Wolf takes a seat in the director's office.
- We have had this conversation many times. -The adult says jadedly.
- I'm sorry I hit the kids who were bothering me. -She repeats like a machine.
- This is the fifth time this week. -
The boy just keeps quiet.
- You can't hit your classmates. -
- But they started it. -
- Then you have to come with me or with the teachers. -
- But it's no use. -
- . . . Look. -She sighs tiredly. We do what we can. -He is sincere.
For the first time the wolf looks at him with surprise.
- The school can only do sanctions, we have no power beyond this enclosure. -
This is not like every time.
- So I ask you please. -He looks him in the eyes. -That you look for other alternatives. -
- ...beat them out of school? -He asks.
- No. He denies immediately. Violence is not the solution. -
- Then leave me? -He frowns.
- No. -He sighs again. Have you already tried to be friends with him? -
- His parents forbid him to be friends with them. -
- . . . They're talking about expelling you. -
- What! Why?! -
- For your bad behavior. -
- But this is a public school. -If they expelled every child for misbehaving, they'd have no one to teach. -
- Don't raise your voice to me. -
The youngest has his jaw clenched.
- I've done everything; punishments, encouragement, conferences, parent meetings... -Close your eyes. -You're about to graduate. . . . You could just. . . . -
- Hang in there? -He scoffs.
- I'm just saying that the long-term benefit may be more valuable than ending up on the street, like a thief or... -
- Is that how you see my future? -He asks angrily now.
- There are rumors that you are racing illegally. -That's the reason they want to expel you. -
- I'm not. -He immediately lies.
- I hope so. -You're very smart. Isn't it better to show everyone that you can graduate with honors than to just take the easy way out and feed the rumors? -
- Nice words to say, let them beat me up. -Not moved.
- . . . I only ask you to think about your future. -You can go and take your punishment. -
The jet reluctantly goes to the door.
- I'm sorry I can't be of any help. -He hears behind his back.
The wolf freezes halfway out the door.
- But if one day you get the chance to have a change, take it, there are people who can help you better than I did. -
- Is that all? -Mr. Wolf asks.
The amount of money you earned is much smaller than the previous times.
- It has been a tight month. -Answers Redes.
They have redeemed themselves with the law but society has not yet fully opened its arms to them.
Having a job has been almost impossible, even for those who are at home, the interviewers get scared when they see their faces.
They have had to figure out how to earn money according to the law.
- What if we ask Diane to pay us? -Piranha suggests.
They have not been idle; they have enhanced their reputation as Good Guys, participating in good works, from the smallest ones like charity, helping the city with big criminals, to working incognito on secret missions with the Governor.
The downside; it's unpaid.
- We are not going to be demanding beggars. -Tarantula answers.
The vulpine gave them their house, their food, water and wifi password.
- But we paid for their lodging. -He defends himself.
- Yes, but that doesn't cover everything we spent. -Wolf replies.
Many times I've had to borrow gas money from him.
- I already want to move into my own house. -Snake comments.
It's like going back to your parents' house.
They've even had to ask him for money to buy an onion for lunch.
- If they want to. . . -The shark speaks.
He knows that his size makes it difficult to look for an apartment.
- No way, Shark. -Wolf interrupts. We leave together. -He says.
The others support him, they were not going to leave one of their friends.
There is a moment of silence.
- Well. -The leader begins after some thought, "It's time to revisit the Employment Agency.
His friends are surprised.
- Are you sure? -asks the spider.
The first time they had scared everyone away, yes, that includes those who work there.
They had agreed to come back when they were better seen in the eyes of the public.
- I can't say that everyone loves us. -But I can assure you that most of them see us as decent people. -
Hearing that made them quite happy.
- Friends. -Smiles the wolf. We earned being enslaved by corporations. -
They celebrate.
- Mmm," the woman checks her computer carefully, "No college degree, no high school graduate, you only have a driver's license, and you're an ex-convict. -
- Just tell me the truth, lady. -Wolf answers. I can take it. -
- Do you mind the vomit? -
- . . . A little bit. -You can't lie.
- Let's leave the cab driver and the mechanical games janitor as optional. -
Keep typing.
- Oh! This is a good one; how about truck driver? -They offer training, it's an independent job with a decent salary. -
- Sounds great. -He smiles. What's the catch? -
- It's hard work, you'll be alone on the road for many days. -I recommend you think about it. -
The wolf remains thoughtful.
- Isn't there a NASCAR racer? -
- No.
- They could only offer me jobs on the Internet. -The spider comments.
- Great! -Will you use your hacker skills? -
- No." He explains. "People are scared to think that I'm an ex-convict with computer theft skills. -
- And did they offer you a computer job? -The shark asks with a raised eyebrow.
- It was the only viable one for my size. -She hugs her shoulders.
She's already resigned to being limited by her height.
- I was offered a job as a chat customer service advisor. -
- Ooh. ... Will you be working at home? -Asks the gray one.
- Yes. -Smile.
- Lucky me, they only gave me Fast Food jobs. -The Piranha answers.
- Hey, in those you have a chance to be promoted. -Shark answers. I was given the heavy load in a warehouse. -
- And how did the college student do? -Asks the spider.
- Like anyone with a degree. -The only job they offer you is as a cashier at the supermarket. -
They look at the last one.
- I asked, there was no job for NASCAR. -
Your team is disappointed.
- But they offered me as a truck driver. -
- We won't see you for days. -The first to object is Snake.
- It would have been the same if I worked for NASCAR. -He replies.
- But that's worth it. -Refute.
- We knew getting a job wouldn't be easy. -Relate.
It was clear to everyone that their Time as The Nice Guys would be reduced by getting full-time jobs.
- But we're not that needy. -Snake insists.
- That's true. -He smiles warmly at her. How about not just getting an apartment. -
He pauses dramatically.
- How about opening a detective agency? -
- Detectives! -Piranha exclaims with a smile. - Are you serious? -
- We have to make a living. -He explains with his sly grin.
His friends are happily shocked at the idea.
- But as detectives? -asks Snake hesitantly.
- Do you want us to call ourselves the Hero Agency? -He smiles, "Because that's my second choice. -
- Forget it. -Unless we get super powers he doesn't want to be known by such a pretentious name. -
- Are you calling me pretentious? -
- You are pretentious. -His friends answer him at the same time.
- It was just a joke! -
They officially opened their detective agency in Diane's garage.
It's a Sunday morning.
Shark is reading a book.
Piranha hums a song while making breakfast.
Wolf picks up the mail being followed by the kitten.
Networks at the computer looking at college prices.
And Diane and Snake in a debate;
- It's obvious that the rising crime wave is your fault. -Snake speaks.
- You exaggerate. -I'm just trying to reassure the public. -
- Insulting the criminals. -
- Constructive criticism. -Corrects.
- Every time you talk; specifically about a criminal, days later he is committing the biggest crime on his record. -Point to the wolf. As happened with that sensitive beech tree. -
The one named does not respond.
- It must be a coincidence. -He answers.
- Once; acceptable; twice; maybe; but for it to happen most of the time is to be in denial. -Claims.
The vulpine smiles in amusement.
- You do it on purpose! -She realizes.
- On the one hand you have to admit that we've had a good run in prison too. -She smiles proudly. Besides the fact that I've helped them get jobs. -
- Wolf! -She turns to look at him with bewilderment. -
The dog still doesn't answer.
The redhead and the snake exchange glances.
He's just standing there looking at a letter.
He is even ignoring the kitten that was climbing up his leg.
Silently they walk behind the wolf's back to see what he was reading.
. . . It's a letter from Mr. Wolf's parents.
A family reunion was arranged.
All his friends stare at him.
- So what are you going to do? -The first to break the silence is Redes.
- I guess I'll answer. -She says the obvious.
- And you're okay with that? -Snake asks.
- Did you have a fight? -The vulpine can't help but ask.
That answer can only be given by Wolf.
- Yes. -The piranha answers with the sensitivity of a stone.
It gets angry looks.
- It's a good thing. -They want to reconnect. -He smiles.
The wolf is thoughtful.
- But if you don't want to, that's fine. -He corrects himself for maybe being wrong.
- No, it's a good thing. -The dog calms her down. It's just been a long time. -
He stares at the letter without expression.
- It's normal to feel uncomfortable. -Smile. Right? -
- Piranha closes his mouth. -Shark threatens, pulling out the adhesive tape.
- It's normal. -I'm sure they feel the same way. -
- Start talking. -Supports Ms. Have a video call. -Think. Do your parents know how to use the computer? -
- They are not that old. -She answers but then hesitates. -
He doesn't know anything about what they are now.
- It will be a good question to break the ice. -Smiles the snake.
That question will get a whole paragraph in response.
Diane looks wistfully at the newspaper.
The new gubernatorial candidates are doing their best.
Her peripheral gaze catches Wolf arriving home with his favorite latte.
- Mr. Wolf you don't live here anymore. -He chuckles playfully.
It's been a long time since your friends were able to expand out of your house and garage.
- You didn't ask me for the key back. -
He smiles, taking a seat next to her on the couch.
- I thought it was your way of saying you'd miss us. -He offers the latte.
The vulpine accepts the drink, silently admitting that she usually misses them.
- How's it going? -
- Everyone is a good candidate in their own way. -She says with obvious pity.
- How demanding. -He rolls his eyes at her.
- I only enjoy the best. -He smiles arrogantly.
- Have mercy on them. -These poor guys will have to fill the void you'll leave in this town. -
The redhead laughs in delight.
- You know. . . . -She wipes away a tear from laughing so hard. -
- Are you scared? -She gets a playful smack.
- I'm serious. -He smiles. It's been so short these four years. -
- Don't even tell me. -Remember. -A lot of crazy things happened. -
- But for the better. -
They both take a moment to reminisce.
From the lowest point in their lives to where they are now.
- Change is always scary. -confesses her friend.
- Yes, it is. -
- How are the others doing? -
- Piranha keeps going to the interviews. -
- And what is it this time? Singing? Movies? -
- I think it was to be a perfume brand. -He hugs his shoulders. He's an all-purpose guy. -He keeps smiling.
He won't rest until he becomes the most famous fish in town.
- What about Nets? -
- I haven't seen her for a while; she stays in the lab every day working with her team. -
The spider is determined to fulfill her dream of going to college.
- Shark is also giving his all to earn his high school diploma. -He continues.
Shark has been moving forward on a path of self-discovery, and in order to get started he says he must first finish the commitments he didn't finish.
- And he still can't get Snake to publish his work. -
Snake became interested in art again.
- What about you? -What will become of Governor Diane Foxington now? -
- What do you think; Mayor Diane Foxington. -She smiles back.
- I love it. -He doesn't look surprised.
- You're the only one missing. -What are you hiding up your sleeve? -
- I want it to be a surprise. -She just smiles at him.
- Goodbye Mr. Wolf. -The naked man says goodbye, leaving Snake's studio.
- Goodbye Fred. He says matter-of-factly before entering the room.
Instinctively I avoid looking at what I shouldn't look at, but it was impossible not to see it when there is a canvas the size of Shark with the image of the man in his natural state.
- And you called Piranha depraved for wearing a thong. -He comments with his hair standing on end.
- No one in the pool wanted to see that. -The snake answers, lowering the brush.
- I don't want to see that either. -He points to the portrait.
- There were children in the pool. -Refute.
- I miss when you used to get high and paint what you saw. -Point to a canvas. Like that thing. -
- It's called abstract art. -And that thing; it's a painting of you and our friends. -
- ...which one is me? -He stares.
- Were you looking for something? -She rolls her eyes at him.
I doubt very much that you came to talk about art.
- I came to talk about art. -She smiles at him as if she had read his mind.
- Then take off your pants. -
- Not even a drink first? -
- One of the models cancels me. -You'll pose for ten minutes, rest in five, and we'll do only two sets because it's your first time. -
The shirt is thrown in Snake's face.
- No mercy. -He unbuckles his belt. You know I can take a lot more. -
- Then it'll be five sets. -He answers without being provoked.
The wolf with every intention stepped onto the stage with the best pose he could remember from his private magazines.
But in spite of his expectations the snake only concentrated on painting.
- You've been cooped up here for a long time. -He commented after three minutes of silence.
This is harder than you thought.
You have just discovered that your other self enjoys being watched and wants to get up without your permission.
- I'm working. -He answers, looking at everything but his eyes.
- What I mean is that you put too much importance on this. -He tries to keep his mind busy.
- I don't want to publish or participate in contests. -He declares.
- Look at all this stuff! You could fill a whole gallery. -
- It's unnecessary. -
- I'm going to participate in the local karting competition. -
- . . . Great. -He says surprised, finally looking him in the eye.
- Not just that one. -Look determined. Beginner racing, off-road, I'll volunteer with a local driver's team, study mechanics and whatever else it takes to become a racing driver. -
He points out.
- And I want you to promote your work. -
- Again with that. -He says annoyed.
- Snake look at us. -
- I'm looking at you. -
- Metaphorically. -He's got hot cheeks.
How do you concentrate when you have someone naked in front of you?
- Each of our friends has set a goal. -
- ¿Y? -
- And isn't it natural to follow it? -Smile. You always wanted to make a living from art. -
- And I regret it. -
- Hey!
- I only liked drawing because it helped me forget everything around me. -
Go back to moving the brush.
- And I got into art class because it was so easy to get good grades without making any effort. -
- But you chose to study art anyway. -Wolf answers. Because you enjoy what you do. -
- That's what doomed me. -I should have chosen a reasonable career, everyone told me that there was no future as an artist, the schools are expensive, the market is far behind and very few can establish themselves as artists. -
- I don't know anything about the art market but things have changed. -
- Is that all you can say to convince me? -He looks at him disappointed.
- . . . You enjoy it, that's all that matters to me. -He says honestly.
The snake hides his face behind the canvas.
- Instead of thinking about the quick money, think that you have us to support you. -
At least this time it'll be a little easier.
- Where's that idiot I know who only does things because they're fun and irresponsible? -Smile.
- Stop fidgeting. -She scolds him.
Wolf's smile is shaking, his leg is falling asleep.
- I honestly don't think there's anything that can guarantee a good life. -
Snake remains silent.
- There's a lot of competition and having good grades or a degree won't help you get a job. -
The paintbrush slides on the canvas.
- Is there such a thing as living on the safe side? -
Color mixing.
- Those who don't take risks are those who have no passion. -
The figures are formed.
- You have to give it all or time takes it all away. -
- And what if you fail anyway? -The snake speaks.
- You still enjoy it. -Smile. That's the only way to give the world a middle finger. -
- I like that better. -Smiles the yellow one with the idea.
- So? -The wolf keeps smiling at him.
- Look," he says seriously, "I've already lived my moment when I wanted to be honest with the world and talk to it without using words, I don't see the need to. ... -
- What?" He smiles with amusement.
- Here we go. -The older man frowns as he recognizes that smile.
- Talk to him without using words? -He repeats.
The one in yellow just rolls his eyes.
- Morse code? Sign language? -
- Are you playing dumb? -
- No, it comes naturally to me. -
- When I paint I want to show everyone what I see of the world. -He explains.
- That's what you see of me. -He points to the abstract painting with a worried look. Should I take you to the eye doctor? -
- At times like this I wonder why I hang out with you. -
- Because you love me. -He smiles showing his teeth.
- Uh huh. -She decides to ignore him and concentrate on her work.
- Hey. -He doesn't give up. If you can really do all that, then we should take advantage of your talents. -
He gets a jaded sound in response.
- If you keep this up I'm going to publish this painting. -Threat.
- Deal. -
- What? -He's looking at him like he's crazy.
- Deal. -Repeat. Publish it and publish everything here in a gallery. -
- Is he serious? -
- Sure. -
- Wow. Oh, my. . . . You really believe in me. -Think. . . . . Okay, I'll do it. -
The jet smiles haughtily at him.
- If you regret it. . . -
- I won't regret it. -I'm doing the world a favor. -
- . . . You really like to be looked at. -
- Do you even realize it now? -He laughs mockingly.
Stare.
The dog keeps smiling.
He doesn't blink.
The smile trembles.
No emotion in his eyes either.
- Uh. -
Keep looking at him.
- Wait. -He starts to turn red.
It won't stop.
- Pause! -He shrinks mortified.
- I knew it, it's a fetish of yours. -The snake concludes.
- It's a natural reflex! -It covers its lower part.
- What are you talking about? -It looks at him with a bored face. There's nothing here to get in that state. -
- Hey! He turns to look at him offended.
- Hold it! -He smiles. Stay like that! -He picks up the brush.
Wolf's face burns as he realizes what he planned.
- Oh no!" he exclaims, "I'm not going to do porn! -
- What the heck happened to this place? -Snake asks, getting out of the car.
It's just a small room he found to hang his paintings and now it's packed with people.
- Surprise! -His friends tell him as he gets out of the car.
- How? He's puzzled.
- We didn't really do much. -Tarantula answers with a smile.
- We just told Diane to come along. -And she brought some friends. -
- Artists, Senators, Art Amateurs, political campaign volunteers. . . . -And the press came alone. -
- Advantages of being a mayoral candidate. -And the wolf stands on his shoulders.
- You're crazy! -He looks at Wolf with bewilderment. -He mumbles.
- If you release the genie from his bottle. -Smile. Outside he stays. -
- Snake! -Diane calls, followed by Tiffany Fluffit.
Her friends give her a push.
- I love it. -I love your attention to detail, it feels like you capture the whole picture. -And it looks like you had fun. -
The snake's lips are quivering.
- Here for channel six! -The public has received your paintings very well, how does it feel to have such incredible celebrities viewing your work? -
- . . . I can't believe it. -
- I can imagine! -The reporter laughs. I don't know much about art, but I can see you have talent. -
- I have no talent. -
- You don't? -
- I just spend my time thinking about art. -
- Isn't that the same thing? -
- It makes me feel like my effort is worthless. -I spend days memorizing and practicing hundreds of techniques to express myself as best I can. -
The redhead, with a proud smile, takes advantage of the human's carelessness and moves away to talk to her friends.
- Did you see your portrait? -The one with glasses asks.
- No." He smiles nonchalantly. Snake kept me like a statue but didn't let me see a single line. -
- You should see it, she's the crowd favorite. -He smiles. He expresses that softness very well. -
The canine's smile freezes, trying to figure out if there was a hidden message.
- I'm going to see it. -The green one declares excitedly before leaving.
- Wait for us. -Shark follows him with Nets on his shoulder.
- You know more about art than I do. -Wolf looks at the redhead and says, "Is she okay? -
- What do you mean by that? -
- Uh. . . . Well, she's good. -
- You mean it'll be a hit like the Mona Lisa? -Looks at it with amusement. -Is it interesting? Or is it ''cute''? -
- . . . All three. -
Her friend smiles at him as if he were an innocent child.
- When you see him, you will feel what he felt when he painted. -
She pats him on the shoulder.
- When an artist has passion, that's when he touches people's hearts. -
He says goodbye to go look for more voters.
The wolf remains silent for a moment.
Slowly he begins to walk.
It was not difficult to find his portrait, Diane is right, it is the favorite of the public.
- Look Wolf! -He hears the euphoric voice of the arachnid: "It's amazing how I paint you! -
She anxiously breaks through the crowd to take a closer look.
- You're on fire!" is Mr. Piranha's voice, "I hear a crowd ready to buy it! -
His senses focus on the painting.
- If I were still a criminal I'd steal it. -Today to Shark. Snake turned you into art. -
The rest is background noise.
- Wolf. -That call brings him back to reality.
He notices Snake standing next to him.
- What do you think? -He tries to look calm with the question.
He doesn't even notice when he arrived, or how long he's been staring at the painting.
- Wolf? -
If I had to define in a few words what he felt.
- Let's get married! -he asks.
The room suddenly falls silent with gasps of surprise.
She must make this snake her husband.
The applause starts.
- Wait a minute, we're not even engaged! -shouts the reptile.
- First let's get married and then we'll be sweethearts. -He resolves.
The act of changing comes with many more compromises.
END
Thank you for reading.
You read 3980 words.
10/06/2022
I hope you liked it.
FYI:
I found this on twitter.
Posted by Shelligator🌻 #SaveTheLemurs🌟 / Shelligator1.
On their page I leave a link for more info but here I also leave it for you:
document/d/1OBzOwTkKhsBIua1-7kcv_RuTukGH4R-BUGTpCS7WRCo/edit
As you can see it's in English, but I wanted to promote it because I love the couple and if you can make the community and its content bigger, all the better.
I just wanted to let you know.
You never know who wants to participate. :)