's\u0026nbsp;grip,\u0026nbsp;growling.\u0026nbsp;\"I\u0026nbsp;don't\u0026nbsp;like\u0026nbsp;it\u0026nbsp;when\u0026nbsp;furs\u0026nbsp;grab\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;tail!\u0026nbsp;What\u0026nbsp;if\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;walking\u0026nbsp;when\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;grabbed\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;tail?\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;would\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;lost\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;footing\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;face-planted\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;floor!\"\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;said,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;then\u0026nbsp;scoffed.\u0026nbsp;\"Great,\u0026nbsp;now\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;need\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;brush\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;tail.\u0026nbsp;Why\u0026nbsp;couldn't\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;grab\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;arm\u0026nbsp;instead?\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"It\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;only\u0026nbsp;part\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;your\u0026nbsp;body\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;could\u0026nbsp;grab\u0026nbsp;at\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;time.\"\u0026nbsp;sighed\u0026nbsp;Amaya,\u0026nbsp;but\u0026nbsp;decided\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;drop\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;entire\u0026nbsp;conversation\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;walked\u0026nbsp;away\u0026nbsp;from\u0026nbsp;Mickey.\u0026nbsp;\"Come\u0026nbsp;on,\u0026nbsp;let's\u0026nbsp;just\u0026nbsp;forget\u0026nbsp;this\u0026nbsp;ever\u0026nbsp;happened\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;let's\u0026nbsp;get\u0026nbsp;some\u0026nbsp;breakfast.\u0026nbsp;I'm\u0026nbsp;starving.\"\u0026nbsp;she\u0026nbsp;said.\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;soon\u0026nbsp;followed\u0026nbsp;behind,\u0026nbsp;running\u0026nbsp;up\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;bobcat\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;order\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;catch\u0026nbsp;up\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;her.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Hey,\u0026nbsp;I'm\u0026nbsp;sorry\u0026nbsp;about\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;sarcastic,\u0026nbsp;yet\u0026nbsp;witty,\u0026nbsp;remark\u0026nbsp;back\u0026nbsp;there.\"\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;fox\u0026nbsp;said,\u0026nbsp;apologizing.\u0026nbsp;\"But\u0026nbsp;it's\u0026nbsp;easy\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;pinpoint\u0026nbsp;sarcasm.\u0026nbsp;It's\u0026nbsp;when\u0026nbsp;furs\u0026nbsp;say\u0026nbsp;something\u0026nbsp;they\u0026nbsp;don't\u0026nbsp;mean.\u0026nbsp;It's\u0026nbsp;basically\u0026nbsp;used\u0026nbsp;tauntingly.\u0026nbsp;For\u0026nbsp;example,\u0026nbsp;if\u0026nbsp;somefur\u0026nbsp;messes\u0026nbsp;up\u0026nbsp;big\u0026nbsp;time,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;say,\u0026nbsp;'Wow,\u0026nbsp;you've\u0026nbsp;accumulated\u0026nbsp;twenty\u0026nbsp;fuck-ups.\u0026nbsp;You\u0026nbsp;are\u0026nbsp;something\u0026nbsp;special.\u0026nbsp;You're\u0026nbsp;number\u0026nbsp;one',\u0026nbsp;then\u0026nbsp;I'm\u0026nbsp;being\u0026nbsp;sarcastic.\u0026nbsp;Do\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;understand\u0026nbsp;now?\"\n\n\"You\u0026nbsp;know\u0026nbsp;everything,\u0026nbsp;Mickey.\"\u0026nbsp;Amaya\u0026nbsp;smirked,\u0026nbsp;flicking\u0026nbsp;her\u0026nbsp;short\u0026nbsp;tail.\u0026nbsp;\"You\u0026nbsp;should\u0026nbsp;write\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;book\u0026nbsp;about\u0026nbsp;your\u0026nbsp;knowledge.\u0026nbsp;It\u0026nbsp;will\u0026nbsp;become\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;bestseller.\"\u0026nbsp;She\u0026nbsp;then\u0026nbsp;flashed\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;grin\u0026nbsp;at\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;fox.\u0026nbsp;\"Or\u0026nbsp;maybe\u0026nbsp;you'll\u0026nbsp;be\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;one\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;those\u0026nbsp;talk\u0026nbsp;shows.\u0026nbsp;You'll\u0026nbsp;become\u0026nbsp;famous.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\nMickey\u0026nbsp;chuckled\u0026nbsp;nervously,\u0026nbsp;scratching\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;back\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;neck\u0026nbsp;with\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;right\u0026nbsp;handpaw.\u0026nbsp;\"It\u0026nbsp;looks\u0026nbsp;like\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;grasped\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;concept\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;sarcasm,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;it's\u0026nbsp;not\u0026nbsp;even\u0026nbsp;mid-morning.\"\n\nIt\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;7:15\u0026nbsp;A.M.\u0026nbsp;It\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;just\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;time\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;not\u0026nbsp;keel\u0026nbsp;over\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;hunger.\u0026nbsp;The\u0026nbsp;fox\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;bobcat\u0026nbsp;walked\u0026nbsp;two\u0026nbsp;blocks,\u0026nbsp;coming\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;diner.\u0026nbsp;But\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;their\u0026nbsp;most\u0026nbsp;utter\u0026nbsp;surprise,\u0026nbsp;they\u0026nbsp;find\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;diner\u0026nbsp;doesn't\u0026nbsp;open\u0026nbsp;for\u0026nbsp;another\u0026nbsp;two\u0026nbsp;hours,\u0026nbsp;so\u0026nbsp;much\u0026nbsp;for\u0026nbsp;scrambled\u0026nbsp;eggs\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;bacon.\u0026nbsp;\"Damn\u0026nbsp;it,\u0026nbsp;what\u0026nbsp;are\u0026nbsp;we\u0026nbsp;going\u0026nbsp;do\u0026nbsp;about\u0026nbsp;breakfast\u0026nbsp;now,\u0026nbsp;Mickey?\"\u0026nbsp;cried\u0026nbsp;Amaya,\u0026nbsp;kneeling\u0026nbsp;onto\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;floor\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;despair\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;anguish.\u0026nbsp;\"It's\u0026nbsp;just\u0026nbsp;not\u0026nbsp;fair!\u0026nbsp;Restaurants\u0026nbsp;should\u0026nbsp;open\u0026nbsp;at\u0026nbsp;6:00\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;morning,\u0026nbsp;not\u0026nbsp;fucking\u0026nbsp;9:00!\u0026nbsp;Oh,\u0026nbsp;fuck\u0026nbsp;this!\u0026nbsp;I'm\u0026nbsp;really\u0026nbsp;fucking\u0026nbsp;pissed\u0026nbsp;off\u0026nbsp;now.\u0026nbsp;What\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;fucking\u0026nbsp;hell,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;son\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;bitch!\u0026nbsp;Don't\u0026nbsp;they,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;mean\u0026nbsp;restaurants,\u0026nbsp;care\u0026nbsp;about\u0026nbsp;us,\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;patrons?\u0026nbsp;If\u0026nbsp;they\u0026nbsp;do,\u0026nbsp;they\u0026nbsp;don't\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;force\u0026nbsp;us\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;get\u0026nbsp;through\u0026nbsp;this\u0026nbsp;shit.\"\n\n\"Language\u0026nbsp;Amaya.\"\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;grumbled,\u0026nbsp;gently\u0026nbsp;slapping\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;bobcat's\u0026nbsp;shoulder.\u0026nbsp;\"I\u0026nbsp;didn't\u0026nbsp;know\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;were\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;potty\u0026nbsp;mouth.\u0026nbsp;Tell\u0026nbsp;me,\u0026nbsp;do\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;get\u0026nbsp;likes\u0026nbsp;with\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;type\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;mouth?\u0026nbsp;Is\u0026nbsp;one\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;your\u0026nbsp;family\u0026nbsp;members\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;sailor?\"\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;said.\n\nThe\u0026nbsp;fox\u0026nbsp;then\u0026nbsp;added,\u0026nbsp;\"Ummm,\u0026nbsp;maybe\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;should\u0026nbsp;wash\u0026nbsp;your\u0026nbsp;maw\u0026nbsp;out\u0026nbsp;with\u0026nbsp;soap.\"\n\nAmaya\u0026nbsp;sighed\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;reply.\u0026nbsp;\"Mickey,\u0026nbsp;just\u0026nbsp;shut\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;hell\u0026nbsp;up.\u0026nbsp;No,\u0026nbsp;actually\u0026nbsp;shut\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;fuck\u0026nbsp;up!\"\n\n\"You\u0026nbsp;won't\u0026nbsp;get\u0026nbsp;anywhere\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;life\u0026nbsp;as\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;potty\u0026nbsp;mouth\u0026nbsp;who\u0026nbsp;swears\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;lot,\"\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;rolled\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;eyes\u0026nbsp;at\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;bobcat.\u0026nbsp;\"Imagine,\u0026nbsp;you're\u0026nbsp;applying\u0026nbsp;for\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;job\u0026nbsp;at\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;pastry\u0026nbsp;shop.\u0026nbsp;You're\u0026nbsp;going\u0026nbsp;through\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;interview\u0026nbsp;when\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;jam\u0026nbsp;your\u0026nbsp;finger\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;manager's\u0026nbsp;desk.\u0026nbsp;You\u0026nbsp;blurt\u0026nbsp;out\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;S\u0026nbsp;word,\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;F\u0026nbsp;word,\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;GD\u0026nbsp;word,\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;D\u0026nbsp;word,\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;C\u0026nbsp;word,\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;B\u0026nbsp;word,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;M\u0026nbsp;word.\u0026nbsp;And\u0026nbsp;then\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;manager\u0026nbsp;rips\u0026nbsp;up\u0026nbsp;your\u0026nbsp;application\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;says,\u0026nbsp;'This\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;place\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;business.\u0026nbsp;We\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;no\u0026nbsp;positions\u0026nbsp;for\u0026nbsp;potty\u0026nbsp;mouths\u0026nbsp;like\u0026nbsp;you.\u0026nbsp;Your\u0026nbsp;application\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;denied.\u0026nbsp;You're\u0026nbsp;welcome\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;try\u0026nbsp;again\u0026nbsp;next\u0026nbsp;week,\u0026nbsp;though.'\u0026nbsp;And\u0026nbsp;then\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;particular\u0026nbsp;manager\u0026nbsp;phones\u0026nbsp;other\u0026nbsp;managers,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;you'll\u0026nbsp;get\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;reputation\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;being\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;potty\u0026nbsp;mouth,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;getting\u0026nbsp;yourself\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;job\u0026nbsp;would\u0026nbsp;be\u0026nbsp;scarce\u0026nbsp;for\u0026nbsp;you.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"I\u0026nbsp;got\u0026nbsp;news\u0026nbsp;flash\u0026nbsp;for\u0026nbsp;you,\u0026nbsp;Foxie.\"\u0026nbsp;Amaya\u0026nbsp;notes,\u0026nbsp;bopping\u0026nbsp;Mickey's\u0026nbsp;nose.\u0026nbsp;A\u0026nbsp;grin\u0026nbsp;then\u0026nbsp;flashed\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;her\u0026nbsp;face.\u0026nbsp;\"I\u0026nbsp;already\u0026nbsp;have\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;job.\u0026nbsp;I'm\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;telemarketer.\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;try\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;persuade\u0026nbsp;furs\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;buy\u0026nbsp;bath\u0026nbsp;stuff.\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;like\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;talk,\u0026nbsp;so\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;boss\u0026nbsp;said\u0026nbsp;I'm\u0026nbsp;perfect\u0026nbsp;for\u0026nbsp;this\u0026nbsp;position.\u0026nbsp;And\u0026nbsp;yes,\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;do\u0026nbsp;keep\u0026nbsp;swearing\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;down\u0026nbsp;low\u0026nbsp;whilst\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;work.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Telemarketing?\u0026nbsp;Out\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;all\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;career\u0026nbsp;choices,\u0026nbsp;in\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;entire\u0026nbsp;world,\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;chose\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;one\u0026nbsp;most\u0026nbsp;think\u0026nbsp;is\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;nuisance?\"\u0026nbsp;Mickey\u0026nbsp;asked,\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;bit\u0026nbsp;surprised,\u0026nbsp;but\u0026nbsp;not\u0026nbsp;appalled.\u0026nbsp;\"Tell\u0026nbsp;me,\u0026nbsp;did\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;get\u0026nbsp;anyone\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;hang\u0026nbsp;up\u0026nbsp;on\u0026nbsp;you,\u0026nbsp;saying,\u0026nbsp;'Don't\u0026nbsp;ever\u0026nbsp;call\u0026nbsp;this\u0026nbsp;number\u0026nbsp;again?'\"\u0026nbsp;\n\nAmaya\u0026nbsp;grumbled,\u0026nbsp;shook\u0026nbsp;her\u0026nbsp;head,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;facepawed.\u0026nbsp;Instead\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;bellowing\u0026nbsp;out,\u0026nbsp;\"Shut\u0026nbsp;up\u0026nbsp;Mickey!\",\u0026nbsp;she\u0026nbsp;said,\u0026nbsp;\"Yes\u0026nbsp;.\u0026nbsp;.\u0026nbsp;.\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;has\u0026nbsp;happened\u0026nbsp;multiple\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;times,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;it\u0026nbsp;makes\u0026nbsp;me\u0026nbsp;feel\u0026nbsp;bad.\u0026nbsp;But\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;doesn't\u0026nbsp;stop\u0026nbsp;me\u0026nbsp;from\u0026nbsp;doing\u0026nbsp;my\u0026nbsp;job.\u0026nbsp;It\u0026nbsp;pays\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;lot\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;money.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\nMickey\u0026nbsp;smirked.\u0026nbsp;\"But\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;don't\u0026nbsp;get\u0026nbsp;as\u0026nbsp;much\u0026nbsp;as\u0026nbsp;I\u0026nbsp;do.\"\n\n\"Yeah,\u0026nbsp;like\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;said,\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;were\u0026nbsp;born\u0026nbsp;into\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;rich\u0026nbsp;family!\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Jealous?\"\n\nAmaya\u0026nbsp;shook\u0026nbsp;her\u0026nbsp;head,\u0026nbsp;ending\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;conversation,\u0026nbsp;and\u0026nbsp;asked\u0026nbsp;Mickey,\u0026nbsp;\"Say,\u0026nbsp;do\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;want\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;go\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;park?\"\u0026nbsp;\n\nMickey\u0026nbsp;had\u0026nbsp;a\u0026nbsp;feeling\u0026nbsp;that\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;bobcat\u0026nbsp;would\u0026nbsp;change\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;topic\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;conversation.\u0026nbsp;He\u0026nbsp;noticed\u0026nbsp;she\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;starting\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;feel\u0026nbsp;uncomfortable.\u0026nbsp;\"Sure.\u0026nbsp;That\u0026nbsp;would\u0026nbsp;be\u0026nbsp;wonderful.\u0026nbsp;Lead\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;way\u0026nbsp;to\u0026nbsp;the\u0026nbsp;park\u0026nbsp;if\u0026nbsp;you\u0026nbsp;please.\"\u0026nbsp;he\u0026nbsp;said,\u0026nbsp;smiling,\u0026nbsp;flicking\u0026nbsp;his\u0026nbsp;bushy\u0026nbsp;tail.\n\n  \n  \n\n"}