FSE

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"Matthias!" My round ears perk up and swivel towards my name being called, followed by my head so I can see who it is. Even while I look, I finish scanning the last couple of knick-knacks for my current customer.What I see makes my ears go back down again. My boss, a stout little stoat crammed into the uniform of a cornflower blue button down and khakis, is weaseling his way forward towards my register. The crush of customers is not as bad as it will get this season, but it is still pretty crowded. He makes his way around them and I get to see his expression; he does not look happy with me.So I do what I know to do at this point, and that is to finish with my current customer, give them a smile and a soft spoken, "Thank you for shopping at Ace Mart. Happy Holidays!" before flipping off my register's light and stepping away from it. The process is near automatic for me after the last three years.I step around the registers and follow my boss away from the crowds and into the back of the Customer Service section of the store. It is the closest place to the registers that has some modicum of privacy. The moment the door swings shut, the small ermine whirls around to face me. "Matthias, dammit, how long have you been on the clock? You were here when I got here and I've been here for too long."He sounds angry. I do not understand why he would be angry with me. I am simply doing my job while it is needed, and it is really needed. Our other morning cashier called out sick today. "I came in early to cover for Gail. She called me." I thought for sure that our manager would have been notified of this, but Gail did not sound well at all. I would not blame her if she had just gone back to bed. I am most likely the only person that she informed, now that I am thinking about it.The stoat pinches the bridge of his muzzle and crosses his other arm over his chest. "Jesus, fine. I want you gone after one more hour! I'll get Mark to take over for you once you leave, but I can't have you staying for another goddamn sixteen hour day! You've got plenty of overtime already. Now scoot!" He shoos me back out onto the floor and I have to take a moment to regain my composure.My manager still confuses me with talk

like that. I do not ask to be paid more for working more than they schedule me, nor do I need them to. Why is it so? I suppose it has something to do with the laws here in this country, but I admit that the concept is foreign to me. Work is done when work is needed, yes? Then why does it matter how long one works?But I do need to keep this job, so I must follow my superior's orders. Familial instincts have trained me to bend under authority figures and I find that it keeps me out of trouble in my workplace as well. Which is nice. I like this job.The moment I step behind my register again and sign into it, my smile comes back and my ears come up once more. My appearance startles a few of the more conservative females near the front of the line. If I had to guess, they have never seen a painted dog before and do not know what to make of me. I do not know what else they could be thinking. So I give them a brighter smile, one that reaches my eyes, and I ask them politely, "Were you able to find everything today?" as they approach my register.The day passes ever onward. Ears, muzzles, and eyes all blend together in my memory with a nice haze that I can pull apart if need be. People here are all so fascinating! So many different species, different origins, different walks of life! The stories told by their expressions and their clothing are masterpieces without artists the likes of which I would not have been able to see had I stayed at home in Pretoria.I believe it is closer to two hours later that I catch sight of my boss coming towards the front again, a similarly uniformed chamois tapping along behind him. That is Mark, I believe. He is one of the new hires that has come in over the last couple of weeks. Once again, I tap out the last few items at my register and treat the elegant vixen across the counter from me to a wide smile. "Thank you for shopping at Ace Mart. Happy Holidays!" I give the standard farewell and as before, flip off the light on my register and sign out of it as well.The chamois hurries past our manager and takes the next register down from mine, frowning at the display before signing in and waving the next customer over. I turn away from watching him to the stoat who is tapping his foot. "Alright, I want you clocked out and gone before ten minutes can go by. And I don't want to see you back tomorrow either! Take the day off, god knows you've worked enough to cover it." With that, he spins on his

heel and marches back to his office.My ears go back down as I trudge past the other cashiers and make my way to the break room. I pass Theresa, a delightful hare who is far less shy than she appears, and next to her register is Lionel, an older raccoon who I have found to be quite the gentleman. They are the only other cashiers that have been here longer than I. I wave to them both before striding past.The break room is past the customer service desk and through a door near the back labelled "Employees Only". I push through it and head immediately to the set of lockers standing against the right wall. A small key unlocks the padlock and the door swings open to reveal my knapsack and coat. A heavy thing, this coat, as it and the scarf on the same hook underneath it are my only defence against the bone-chilling cold that lurks outside the insulating doors. I don the black wool overcoat and wrap the knitted scarf around my neck before the knapsack even touches my paws. Then that gets hoisted onto my shoulder and I close the locker and replace the lock. Each motion has a touch of familiarity to it, and after years of doing just this, every day during the winter months, I would hope that the routine strikes a chord like that. It soothes me.But I do have a time limit, so there is no sense in dallying about. I sweep out of the break room and glide past the customers still milling about the store until I can exit.Nothing will ever prepare me for the blast of cold that assaults me the moment those doors slide open. The scarf gets tugged up to cover my sensitive nose and my ears go right back against my head with nary a moment of leeway and off I go. I have yet to purchase a vehicle, but the city is close enough together, and my destination nearby, so I do not see the need in wasting money on it. I would only use it during the winter anyway.I clear the parking lot of my workplace and join the throng of people already crowding the sidewalks. A quick glance at the watch on my wrist tells me that there is still time before my self appointed schedule requires me to be at home. A stop by the bookstore would not be remiss.A quick pass through one of the ubiquitous cafes gives me a hot latte to warm my paws in the short interim between there and the bookstore, which is heated. The moment I step through the green-framed glass doors,

a sense of well being pervades the air. I take a deep breath and savor it."Good evening, Mister Dothal. How has your day been?" I turn from the door to see the ever present little cross fox at the customer service desk.I greet her with a smile and perked ears. "Hello, Maria. Busy, always busy. Yourself?" Maria has always been warm and congenial with me. She has never revealed it, but I think she secretly owns this little slice of heaven. It would provide reason as to why she insists on calling me Mister Dothal instead of Matthias, while she equally as enthusiastically insists that I call her Maria.She sneaks a glance around the store and leans forward, just slightly over the counter that she is seated behind. "Today has been simply wonderful, Mister Dothal." The conspiratorial glint in her orange eyes tells me more than her words do. I flip back through my memories to the previous days and I remember her mentioning a male fox, a red specifically, who had asked her to join him for dinner."So then your dinner with Brett turned out admirably?" I keep my ears up but I let my expression relax.The cross fox motions me over closer to the counter so I oblige, keeping the conversation private despite me only barely being able to see the ears of a couple other customers among the bookshelves. As she speaks, I spy the faint tinting of the insides of her ears. Rather admirably indeed. "That's a bit of an understatement, Mister Dothal. We're getting together again tomorrow!" She giggles quietly, and I am happy to hear it. She has a lovely laugh that adds to the warmth of the small shop."I am pleased to hear it. He treated you with respect?" I know that my phraseology is unique, but I also know that Maria enjoys it."You with your gentlemanly words." She rewards me with another quiet laugh before answering me. "Yes, he was quite the charmer. All throughout dinner and after it, he was nothing but respectful and kind and sweet to me. Just like I knew he would be." Her muzzle rests on a propped up paw and she lets out a dreamy sigh. Her eyes take on a far off look to them and I cannot help but chuckle."You

seem quite taken, Maria," I observe. "You would be wise to guard your feelings." It is an old saying from my father, one that I oft heard repeated to my brothers and sisters as we were growing up. Times like these are the ones that make me miss my father, but the pain fades quickly. Maria is a lovely distraction from it."Oh don't worry about me, Mister Dothal. He seems more than happy to take things slow and let us get to know each other the old fashioned way. He's quite the catch." Her eyes come back to me and her smile is bright enough to light up the room. "But enough about me. I don't want to waste all of your time and let your coffee get cold. Anything particular you were looking for today?""I am on the hunt for Foundation's Edge, today." My smile grows and my fingers flex around the coffee cup. I finished the original trilogy the previous week and had not yet found the time to pick up the next novel in the series. Truly inspiring work."Oh yes, you were still working on Second Foundation the last time you were in, weren't you?" She turns to the solitary computer monitor on the desk, bringing it to life with a few taps on the off-white keyboard.I nod. "That and The Guardians, Abridged. Fascinating ideas, both of them." My white tipped tail sways side to side underneath my overcoat. There is nothing quite like a good book to pass the time."I can't say I've read either. Asimov has always been a bit too heavy for my personal tastes and I never had an interest in the super hero stuff. But it looks like we have it for you, second floor in the section you'd expect. Help yourself today, we'll call it my treat for you being here every week." I look back from the window to her muzzle, shocked. She just gives me a saucy wink and a little shooing motion with her paw. "I'm serious. I'm the only one here today and I'm not taking your money."My ears go back, but not down because I do not want her to think that I am offended. Her kindness is refreshing, nonetheless, and they come back up swiftly. I am honor bound to give her a shallow bow and a warm smile in that order. "Ah, my thanks cannot be spoken. A treat, Maria."She shoos me off again. "It's my pleasure, now scoot! Upstairs to the couch with

you!" Her smile follows me all the way up the narrow staircase to the second floor of the homey store. She is such a wonderful person. I am quite glad that I know her.Upstairs is more of a lounge than a bookstore, but I enjoy it all the same. I have spent enough time in the cafes, bars, and in this very lounge for it to feel safe and familiar to me, like my familial home across the ocean. My knapsack and coffee find their home on the short table in my favorite corner and my coat takes up the arm of the loveseat located therein. With my load therefore lightened, I sneak over to the science fiction shelf around on the other side of the cozy room, giving a nod of greeting to the only other patron I find, a an elder bobcat with a pleasant disposition. I have seen her around this store before, but I have never spoken with her. She normally occupies the Travel section of this second floor.I scan through the shelves of the Science Fiction section and smile to myself as I read the titles. These are my true companions, beside my flesh and blood friends back home. These are the stories that I will take with me throughout my years as important, the ones that shape how my thoughts shift and transform. I appreciate them far more than the average person who reads them might. That is why I love Asimov's works, while more contemporary critics decry or put down the works as too dry. He speaks clearly and explains the world in terms that are meant to be understood. It is refreshing.However when I reach for the spine of the book that I have been looking for, I find that my paw bumps into someone else's. I am shocked outside of my routine and turn to see an equally shocked expression on the snout of a slightly shorter gray fox. His narrow vulpine muzzle composes itself with dignity soon after, even though his expressive ears fold back against his head. "Oh I'm terribly sorry! I did not even notice you there, my deepest apologies. Please, go right ahead." He takes a hurried step back and gestures me to take the book where he did not. I do so, to not be rude."Thank you, sir." I give him a nod as I retrieve my prize, promptly cradling it against my chest with an arm. "Good day," I say to him with another nod, turning back to my corner so I may retreat to my last hour and a half of free time outside of my apartment. I have been looking forward to starting this book.I sit down against the arm of the loveseat that holds my coat. Upon

opening the book to the front page, I notice that I have been followed. Sandy colored paws are just within my vision above the top edge of the book in my lap. I look up to see the gray fox that had been looking for this same book. I blink once, then twice when he does not leave upon gaining my attention. His ears are still back and he is wringing his paws together. Nervousness; I have seen the action in one or two of my associates on occasion, though I cannot say I am most familiar with the practice. It has always seemed unproductive, to me."Yes?" I ask him, unsure what his reasons are for continuing to disturb me."I'm awfully sorry to keep bothering you, but there aren't many people who read this particular series up here. Do you mind if I sit?" His wringing paws come apart to gesture at the empty chair across the small table from me. It is not my chair, so it is not my place to deny it to him. So I shake my head. "Thank you, thank you!" He settles himself into the chair, dare I say daintily, his tail sweeping in a curve over his thigh. Elegant, if I had to describe it. "Again, I do not mean to bother, but it is so seldom that I meet someone who shares a similar taste to myself in literature, so I felt that I must introduce myself to you." My word, this fox can expand a sentence with unnecessary words. I feel as though I could have conveyed the same meaning with half as many. "My name is Lucas. Lucas Miles. Would it be a bother to ask for your name?" As he gives his name, I finally meet his eyes and pause.They say that the eyes are a window into the soul, and I have yet to find that phrase to be untrue. With a good look into someone's eyes, I can see whether they are truthful and aware, or ignorant and haughty. Any manner of deception or ruse always has some tell, and more often than not, that is in the eyes themselves.The gray fox's dark brown eyes are clear and interested, honest and pure. No false hopes or alternate plans are hidden behind them, allowing me to let out a breath I had not known I was holding. "No. I am Matthias Dothal. A pleasure." I leave my book open to the first page, one paw holding it as such in hopes that the fox will see that I wish to forgo conversation in lieu of reading.I am not as fortunate as I would wish. "A pleasure indeed!" he responds, those triangular vulpine ears coming back up. They are so similar, yet so different from those of my family. Expressive, like mine, but

pointed, unlike mine. Fascinating. "I suspect that since you're getting started on Foundation's Edge, you've read the other parts of the series that have come before?""Yes, I have," is my simple reply. Honesty is the best policy, especially for one so eager."Excellent! How have you enjoyed his works so far?" The question is forward, not one I would expect directed towards me. There are not many people that I spend time around who share my interest in this branch of science fiction."It is well told. Very forward, very complete." I cup my own ears towards the fox, taking in his enthusiasm with all three of my senses that I can. It infuses his scent and his words, and is all but written bare across his features."And such fascinating theories for so early a time! Over fifty years since the first book and authors still look back to his works for reference! Have you ever read anything else that he's written? Nightfall, perhaps? If you haven't, I highly suggest it once you finish with your current series. It is most definitely worth the read." His eagerness to speak about the subject is near as plain as his enthusiastic love of it. Refreshing, when I think about the normal feelings and expressions of the throngs that I normally interact with.I shake my head to answer his first question. "I have not, no. It is in a similar vein?"His answer is preceded by a vigorous nod. "Oh yes! It's a shorter story, a single one as well, but it is very well written, as you said. Very complete. If you enjoy Foundation then you really should read it, and if possible some of Robert Heinlein's works as well. He's another one of the greats of that era, oh yes." The smaller fox is all but bubbling with energy.I close the book, to be polite. "I am afraid that I have not heard of him.""Oh, that's unfortunate. He's similarly lauded as a science fiction author, at least in relation to Asimov, and Starship Troopers was simply a delight to work through." He pauses, and the first uncertainty I have yet to see from the gray and red and white furred face passes in the form of a scrunched up brow. "Sorry, I guess that's a bit

confusing. The book is delightful, but they made a movie that wasn't even close to being about the same thing. They just stole the name to make sure it sold." An interesting concept, appropriating the name of a heralded author's work to promote visual media. Such a fascinating country. "And it wasn't so sophisticated, I wouldn't waste my time with it. Unless you like action movies like that, I shouldn't judge." His ears go back again, worry crossing his eyes as I watch, attentive. "But his works are just as well laid out as Asimov's, unrelated movie notwithstanding. I'm sure you'll just fall in love with them too!" He flusters again. His paws get my attention this time, when his muzzle dips enough for me to think that he is looking at them instead of my eyes. I frown. Is it not customary to keep eye contact with the one you are addressing?"I will have to acquire them when I have the time. Thank you for the recommendation." I carefully enunciate each word, trying to use them to bring the fox's eyes back up. I do not succeed."Oh, it's my pleasure, no doubt. Again, I'm terribly sorry, I don't mean to talk your ear off. I'm afraid that I'm a bit excitable when it comes to this. There aren't very many people in my class who share my interests in our humble corner of the country." His ears fold back as they had before, bringing me puzzlement over his turn to despondency. I suppose I have not been forthcoming with my own emotions on the matter. I do have to remember that. While I am mildly annoyed that my reading time has been interrupted, I am quite happy with his enthusiasm as well."No apologies are necessary, Lucas. I am quite grateful for your information. I had been wondering as to what I would busy myself with once I finish with this series." I try a smile for the fox, knowing the effect it has for my customers at work. His expression lightens for a moment once he looks up, but paradoxically the lightening expression seems to only push his ears further against his head. How strange, this fox. I hasten to add to my statement, something that I would not normally do. "It is no intrusion, I pledge you."The strange fox gets up from the chair and favors me with a small smile, though I can easily tell that it does not reach his eyes. Can he see that in mine, perhaps? "Thank you for your time, Matthias. I hope I can catch you at a better time another day." His tail is curled tightly to his legs as he hurries off and his paws are clutched against his chest. Have I made offense somehow?My reading forgotten, I find that my enjoyment of the conversation has turned to further puzzlement. To busy my paws as I ponder it, I pick up my latte and sip at it, relishing the complex flavor with an unused part of my mind. The layers of it bring to mind a similarity to social interactions, how you can only truly appreciate and enjoy them with enough time and attention to detail. How is it that I feel I am missing something from my most recent interaction?My eyes naturally drift back to the chair that Lucas Miles was using before he hurried away. Oh, it seems he left something. I stretch languidly along the arm of the loveseat to get a better look and see that it is a similar style bi-fold wallet to the one that I have. It must have dropped out of his pocket when he stood. I frown at it, then look down at my book. I suppose it would not hurt to return home a tad early. I have been working hard, perhaps I can reward myself with an extra hour of sleep.That thought in mind, I slide my jacket and scarf back on and tuck the book into my knapsack. After circling the table to retrieve the neglected wallet, I tip my latte to my muzzle one last time before discarding the empty cup in the proper receptacle for recyclable material. One should not be wasteful. With all of my tasks completed, I shoulder my bag and step lightly down the stairs once again.Still behind the counter is Maria, her ears perking when she sees me descend the final step. "Find it alright, Mister Dothal?"I turn to address her, my smile coming back with more authenticity than I had for the gray fox upstairs. This makes me pause, but only minutely. Perhaps he could see that, after all. I put it out of my mind as I approach Maria's counter. "Yes, thank you. I had a brief conversation with a gray fox, I believe his name is Lucas Miles?" Again I pause, but this time to check my next statement against her recognition. She nods, then gestures me to go on. "Well, Mister Miles seems to have left this here." I hold up the brown leather wallet. "I would not wish for it to be lost. May I entrust it to you?""Oh, dearie me, Lucas must have been very distracted to have left that here. I think he'd likely appreciate it if you returned it, if you could. He doesn't live terribly far from here. I would hold onto it, but I'm afraid that I would not have a way to get it

to him before I close up shop." Her eyes hold something akin to mischief, but I could be misinterpreting that. I doubt my own perceptions at this point in the day. Perhaps I am just overly tired. That must be it."Do you happen to have his address, perhaps? If it is not far, it should be no trouble." A good deed will help get my mind off of things. Father always thought so, at least.Instead of answering me directly, she reaches over and flips the bi-fold wallet open and taps on the plastic screen that holds a horizontal ID. A license, even. I avert my eyes out of ingrained respect, but I hear a short laugh at my actions. "Just read it off of his ID. Don't worry, he won't mind. Trust me on that one.""As you say," I mutter, turning to focus on the rectangular piece of plastic. What stares back at me are those same dark brown eyes of the fox and a rather fitting smile on his features, one that does light up his eyes. I had not been wrong, then, that I had caused some kind of offence. Perhaps returning this will help to mend fences, in that case. Then I look over to the address and find my breath catching in my throat. His address is an exact match for my own, save for the apartment number. Curiouser and curiouser, as Carroll once wrote.Not terribly far away indeed, Maria.