Only another feral can hope to understand just how much of an ordeal it can be to walk the streets of New York. Of course I'm not afraid. I mean who would tangle with a guy who probably has half a foot and fifty or sixty pounds of weight over him. I don't even have to show my fangs or claws to intimidate folks, just a glimpse of my muscular physique shows that I'm not a guy to mess with.
The ordeal comes as a result of my enhanced senses. Having superior hearing, smell and sight can have its drawbacks. The noise from cars, trucks and buses reaches a deafening crescendo that threatens to burst my eardrums. I also wish to God that people would learn to keep their voices down. Of course they have to speak up to hear themselves over the traffic. I keep having to restrain myself from reaching out and ripping out a larynx or two. Of course if I did that I'd hear the delicious sound of frightened screams. I keep that comforting thought in mind to help me get through this.
The smells are even worse. Traffic fumes, dog manure, dirt, hot dog stands, Chinese takeaways and many, many more. A hundred different unpleasant stenches that all combine into a single miasma far worse than a skunks stench. I nearly throw up once or twice but the thought of adding vomit to the aromas stops me. A healing factor has it's advantages. People don't help as well especially when they decide not to bother with washing. Me I place a high value on my personal hygiene. I just wish others would do the same. Some of the things people wear as well. Cologne, aftershave and perfume. What are they trying to do to me? Fumigate me until I plead for mercy?
The crowds are bad as well. I don't like it when I'm in a crowd. People get too close and I can barely restrain myself from lashing out. Never try to block a feral's path. We don't like it if you get too close. It's all part of a predators instincts after all.
I think I'm going too leave walking the streets for a while. I'll find a park later and stretch my legs there. I think catching a train for a bit would be a nice change. It'll be easy enough to find the station.
Now I just need to get a ticket from that weedy little guy behind the counter. With that stringy hair and those glasses he reminds me of a timid mouse. Certainly he looks like prey and it's hard to restrain myself. Still I'll try my best to look nonthreatening.
"G…g..g..ood m..m…moorrnning s.ss..sir.H.how may I help y..ou,"he stutters.
"I'd like a ticket into town bub,"I say in my least growling tone.
Wordlessly he hands me a ticket and whips his hand away as though afraid I'll bite him.I shove the money towards him and give him a friendly grin as I do so. Turning away I hear a thud and look back to see that the poor sap has fainted. Carelessly I forgot about my fangs. That smile must have looked as reassuring as a werewolf's grin. Oh well I'll just have to practice smiling more won't I.