FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Karen Napton is bad at being a mother and wife. As a human being, she rated pretty high on the list of people not to invite to your dinner party. Her two sons, Kurt and Eric, are normal 8 and 10 year olds. Her husband of 12 years, Roger Napton, loved her despite her quirks. They have their problems, but Roger always found a way to compromise.

The story starts with Karen having just been served a burger that was sneezed on by a disgruntled waitress. Karen had sent it back for being too greasy. The waitress took it to the kitchen and pressed the patty between two paper towels. The sneeze wasn't even planned, but as long as she was sneezing, she might as well do it on the burger she was doctoring. The cook says, "Gross." The waitress replies, "The bitch deserves it. Burgers are greasy. She shouldn't order greasy food and complain about it being greasy."

Putting the burger back together on the plate, the waitress carries it back to the table. Staring daggers at Karen, the waitress says with a smile. I had him make you another one. Roger is embarrassed by his wife and avoids eye contact with the waitress by staring at his kids sitting across from him in the booth. The waitress walks away and watches from across the restaurant as Karen takes a big bite of the burger.

Roger asks, "Are you happy now?" Karen sets down the burger and complains, "Now it's too dry!" Roger is exasperated and says, "Then order a salad or something next time!" Karen says, "It must be the chef. I swear they have only made the burger right the first time we came here."

Roger begs, "Please don't send it back again." The kids happily eat their fries and Roger is glad they didn't take after their mom. Karen relents and says, "Fine, but stop taking us to this garbage restaurant."

Fast forward three weeks, Karen has a terrible fever and is coughing and sneezing at home. Roger dotes on her and spoons chicken noodle soup into her mouth. Karen is laying on a mountain of pillows on the bed and asks, "Can you get me another pillow? I'm still uncomfortable." Roger shrugs and says, "These are all the pillows from the couches, armchairs, and the kids beds. There are no more pillows in the house, dear." Karen sighs loudly and says, "That will be all then. I'm feeling sleepy. Can you go do something in the other room quietly?"

Roger is thankful that he finally managed to placate his wife. Karen puts on a sleep mask and drifts off into a coma from the sleeping pills Roger spiked the soup with. Roger sees the kids playing a video game while wearing headphones and walks behind them to lay on the living room couch in exhaustion. He shifts uncomfortably against the arm of the couch wishing he had a pillow.

On Karen's expensive memory foam bed, her body slowly changes. Black fur starts sprouting across her chest. Karen scratches at it in a half conscious state.

The next morning at the emergency room, Karen is freaking out! The Doctor says, "I'm sorry ma'am, there is no cure for the Lycanthropy Animalis Plague. Prevention is the only way to stop it. Have you been keeping up with your vaccinations?" Karen is offended and says, "Those cause autism!" The Doctor asks, "You're not Vaccinated? That is very unfortunate ma'am. There is nothing we can do besides monitor your condition while it runs it's course."

The Doctor says, "Mr Napton I need to examine you and your kids as soon as possible. There still may be time to vaccinate before it reaches critical levels in your bodies." Roger holds up a hand and says, "That won't be necessary." Karen is touched and asks, "You love me so much you are willing to be a freak like I'm going to be?" Roger rolls his eyes and says, "No Karen. I have been secretly taking our children to keep up with our vaccine shots."

Rage fills Karen and she yells, "How could you risk our children and lie to me like that?" Roger says, "The benefits outway the imaginary risks. I would take a autistic child over a dead one." Karen cries into her hands. Roger crosses his arms impatiently.

The Doctor says, "I, of course, have to quaranteen your wife." Karen yells at her husband for betraying her. The Doctor holds up an auto injector and says, "I'm going to have to sedate you, if you don't calm down." Karen crosses her arms angrily and glares back at her husband.

A nurse pushes Karen's wheelchair to the quaranteen section of the hospital and locks her in a large airtight plastic covered room with a dozen other patients in various states of transformation. The waitress from three weeks ago recognizes the bitchy customer immediately but is too far along in her transformation as a leopard to be recognized. Karen looks around at the people sprouting fur, feathers, and scales and lays back in her designated cot.

Looking in the window, Roger waves to his wife sheepishly. She turns her head in anger and doesn't acknowledge him. Roger turns to the doctor and asks, "Is she going to be okay?" The doctor answers, "Survival rate of LAP is very high as long as she gets lots of nutrients and hydration to speed up the transition." Roger asks, "Do you know what she is turning into?" The Doctor answers, "Initial tests indicate she is showing feline traits." The doctor points to a chart showing a human in several degrees of turning into a wolf and says, "Her degree of LAP seems to be severe and will most likely end up on this end of the chart."

Roger frowns as the doctor points to the four legged wolf. Looking down the five stages, Roger studies the progression chart. Stage one is being slightly hairy and having minor animal traits. Stage two is severe animal traits, plantigrade legs and a tail. Stage Three is the classic humanoid anthro with digitigrade legs, tail and full animal head. Stage four is hunched over, mostly animal, walking on four legs but still slightly humanoid. Stage five is pretty much a talking animal.

Roger asks, "How long does she have?" The doctor answers, "Under our care, two weeks until she completes the transition. Once the change is complete, the contagious period is over and you can take her home." A tear rolls down Roger's cheek as the woman he married slips away from him because of a fully preventable disease.

Heading back to the waiting room, Roger collects Eric and Kurt. The eldest son Eric asks, "Dad, is mom going to be alright?" Roger sighs loudly and says, "Mostly, but things are going to be different from now on." Holding both his sons hands, Roger exits the hospital and drives home sullenly.

The days pass and Roger tries to be the best single dad he can while Karen is in the hospital. Karen calls and texts Roger at all hours of the day reminding him of the kids schedules and the way she wants things done while she is gone. Roger crys himself to sleep looking at the pictures of the plague ravaging his wive.

Roger checks his phone when he wakes up and doesn't see any of the usual texts from his wife. Roger breathes a sigh that her hands are finally gone and she couldn't work a phone anymore. Roger sends a video call to her phone and a black panther answers after several rings, "Why didn't you call me sooner?" Roger answers, "I just woke up!" Karen says, "It's 7am. You wake up at 6 every morning." Roger sighs and says, "Maybe, I'm going through a lot right now and need extra sleep."

Karen is outraged, "YOU'RE GOING THROUGH A LOT? WHAT ABOUT ME?" Roger says, "I have to go get the kids ready for school Karen. I'll come visit you later." Karen yells "DON'T YOU HANG..." the phone goes quiet as Roger ends the call on her.

Roger mostly has the routeen down and the kids make it to the car with time to spare. From the backseat Eric asks, "How much longer until we get our new pet?" Kurt snickers and Roger sighs, "Its going to be a few more days. I know your mom is a panther now, but don't call her a pet." Kurt says, "I think it's cool! I want to be a panther too." Roger looks at his son in the rearview mirror and says, "No you don't. I took you to get shots to prevent that exact situation from happening to you."

Pulling up to the school, Roger says, "Have a good day." The kids run off and Roger hears the boy's friend making loud meowing noises at them. Eric pretends he has claws and swipes at his friend. The boys laugh while not truely comprehending the situation.

Roger heads to work and loses himself in paper work without the constant interuptions from Karen texting him. Roger tucks all the get well soon cards away in his briefcase. His co-workers pretended to care about his wife but he knew they are only going through the motions. Karen has embarrassed him enough at work social functions.

With a heavy sigh, Roger takes his lunch break and heads to the hospital. The path to the quaranteen area is quite familiar by now and Roger goes to the viewing window to try to find his wife. A black panther walks across the room and stands on it's hind legs to glare at Roger through the glass. Roger presses his hand to the panther paw leaning against the window and says, "Hi honey, You look beautiful." Roger wasn't lying, he did find beauty in the feline his wife has become."

Karen says, "The nurses are assholes around here! They won't help me put on any clothes! I don't want to have the other patients look at me naked." Roger looks over his naked wife and decides that she doesn't have any human parts left to cover up. Roger lies, "I will speak with someone about that immediately." Roger holds up the new stack of get well soon cards and says, "I got some more cards. Did you want me to read them to you?"

Of course Karen wants to be the center of attention and immediately says, "Yes!" Roger holds up each card and reads it to Karen while explaining who each person is. Once he is done, Roger bids his wife goodbye and looks for the Doctor in charge of her case.

Roger spots the doctor writing on a clipboard and asks, "How is my wife?" The doctor answers, "Just fine. Well, as fine as a panther can be." Selecting Karen's chart from a wall, the doctor flips through a few pages and says, "Her transformation is nearly complete. Once the contagion levels drop off, she will be free to leave. Have you given any thought about finding her a home in a LAP nature reserve?" Roger says, "I couldn't do that to her." The doctor says, "You're well within your legal rights to disolve your marriage and get full custody of the kids." Roger says with a frown, "I want to try to make things work out at home."

The Doctor shrugs and says, "Some mixed couples manage to make it work. If you want to put in the time and expense taking care of her, that's your choice." The doctor hands Roger a pamplet for a local support group then pats him on the shoulder and gets back to work.

Back at work, Roger looks over the pamplet. 'Life after LAP'. Roger reaches for his desk phone and calls the phone number. After a long conversation about his wife's condition, Roger sets up an appointment with a councilor to have his home assessed to help with his wife's new handicap. Roger calls his Mom and asks her to watch the kids at her house.

That afternoon, Roger comes home from work and waits nervously for the councilor to show up. The doorbell rings and Roger quickly opens it. Standing in the doorway is a stage three anthro panther. The panther is wearing nothing but a collar around his neck. Roger stares for a moment at the Panther's crotch but can't see much under the dark fur. The panther is used to this reaction and just lets the human look him up and down for a few extra seconds.

The panther finally says, "Mr Napkin I presume?" Roger isn't paying enough attention to notice the mispronunciation of his name and says, "Yes. I wasn't expecting them to send a..." The words get caught in Rogers throat when he realizes how dehumanizing that sentence sounds. The panther asks, "An animal? Don't worry about the terminology for now. My name is Luke."

Luke holds out his paw for a shake and Roger studies it for a few seconds. The hand is covered in fur with pawpads. It looks like a strange glove covering a human hand. Luke drops his hand and says, "Mr Napkin, may I come inside? It appears we need to have a long talk." Roger is embarrassed he got too distracted to return the handshake. Roger steps aside to let Luke inside and the panther looks around the living room.

"Nice place you got here." exclaims Luke. Holding up a clipboard, Luke looks it over and looks around the room. Sniffing the air, Luke says, "You don't own any cats or dogs? That's very good." Roger says, "Eric has a hamster." Luke furrows his brow and says, "Best keep it out of sight for a few weeks. Your wife is a stage 5?" Roger nods sadly.

Luke turns to Roger and says, "The hardest part of the transition is getting used to her condition physically. We are dangerous, but not contagious after our transitions." Roger nods and the panther swishes his tail as he walks around the room examining family photos. Luke says, "How about we put off the home assessment and work on you for a while." Roger says, "There's nothing wrong with me." Luke smiles and shows off his fangs. Roger flinches.

Shaking his head, Luke says, "You need to get over your fear. If you act this way around her, it will just drive a wedge between you. Mr Napkin, I want you to touch every part of my body. I'm not going to be judging you. This is just so you will be more comfortable with your wife when she comes home."

Roger reaches a hand out and pets a finger across Luke's black furred chest. Luke watches the finger and orders, "Keep going." Roger builds confidence and uses his whole hand to rub the muscles under Luke's chest fur.

The panther starts to purr and Roger is encouraged. Running his hands over the shoulders, Roger feels Luke's head. Luke says, "This is very good. Get a feel for the bone structure. Roger feels the ears and holds each one between his fingers. Luke enjoys the exploration and starts getting an erection.

The tip of the panther's cock slips out of his sheath and Roger quickly lets go of Luke. Opening his eyes, Luke says, "Your touch feels very nice, but I didn't say stop." Roger eyes the erection and says, "But what about your uhhh." Luke states plainly, "It's only a penis. My ears are one of my special spots. We are both adults here. Keep going down my back and it will go away on it's own."

Luke turns around and Roger nervously works his hands down the back of the Panther feeling every muscle group. Luke raises his tail and says, "Feel every bone in my tail." Roger grips the tip of the tail and works his way down to the base.

Getting to the base, Luke orders, "Now squeeze my butt." Roger is unsure and Luke reassures him, "This is just training to get you more comfortable with L.A.P. survivors. You don't want your wife to come home and find you can't touch her without hesitation." Roger accepts Luke's reasoning and grabs a buttcheek in each hand. Luke's tail waves as the human repositions his hands several times to get a good feel of the panther's butt.

Luke points to the carpet and says, "This next part will be much easier sitting down. Roger sits on the floor and Luke sits in front of him. Setting a leg on each side of Roger's lap, Luke spreads his legs to give the human an intimate look at his sheath and balls. Roger looks away in shame as he runs a hand on each leg. Luke asks, "What's wrong?" Roger answers, "You're naked and I'm taking advantage of you."

Luke runs a hand across Roger's chest and says, "How about we get you out of those clothes. Maybe you will be more comfortable if we are equals in this situation?" Luke pulls off the shirt from the human before he can protest. Roger holds his hands infront of his pants to cover his erection. Luke says in his soothing voice, "I showed you mine, so why don't you show me yours?"

The foreplay has Roger too worked up to stop and Luke unbuttons the pants to pull them open. Roger feels embarrassed as the panther looks at his 7 inch uncut cock. Luke pushes Roger to lay back on the floor and says, "What if your wife wants to have sex when she gets home? We better practice so you know what to expect."

Luke slowly runs his tongue across Roger's cock. Roger lets out a gasp at the strange feeling. Luke continues orally pleasing Roger for a few minutes. Roger is close to the edge when Luke stops. The panther rubs his warm fur against Roger as he climbs his way up to look him in the eyes.

Roger feels a tail against his balls as Luke lines the human's cock up to his tailhole. The saliva covered penis slides in easily and Luke rides the cock slowly. Everything is just going too quick and Roger squeezes the amazing panther's butt as he thrusts his cock into it. Luke lets out a murr and licks the sweat off the human's neck.

The living room is filled with grunts and moans as Luke bounces on the human's shaft. Roger looks at the panther cock waving between them. Luke sees him staring and says, "Don't worry about me. This is all about getting you comfortable with your new wife." The confusing feelings of lust and taboo push Roger over the edge. He pumps his seed into the big black beautiful feline's butt.

They both lay panting in the floor and Luke speaks first, "See that wasn't so bad. When your wife comes begging to be intimate, you'll know what to expect." Luke pulls off the cock and says, "Now how about we go over bathtime procedures?" Roger pulls up his pants and leads the way to the master bathroom. Luke says, "This is a very nice tub. Do you bathe with your wife a lot?" Roger says, "She mostly just lays in the bath by herself."

Luke shakes his head and says, "No no no, from now on, it will be very hands on." Luke turns on the water and starts filling the large tub. Roger watches the panther take off his collar and set it on the counter. He sits in the tub and says, "Your wife isn't going to be able to wash herself."

Luke looks over a bottle of shampoo and decides it will work just fine with his fur. He holds it out expectantly and Roger strips down to get into the tub with the panther. Luke purrs as Roger's hands explore his body for a second time. Luke repositions himself to lay back against Roger. Roger happily wraps his arms around Luke and lazily runs his hands through the wet fur.

The bath continues and Roger rinses off the panther. Luke gives advice on the best ways to dry fur as Roger practices combing fur. Once the bathing is over, Roger feels better than he has in weeks. His balls are drained and he feels fresh after the bath. Roger considers what he just did and files it away as a unorthodox practice experience.

Luke picks up the clipboard and continues where he left as if they didn't just have hot passionate sex a few minutes ago. Luke fills up the paper by writing a list of supplies and home improvements that will need to be done to improve Karen's life.

By the time Luke finishes the assessment, Roger feels like old friends with the outgoing panther. Roger pulls Luke into a long hug and says, "Thank you for all your help." Luke lets the human press his face into the chestfur that now smells like his absent wife's shampoo. Roger didn't realize how much he missed his wife and doesn't want to let go of the hug. Luke slowly runs a paw over Roger's back and just lets the human get it out of his system.

Luke says, "I'll be back for her welcome home party." Roger finally releases the hug with the reassurance he will get to see Luke again. Luke waves goodbye as he gets into his convertable and drives off.

The big day finally comes and the doctors release Karen from the hospital. Karen grumbles about having to leave the hospital naked, only wearing her medical ID collar. Karen decides walking on four legs and looking up at everyone is going to take some getting used to.

Roger says, "We can figure out wardrobe stuff later. Your fur covers you up pretty well." Karen hops into the backseat of the car and they ride home in silence.

The welcome home party is waiting for Karen and she walks through the door to see the home made banner by Kurt and Eric. The kids get down on their knees to hug her. Karen places a paw on their backs and tries to hug them back. Karen pushes them away and starts walking around the house inspecting everything.

Roger's mom hugs Karen and says, "Bless your heart. If you ever need anything don't be afraid to call." In the kitchen, Luke stands over the stove and is wearing only Karen's pink apron and his collar. Karen looks over the hunky anthro panther with a keen eye and says, "Hello there!" Luke says, "Hello Karen! My name is Luke and I've been counciling your husband to help him through this difficult time. I made these snacks just for you."

Luke holds the tray low and Karen is in heaven at the smell. Karen has a dreamy smile and says, "Thank you Luke." Luke replies, "The secret ingredient is a pinch of catnip." Luke holds one of the cat biscuits out to Karen and she happily eats it. Roger walks up behind Karen and says, "Luke is amazing isn't he?" Karen nods.

Luke says, "Being recently released from the hospital, you still need to get lots of rest as you get used to your body." Roger says, "The pamplet did say panthers need lots of sleep darling. How about you go lay down while we take care of things?" Karen passes through the living room and weaves between her kids. She walks down the hall and stares at the bedroom door.

Karen fiddles with the bedroom doorknob with her front leg and Roger quickly comes behind her to say, "The special door handles are still on back order. From now on, I'll just leave all the doors open a crack until I can get them installed." Karen pushes through the door and jumps on the bed to get comfortable. Roger sits on the bed beside Karen and says, "It's so good to have you home. I missed you." Karen is too tired to argue and says, "I missed you too."

Roger runs a hand up the row of nipples on Karen's belly and says, "I'm here for you in everyway, babe." Karen hasn't even consider the physical portion of their relationship yet. Roger gives her a wink and closes the door to just a crack.

An hour later, Eric and Kurt peek in on their mother. She sleeps peacefully on the bed and her black panther body rises and falls with each breath. They return to the living room and report to uncle Luke she's still sleeping. Luke lays on the couch with his feet in Roger's lap. Roger says, "We'll just have to wait to see if she wants to play dress up."

The family watches TV for an hour until finally Karen comes sleepily out of the bedroom. Eric and Kurt are excited. Karen gives a yawn and asks, "Your mom is gone?" Roger answers, "She left hours ago. It's just us and Luke." Luke asks, "Roger, how about you take the kids to pick out some outfits for their mother to try on while we have a chat?" Roger would never have thought his sons would care so much about fashion as he leads them to the walk in closet.

Luke sits up and pats his thigh. Karen hops up on the couch and sits next to him. Karen stares into Luke's eyes for a moment. Luke says, "You make a very cute panther." Karen says, "Thank you." Luke reaches a hand out and asks, "May I?" Karen would let the Panther do a lot more than pet her. Karen enjoys the hand running down her back.

Luke finally spits out, "What are you looking to get out of your current relationship with Roger?" Karen answers, "I figured we would continue to raise our kids together." Luke nods and asks, "Are you still interested in having a romantic relationship with him?" Karen doesn't know what to say about that. Luke says, "I only ask because the human world is a very difficult one to live in as a stage 5 LAP. I know some lonely stage 5's that would love to have your companionship."

Karen asks, "But what about Roger?" Luke says, "Roger is still commited to you. He wants to try to make it work for your sake. However, are you still husband and wife or co-parents?" Karen asks, "What do you mean? He's my husband!" Luke explains, "Being a stage 5 makes the relationship dangerous and very one sided. There is not much you can bring to the table and it will cause a strain on the relationship."

Karen says, "I can still watch the kids." Luke asks, "Pick them up from school, make them dinner, do the housework?" Karen hangs her head at the realization that she is very handicap. She lays down on the couch and props her head on Luke's black furred thigh. Karen says, "Oh God! I'm just a talking pet now."

Luke pets her head and says, "I didn't mean to make you feel bad. I just wanted to help you consider how far Roger is going for you." Kurt and Eric come back into the room holding the outfits they picked out. Karen covers her muzzle and laughs at the mismatched blouse and skirt.

Eric wraps the skirt around his mom's waist and it drapes over her rump strangely. Karen is a good sport about it and sits on her haunches as Kurt pulls the pink blouse over her paws. Karen feels a longing for the human she used to be as Roger turns on some music. Roger grabs Karen's front paws and says, "Let's dance like we did at our wedding." Karen places her paws on Roger's shoulders and hugs against him as she dances awkwardly on her hind legs. Karen looks into Roger's eyes and says, "We need to have a long talk later."

Glancing at Luke, the panther nods at her. The kids laugh as the dance continues and Roger passes her off to Eric. The child struggles to hold up his heavy mother and passes her off to Kurt. Karen tries to balace on her hind legs but Kurt falls to the carpet. Karen straddles his young body and licks his face lovingly.

After Luke has left, Karen and Roger put the kids to bed. Karen hops up on the bed and says, "Get me out of these clothes." Roger pulls off the skirt and then reaches for the blouse. With a smirk Roger feels the front of the blouse and says, "You're breasts used to be up here." Karen looks at the empty spot on the front of her shirt and says, "A lot of things have changed." Roger pulls off the shirt and playfully says, "Mrs. Napton, you are naked! Are you trying to seduce me?"

Karen smiles and says, "I'm too tired for that. Turn out the lights." Roger hits the light switch and pulls his wife close in the bed. Karen lays awake thinking for a few hours as her husband spoons her furry body. Roger sleeps peacefully with his arms around Karen. Looking around the room with her nightvision, Karen gently pulls free of her husband and walks down the hall.

Poking her head into each of her son's rooms, she watches them sleep. Karen finally walks into the living room and through the kitchen to the backdoor. She spends a few moments poking a claw at the tiny locking switch of the sliding glass door. Her claw catches it and she slides the door open quietly.

Walking out into the yard, she uses her nightvision to walk around the grass. Everything looks so different to her and she climbs to the top of the children's playset to look around the yard. The halfmoon shines bright and Karen sighs as she looks up at the few visible stars in the sky.

At the side of the yard, a Stage 4 wolf walks up to the chainlink fence. Karen looks over at it and it waves in the dark at her. The wolf whispers, "I was just doing a patrol of the neighborhood and smelled something unfamiliar. I assume you're the new LAP everyone is talking about?" Karen gets down from the playset and walks towards the wolf.

The Wolf introduces himself, "I'm Jon Cole, I live a few houses down." Karen says, "Karen Napton, I didn't know we had another LAP in our neighborhood." Jon frowns and says, "I'm the Cole family's dirty little secret. My parents only let me out of the house at night." Jon springs over the fence and lands beside Karen.

Holding his misshapen hand paw out, Karen presses her paw to it for a shake. Karen looks at his large body and decides if she didn't have claws of her own to defend herself, she wouldn't be comfortable with him being so close. Karen asks, "How long have you had LAP?" Jon answers, "Since I was 10. I'm 25 now." Karen is surprised because she has been living here for 8 years.

Jon says, "Don't feel bad that you didn't know about me. My parents prefer it that way." Karen gets lost in thought about if her 10 year old son Eric had gotten LAP too. Karen asks, "Why don't you live on a nature reserve?" Jon asks, "Why don't you?" Karen thinks for a moment and says, "Because of family?" Jon nods and says, "They might be ashamed of my condition but they still love me too much to let me leave them."

Karen nods glumly at the truth of the situation. Jon asks, "I managed to strike a balance to get feral urges out of my system by patrolling the neighborhood at night. How are you coming along resisting the call of the wild?" Karen says, "I don't think the urges have caught up to me yet."

Jon looks up at the half moon and says, "Just give it until a full moon. It effects different people differently." Karen says, "They explained that at the hospital." Jon asks, "Do you really want to risk being around your family without knowing how it will hit you?" Uncertainty fills Karen as another person casts doubt on her living situation. Karen says, "I don't know. Maybe I should go live at the nature reserve until I get a handle on this."

The wolf walks over to a fence post and marks it with a spray of urine. Jon says, "I should continue my patrol. If you ever want to talk or anything just follow that scent to find me." Jon leaps over the fence and saunters off. Karen runs after him and noisily climbs over the metal fence. She wasn't quite as coordinated as Jon.

Jon looks over at the Panther questioningly. Karen asks, "You don't mind if I tag along do you?" Jon shrugs and asks, "What would your husband say about you running around town all night?" Karen says, "Things are different now." Jon says, "Indeed." They walk down the sidewalk and Jon names the smells of the things he sniffs at with Karen.

The duo hide from cars as they pass and Jon unconsciously takes Karen under his wing. They walk for miles crisscrossing around the suburbs occasionally meeting other night stalkers.

After introductions, Anthony, the stage five Fox, animatedly tells Karen and Jon about a few other new LAP survivers he's met from the recent outbreak. Anthony says, "She's a fox, stage four and a half. She's really into me." Jon asks, "You just met her, what's the rush?" Anthony says, "Single females get preferencial treatment at the LAP nature reserves. I don't want to be a virgin my whole life." Karen feels part of a community as they laugh and talk.

Morning comes and Jon takes Karen home. Karen gained a lot of perspective from the people she met. She feels different about everything and wants to have that talk with her husband. Jumping up on the bed, Karen pokes Roger with a paw to wake him. Roger reaches over to pet her and asks, "Where have you been? I've been so cold with out you to warm me up."

Karen says, "Stop with that. We need to talk." Roger lays back against the headboard of the bed and looks deeply into his wife's eyes. Karen places a paw on Roger's chest and says, "We should disolve our marriage." Roger says, "But what about the kids? What about us?" Karen says, "I talked to a lot of LAP survivors. I don't want to put our family through the same trauma. As a Stage 5, I have a huge risk of losing control if I get emotional. I don't want to worry about attacking my own family the first time we get into a disagreement."

A tear rolls down Roger's cheek as he listens. Karen says, "I still want to see our kids grow up. The nature reserve has a visitor's area. We can still see each other for holidays. But I don't want to risk accidently hurting anyone until I'm sure I have a handle on my feral urges." Roger asks, "Is this what you really want?" Karen says, "What I really want is to be human again, but that's impossible. So we need to do what's best for the kids."

Roger hugs his panther wife and says, "We can go after we drop the kids off at school." Karen says, "Thank you for being so understanding."