- Their egg counts are very low. -Informa.

Webs does not receive that news well.

- And the uterine area is weak. -Read the results.

Diane looks at her with fear.

- Are they sick? -asks the wolf worriedly.

- Oh no, they are in very good health. -Reassures the doctor. What is happening is normal for women of their age. -

Those involved are not relieved.

- Is there anything we can do? -asks the snake.

- There are procedures, but they are expensive. -

He thinks for a few seconds.

- You know, your chances of having a child would be higher if we use Mr. Wolf's sperm in Diane's ovaries. -

- Nothing that comes from Wolf will touch my eggs. -Resolves the vulpine calmly.

- Hey, just because you don't see them doesn't mean they don't have feelings. -Claims the wolf.

The doctor clears her throat.

- I say it because of the affinity between a fox and a wolf, compared to a snake. -

The reptile grimaces.

- Between the four of you, you two have the best chance of making it work. -

- We already had a conversation about this, and it was made clear that Snake, nor I, will touch Diane's pearls. -Explains the wolf uncomfortably. Don't worry about the money, we have plenty of it. -

- It's all right. -

He understood that there is a complex situation behind.

- I will prescribe medication, vitamins, boosters. -Write everything down in the computer. -And no sudden activities. -

All three stare at Diane about the last thing.

- Webs; you risk Disorders with the use of fertility drugs and Complications in the egg collection procedure. -

- And what does that mean? -Concerned question.

- It can cause the ovaries to swell and hurt shortly after ovulation or egg retrieval.

Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

And using the aspiration needle to collect the eggs can cause bleeding, infection or damage to the bowel, bladder or a blood vessel.

They are also at higher risk for certain chromosomal conditions, such as Down syndrome, and have higher rates of miscarriage, mainly because they have older eggs. -

The spider looks heartbroken.

- Diane; The risk of miscarriage and intrauterine fetal death increases with your age, along with the risk of gestational diabetes.

You can develop high blood pressure during pregnancy, you would have to come to the hospital more often.

There is an increased risk of preterm delivery and having a low birth weight baby.

And there is an increased risk of having pregnancy complications that can lead to a cesarean delivery. -

The named one's face breaks down.

- Wolf and Snake; you both have emotional risks, the process may give hope for a future pregnancy, but there is no guarantee of success. -

- Oh what a relief! -Sighs the canine. Then we will all suffer together in this process. -

The husbands smile uncomfortably while the two women look at them with indignation.

- I like you, you are ready. -We'll start next week, prepare for multiple hormone injections to maximize the chances of success, for fourteen days or more. -

- And will there be side effects? -Diane asks.

- Of course there will be! But they are mild compared to what's to come. -She keeps smiling.

The friends look exhausted as if they had run a marathon.

- And what should we do? -Snake asks.

- Your results are very good, no reinforcement is needed. -They should just wait, and when the time comes, have an orgasm. -

The future parents receive scornful looks.

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The return trip was uncomfortable.

- . . . You can recline whenever you want. -

Snake suggests after a long silence.

- No one will be angry. -I support Wolf with my eyes on the road.

This process is not at all simple.

- I am still willing. -

- So am I. -

More silence.

The spouses exchange a glance without knowing what to do.


Mr. Shark stretches his back after getting off work.

It's a Friday night and he's not tired.

He smiles and dials the number of his friends.

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- We should continue with the adoption process. -Wolf speaks.

His cell phone rings but he quickly puts it on silent without looking at the number.

- The chance of having a biological baby is extremely low, what with the age and the genetic combination of three different species. -

- And what happens if unexpectedly both options get a child? -

- We keep both. -He smiles.

Snake looks at him angrily.

- Come on! It's not twelve kids, and you gave up the possibility of having another one later. -

- Yes, in the future. -He points. I don't want to take care of two babies. -

- You say that like it won't help you. -

- Your job takes you for months to compete all over the world, I'll be the one to take care of those children. -

- But not all the time. -And if daycare isn't enough, we can get a full-time nanny. -

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Shark gives up after his second call.

He picks the next number.

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The screen displays Shark's call.

Diane quickly hangs up and continues reading the Assisted Reproductions article.

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The Master of Disguise is surprised but assumes she is busy.

Well, Piranha has never let her down.

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The cell phone starts ringing.

Piranha doesn't seem to hear it and stands frozen with his eyes open.

- Don't you want to? -asks the spider when she sees her husband in this state.

- Yes! Yes! -She wakes up. I was just surprised, the last time we talked about having children you said you weren't ready. -

- Well... -Looks down. -What's wrong?

- What's going on? Is this about the consultation? -

- The tests worried me a lot, I'm getting older and it's going to be harder and harder to have children. -

- It's not that serious, you're still short of menopause. -

- Tell that to my ovaries that are drying up. -

Piranha looks at her worried.

- What?

- You look... Intense. -

- Of course I am, we might never have a child. -

- There's adoption. -

- Snake and Wolf haven't been able to adopt for two years. -

He looks at her again worried.

- What? -She repeats frustrated.

- I'm afraid of how you might react if it doesn't work out, you know that a piranha and a spider aren't exactly the most compatible. -

Explain.

- Are you prepared for a miscarriage or a termination of pregnancy? -

- From the first time we talked about having children we knew what we were facing. -

- Knowing is not the same as being ready. -

- To be honest I don't think I'll ever be ready. -She admits. I want to be a mother but... It's a life. How did you know you were ready to be a father? -

- I make enough money. -He smiles proudly.

The tarantula rolls her eyes.

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The shark turns off the cell phone with disappointment.

It's going to be a lonely night.


Ring the doorbell.

- Thank you for coming. -Open the vulpine immediately.

- It's my pleasure to help you. -Says the wolf holding a basket of gifts.

- Come in, come in. -He guides them into the kitchen. -

- . . .because he cataloged Sperm Donors? -

He points to the book the size of three phone books.

He recognizes it because it was one of his choices when he saw that surrogate mothers didn't want to receive his DNA.

- Yes!

She smiles embarrassed.

- After the tests I realized that I'm running out of time, and well . . . You know more about this than I do. -

- Let me guess, you read all the genetic conditions of the donors, and you're not able to pick one without looking at all the options. -

That was the reason they ruled it out.

It was driving them crazy.

- Yes!

She looks frustrated.

- I know nothing is perfect, but I can't just pick anyone, this will decide my son's future. -

- I understand you perfectly. -

Look at the book.

- When you are in love it's like; Fuck you son! I love my partner and if he has a thousand hereditary ailments you suck it up. -

- Don't say it like that. -She looks at him with disgust.

- And if you want to have children? -

He asks, reviewing the options.

- Wasn't I clear? -

- I mean if you feel pressured. -

He looks at her worried.

- You wouldn't have been so intent on having a baby if it wasn't for what the doctor said. Right? -

- Yeah, well, it's a reality that has to be accepted. -

She lowers her ears with resignation.

- And have you thought about going on any more dates? -

- It's not something I'm going to decide now. -I'm the mayor, I don't want to leave my job for maternity leave twice in a row. -

- It wouldn't be such a bad thing. . . . I think. -

She doesn't really know what the procedure would be in a case like that.

- In two years I'll be so busy campaigning for re-election, the last thing I need is to be busy with a baby. -

- So you're going. . . . To look at semen catalogs for maybe three years. -

- Or find the love of my life, or a careless one-night stand, whichever comes first. -

He shoulders up and pulls out another donor catalog.

- I plan to freeze my eggs as a safety net, so don't worry, I plan to take my time. -

Mr. Wolf smiles in relief.

- Pick the best five and be quick. -I have another five catalogs to review, and sign up for one subscription per week. -

Wolf's smile drops.

- At least we know what we'll replace the water with when it runs out. -

He hopes Snake does better.

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- I WANT THESE FUCKING EGGS SUCKED OUT OF ME NOW! -

Screams Webs writhing in pain on a pile of pillows.

- What do you mean it's normal!? -

Claims Snake talking on the phone to the doctor.

- Didn't I hear her scream? He's in agony of pain. -

- Mr. Snake, I told you pain is a package deal that comes with having ovaries. -

- Here's your tea! -And your pillow is ready. -

He carefully lays her down on the hot water basin and helps her drink her tea.

- And can't they lower the doses? -He continues his talk in the corridor.

- It is not necessary, her health is fine, it is normal for the body to respond to an external agent. -

- Or something for the pain? -

- She is already taking multiple medications, and having more will make her prone to more side effects. -

- . . . Okay, thank you. -He hangs up depressed.

- She wants to take a nap. -

His friend warns, carefully closing the door behind him.

- Sit down to watch TV, I'll go make him some soup. -

- Let me do it! -He asks almost as a plea. They look like they need a break. -

- No, they don't. -

She blocks it immediately.

- I need to do this, it serves as training for when we have a baby. -

- You're having a baby?! -She follows him into the kitchen.

- Yes. -Prepare the pot. She was very scared by what the doctor told her. -

- Oh wow. Really? I saw that she was thoughtful but. . . -

- Don't worry, it's better to know now. -

Start chopping vegetables.

- This is something to celebrate! -She smiles radiantly. Our children will grow up together. -

The snake smiled in wonder, he hadn't noticed that detail.

I heard that he threw up.

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- Then I questioned him and he admitted that last night Webs had a high fever and couldn't sleep because he was taking care of her. -

Snake says as they drive home in the car.

- I forced them both to sleep and made them dinner before I left. -

- I spent hours sorting out the quality of semen from strangers and ordered Chinese food. -

They stop at the red light.

- I was hoping our friends would have babies for wanting them, and not like. . . A Race Against Time, or His Last Train. -Confesses the wolf.

- I wish children were that simple. -His head goes back and sinks against the seat.

- I remember when you told me you were ready to have a child, I was so happy I forgot to ask you about the change of heart. -

- You picked me up and made us dance around the room. -He emphasizes with a smile.

- Also in bed because I forgot that's not how nature works. -

She whispers leaning over so that her breath hits her husband's ear.

Snake rolls his eyes ignoring the heat rising to his face.

- So; how did you decide? -

Reluctantly he returns to his spot as the traffic light turns green.

- I guess the same reason as the girls. -

The car lurches.

- What are you talking about! The Doctor even said that your ''Swimmers'' are better than mine! -

- But I'm still getting older, I want to be a father who carries his kids, plays with them and is there to support them. -

He looks out the window sadly.

- And not a father too tired to be with them. -

- Oh. . . is it because of not being able to perform on missions anymore? -

His ears lower and he has to force himself to keep his eyes on the road.

- If I remember correctly, that day was a month after I had to carry you up to escape from that exploding lab. -

- It was like a wake-up call for me, I lost my breath, my vision became blurred and my body weakened until I couldn't even run for my life. -

- . . . It's bullshit. -

- Yes, it's a big shit! -He raises his voice as if he's claiming to the world...

- . . . You know, I always imagined having kids, I just hoped the conditions would be right. -

- Like what? -

- Being an adult, having enjoyed my bachelorhood, having a job, a house, money, and the best part; I'm lucky enough to have an amazing husband to go with me. -

- Heh. -He lowers his eyes with a smile. I was lucky too. -

They don't know how, but they feel that everything will find its way.


- Are they still sleeping in separate rooms? -

asks the shark in surprise.

- They always fight, and they always make up soon after. -

- I swear that in a few days I was going to get over it. -The snake replies frustrated.

The two met for lunch.

- But he brought up the subject of continuing with the adoption. -

Mr. Shark makes a hissing sound knowing it's a rocky subject.

- And you accepted? -

- Having a child has become like playing the lottery, and having more chances to win is always welcome. -

- But? -

- None of them touched the subject, but it is obvious that Wolf is not going to be able to if he sees that the mother is not 100% in agreement. -

- And what are you going to do? -

- What am I supposed to do? Forbid her? I already feel like the Bad Guy who steals babies. -

- Have you told him how you feel? -

- He knows, but. . . . I don't want to force him, it might affect his relationship with the child. -

Angrily cut his meat.

- He's a moralistic asshole. -

- I don't know how to help you. -His voice sounded squeaky like that of a frightened mouse.

He feels backed into a corner.

- That's very kind of you Shark, but that's for me and Wolf to work out, right now I just want to have a friend who will listen. -He looks down sadly.

- Oh! Well. -He smiles in relief. I've got two ears for you. -

- Wolf's been all mushy for me to forgive him, and to tell you the truth; I miss him. -

- If you think about it, these could be their last days alone as a couple, until their son goes to college. -

Snake makes a depressed grimace.

- Although, if you're not willing to compromise your Safe Space. -

The reptile looks at him with a raised eyebrow at that name.

- How about visiting the room where Wolf is staying? I have a suspicion he'll be happy to entertain you anytime. -

- Mmm. He pecks at his food. Not a bad idea. -

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The next day Mr. Shark received an effusive thank you from the canine.


The five Good Guys remained firmly anchored to their seats like strong magnets.

Forced to stay there by the doctors attending to their friend in the other room.

They turned around when the lock clicked.

Questioning looks in their eyes bordered on concern.

- The procedure went well. -Doctor reports.

The hallway erupted in applause, sighs of relief, smiles and hugs to the parents-to-be.

- Calm down, nothing is decided yet. -

The one in the gown said.

- In fourteen to fifteen days they will have to do a pregnancy test. -

He is bombarded with thanks for his help without losing hope.

Behind the doctor's back.

Delirious laughter escaped, infected by the joyful atmosphere, and immediately, Diane was run over by the two parents in an embrace.

Their hearts beat violently.

It was finally happening.

They are starting a family.

- How are you? -Wolf asks after a visual check of her condition.

- I'm fine. -

He smiles, placing a hand on his still flat abdomen.

- It happened just as the doctor said it would. -

- You won yourself a cup of ice cream! -His other friends second the motion.

- Balanced meals are recommended. -The doctor warns.

- You win a salad! -She corrects.

They leave the hospital surrounding her as if they were her bodyguards amidst comments and laughter.

Something that the Vulpina expected, all eyes will be on them, but especially on her, even the eyes of strangers.

Although they were discreet, it is almost impossible for anyone to find out being the public figures they are.

- Remember Diane. -

The wolf cuts off her thoughts.

- If you are in any discomfort, call us, and we will take you to the hospital. -

- Also if you need groceries or to move something heavy. -Snake points out.

- Or a craving. -

- A massage. -

- Hormone-sensitive. -

- Pick up medications. -

- An annoying neighbor. -

- Guys. -

The redhead stops them.

- I'm holding your son, I promise I won't show you any mercy. -

That got laughs at the expense of the parents-to-be.

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Fifteen days later all the pregnancy tests were negative.

They did ovarian stimulation with medication.

They waited for them to mature and reach the appropriate size.

The embryos were incubated and the specialists chose the most suitable ones for transfer.

Ultrasound monitoring was performed to establish the most optimal moment to carry out the transfer of the best embryos.

How is it that with all that; they failed?

Piranha and Shark watch as their friends sink into a heavy environment that only seemed to grow heavier and heavier.

- Guys, listen to this. -

Shark speaks as he can't stand to see them like this anymore.

- The sperm of a wolf, in the egg of a spider, gestated in the body of a fox. You don't need a PhD to know it's going to be complicated. -

- Yes!

The piranha nods effusively.

- Even those of the same species don't have that much opportunity. -

- . . . They are right. -

says the wolf after a sigh.

- In the next one maybe we will be luckier. -It will be Snake's turn and his soldiers are stronger. -

He gets a tug of the ear for the comment.

- How about we go get some ice cream? -Shark suggests with a smile.

- I have no appetite. -

- Next time. -

- No, thanks. -

- I have work to do at home. -

- You want a ride from Diane? -

- Thanks, but I can take care of myself. -

The fish exchange a worried look.

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- I just don't understand why you're so sad. -

Piranha says at dinner.

- Can't you really see how sad this is? -he asks annoyed.

- Well. . . . Yes it is, it's very sad for Wolf and Snake. But that may not be your fault. -

- Maybe! -

- Eeeh You know, because of the biology thing, and your eggs being old. -

- Fuck you! -

- But those are the Doctor's words! -

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- Why are you so sad? -

Snake asks the wolf wrapped in his rings.

- How come you're not sad? -

- I was sad! Now I'm sad about the lost money. -

- Hey! - Hey! - Hey!

- It was just a few cells. -

- For me it was the beginning of our child. -

- Yeah, that's what being cells is all about. -

The canine looks at him in annoyance.

- I'll shut up, I'll shut up, I'd better just keep hugging you. -

- . . . It's just that. . . . I was already imagining life with him. -

This is very surreal.

They just lost their child and the next morning, they'll go back to work and life will go on.

Knowing that child was gone.

- Me too. -

Wolf sobs and Snake invests his whole heart in him, hugs him gently and comforted him for a long time.

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In the middle of the night he arrived home after work.

Diane was almost as quiet and still as a statue, looking out the window and watching the empty street.

It hasn't been long since she reached the most ambitious point in her life so far and her home seemed so dark and lifeless.

He reluctantly picks up the remote control and turns on the TV.

- Images captured of the Good Guys leaving the hospital! Could it be that a new member is coming to. . . . -

He turns it off.


- I feel like every time we talk she's looking for anything to start an argument. -

Mr. Piranha explains while playing video games with Mr. Shark.

- And I'm already afraid to sneeze. -

- Mmm you were doing pretty good, until you mentioned his old eggs. -

- I thought before I spoke. I swear! If we're going to try to be parents, how are we going to do it if we can't have an honest conversation. -

- . . . It's true, since when are you so mature? -It gave him goose bumps to hear it.

- It must be that I'm going to be a father. -

He hugs his shoulders, concentrating on his game.

- So what do I do? -

- I think you should give it some time. -

- But I heard her crying in the bathroom. -

- As alarming as it may seem to you, feeling pain and sadness is a normal and healthy phase of processing feelings. -

- . . . I'd like you to tell me what's going on. -

- When she's ready she'll talk to you, or maybe not, sometimes you can't understand your emotions, let alone tell them. -

- I'm doomed. -

The game agrees with a Game Over.

- Naah They'll be fine. -Promises the shark. -He's just still there to support her. -


- Then they want a baby where I'm 100% sure there will be no regrets. -Repeats the social worker.

- We would greatly appreciate your help on this. -

Wolf responds, embarrassed by the demand.

- We know it's not an easy job but . . . -

- It's okay, I understand perfectly what you are looking for. -

He winks at them.

Snake and Wolf exchange a confused look.

- Really? -the canine asks hesitantly.

- Of course! Many parents prefer children with dead parents so they don't have to worry about their children coming to change them. -

They look at him with horror.

- No, no, no!" exclaims the wolf, "That's not what we want! -

- Of course not. -He says it in an indulgent tone.

- Really! -

- Yes, yes. -Whatever you say. -

- Why would I want to take away my son's chance to be loved the most?! -

- Wolf, give it up. -The snake stops him. He won't understand. -

Seeing the smiling face of his disastrous caseworker, he realizes he's right.

- And dead parents seems to be the perfect solution for us. -

- Snake. . . . -

- Get over it! It seems to be the only option in which you can't intervene. -

- We've already traveled back in time. -

- I must tell you that with this new condition, it will take much longer to adopt. -

He explains while the wolf is trying to escape from a Jiu Jitsu key.


The waiting room is small and simple, which gives the place a quiet and sterile atmosphere.

Webs grabs two of his knees as he looks down at the floor.

Piranha walks over to the notice board to distract his mind by reading what to do when someone has a heart attack.

Shark stares straight ahead, they pause and look down the hallway where their three friends disappeared.

They are bored, they must have been waiting for a few minutes, but to them it feels like a year has already passed.

- Will the eighth time be the charm? -asks the spider to break the silence.

The first few times they came here, their legs were anxious to just move and they forced themselves to stand still as they couldn't hold the excitement, but instead, they feel like they are waiting with no expectation of a miracle.

- I hope so, they deserve to have that child. -The shark spoke calmly.

They couldn't not hope.

But to keep seeing the anguish in the eyes of their friends, is like another stab in the heart.

Silence fell again.

- They're going to get it. -When the time comes, they will have enough children to make a soccer team. -

- Snake would have a fit. -

They don't try to contain their laughter.

The sound of floor tiles wakes them from their bubble.

It's the footsteps before they turn the corner to enter the Waiting Room.

Both men held hands/tails as they stood nervously in front of their three friends.

He watched as Diane's hand immediately moved to her stomach.

Something glowed in the faces of his friends, something akin to joy or perhaps elation.

Heartbeats perk up with excitement and gain speed, hands drop to grasp the edges of seats with anticipation.

Like a sudden thunderstorm, the hopes of the three friends began to hit them full force again, and shy smiles curl over their lips as they look up in search of answers to the husbands.

- We're pregnant! -they sing almost choking with tear-filled eyes.

It all feels like a dream, walking out of the office to meet their friends and tell them the good news.

Now they were a father.

Her breasts are about to burst with so much love.

For a brief moment, everything stopped: all her neurons misfired in unison, before firing up again with an almost disorienting jolt.

The unexpected announcement activated their hugging and kissing program involuntarily, and their next moves were to give a flurry of love and affection to their three friends, laughing out loud as they grabbed them, spinning them in dramatic circles.

They were like that for exactly 20 seconds.

They are delighted and can't help but look at the hospital checkup report over and over again.

When the phone rings, Mr. Wolf frowns, ready to hang up when he sees the caller ID.

- It's the adoption agency. -

They look at each other in confusion before answering the phone anyway in a loud voice.

- Good news guys! There are three orphans where their whole family died in a car accident! -

It was only a moment until the words echo in everyone's head, and go through them like a bullet.

Snake and Wolf are frozen, silence gripped their being along with their friends.

- Hello, can you hear me? -

- Yes!" Wolf replies, not sure what to make of the words.

- Are you sure? Then why didn't you hear them running to pick up their children? -

- Well, that's. . . . That's. . . . -

She looks to her husband for help.

But Snake keeps convincing himself that this is some kind of weird joke.

It's got to be a joke.

He'll laugh in relief if it's a joke.

- Wolf. -

Diane calls as she finds the courage to speak.

- Maybe they should talk about it another time. -

- I can tell you've never adopted! -

The wolf answers, shaking his head in disbelief.

- This is not like reserving a table, other parents might take this opportunity away from us. -

- Actually, they do have time. -

They hear through the cell phone.

- About eighteen years old at the most. -

- What are you talking about? -

- It's crocodile eggs. -

He explains normally.

- If they were from a duck, or any other cute little animal, maybe! They would find a family, but the way things are, they could spend their whole lives in the adoption system. -

Minds boggle and bodies stiffen at the Social Worker's tone.

- No kidding, my other colleagues called their respective clients, and none of them have any interest. It was pretty obvious, but they had to do it by the book. -

They don't want to make a fuss at the hospital, so they hold back the surges of emotions that consume them.

- But I don't understand why they don't come, I thought they would be happy about the news. -

- We are! -

Remember those babies' lives were destroyed.

- I mean no! I mean Yes! No! -

Her actions were abrupt, a little less coordinated, which was saying a lot coming from someone like Mr. Wolf.

- This is happening too fast, we just found out we're pregnant and now. . . . -

His voice was muffled and nervous, coming in random, high-pitched bursts that made his friends stare at him.

- Oooooh!

To her horror, she hears that indulgent tone on the other end of the phone again.

- Say no more, I understand perfectly. -

- No! It's obvious you don't understand. -

- Don't be embarrassed Mr. Wolf, in this job it's normal to see parents prefer biological children over adopted ones. -

- That's not... -

The snake snatches the cell phone from him.

- Think what you want! Wolf and I will talk, and then we'll call you back. -

He hangs up.

The group stands still, breathing shallow breaths.

Your friends realize that they are intruders in your moment of. . . They don't know what to call it.

- I think I left the key open. -The piranha's lying.

- Guys, I'm so sorry. -Wolf speaks. It wasn't... -

They watch the snake take her husband's hand, a nice gesture that recaptures a little of the tender moment that was interrupted.

- If they still think they will be in control when that child arrives, they are lost. -Shark declares, lightening the mood.

- Oh my! -

Laughs the snake. He is secretly grateful for the shark's distraction.

- If this is the way parenthood welcomes us, I'm going to... -

- Oh no! The wolf hugs him. I won't let you escape. -

They started laughing and turned around to go home.

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Snake plopped down on the couch, resting his head against the cushions, breathing deeply with his eyes closed.

Wolf who is incapable of sitting still.

He started pacing frantically back and forth in his living room.

He needed to come up with a creative way to convince him.

- Snake. . . . -

- Two children maximum. -Snarl.

- Please! Please! Imagine this is life's version of giving us quadruplets. -

- No Wolf, four is too many. -

- But you heard him. -Take a seat next to him. Those kids may never have a family. -

- It's not our fault, it's nobody's fault. -He emphasizes to make him understand.

- But it's still tragic. We can raise them, and after all we went through; it seems to be the way we're being rewarded. -

- Does this seem like a reward to you? It's a difficult situation for us and a terrible one for those orphans. -

- . . . It is, that's why I want to give them a chance, Snake, I got where I am because of you, you're my family. -

Snake rolled back and looked at him with a frown knowing what he was going to do.

- I don't know where I would be without you, I want to believe that the system will be able to give you a good life, but knowing our caseworker . . . -

A flash of concern appeared in the reptile's eyes.

- And to be honest, you really do seem to want a big family. -

- Of course not, I've had enough of being the babysitter for the four of you. -

- That's why I know you love being Mom! -

- Nanny! -

- And I know you love family! Because you gave us one, and you gave it to all of them. -

He turned his gaze to the framed photos on the wall, evidence of the passage of time and every little big moment they had to become what they are now, and what The Good Guys Organization has become in the world.

- Without you, a lot of those Good Guys would still think they were Bad Guys. -

- You give me too much credit. -

- I know you're the guy who watches the Glass Half Empty, but I wouldn't insist on something so important if I didn't know you'd be happy in that life. -

He smiles and wraps his arms around Snake's neck, leaning down to kiss him softly.

- Just promise me that you'll think about it. -

Mr. Snake slowly nods his head as he gets up from the couch.

-I'll think about it, but no promises. -

She sighed as she made her way to the bed being followed by her tail-wagging husband.

- Mr. Snake is going to be Dad. -He was reminding her that this day is still a happy day.

- Mr. Wolf is going to be a daddy. -He said with a big smile at the corners of his mouth.

After a few minutes they started laughing like idiots, Snake turned around and turned around her husband's waist, with Wolf's arms falling around her rings in an embrace.

- Mr. Snake is going to be Dad. -

- Mr. Wolf is going to be a daddy. -

They repeat over and over between kisses, delighted to say it and hear it.

I couldn't help daydreaming about their future family .


Morning sickness had become routine for Diane and she felt more exhausted than usual; getting out of bed had become a feat.

Other than that your body has not presented the other ailments of pregnancy.

- You are handling it very well. -Alava Wolf in the office for the routine checkup.

- With all the superhuman things I've seen you do, I wouldn't be surprised if this was a walk in the park for you. -

The snake comments, seeing her so relaxed.

- Maybe, this really isn't as bad as they show it on TV. -She smiles proudly.

- Sorry I'm late. -

Enter the Doctor.

- I needed to consult my colleagues about the ultrasound results. -

Panic hit hard enough to bring them down like a sand castle.

- Is something wrong Doctor? -

Asks the wolf, you could sense the concern in his voice.

Instinctively the snake strokes his arm to reassure him, he can feel the muscles stiffen under his touch.

- Look at this. -

He points to a section of the ultrasound that neither of them can identify.

- At first I thought your son was going to be a potato. -

- WHAT! -

- But to the surprise of the entire hospital, we discover that a snake egg is developing. -

It took them a few minutes to understand that a whole egg is growing inside the belly of a fox.

Especially Diane who is still processing having an egg inside her body.

- Is that possible? -The first to come out of his stupor is Snake.

- Contrary to popular opinion, evolution took into account the other species that were giving rise to the enormous diversity of living beings that populate our exotic planet. -

He goes on to explain.

- It will not be perfect, but it can be done; it can be done. -

- I believe that as a child I heard the news of an anthropomorphic family of the species ostrich, giving birth by the human method. -

Wolf mentions.

- Viviparous reproduction. -And Oviparous is the reproduction that includes the deposition of eggs. -

- I'm going to lay an egg? -The vulpine is still stunned.

- I know it's hard to believe, medicine still doesn't know how exactly these develop. . . Reproductions between Oviparous and Viviparous. -

Try to explain it in terms they can understand.

- It is speculated that it is mainly due to the adaptation of the mother's body as that of the offspring.

Either the son adapts to viviparous gestation or the mother adapts to oviparous gestation.

And also those particular cases may occur as in the Ostrich Family. -

- And what happens if one of the two does not adapt? -asks Snake.

- The pregnancy will no longer be viable. -

Snake's lower lip quivered with worry taking over.

- So what do we do now? -

Asks the canine beginning to rub gentle circles on her husband's back.

- We will start with a new procedure, but above all; Diane, you have to do absolute rest. -

- Is there no other alternative? -

Diane asks feeling a cold worm of panic wriggling in her gut.

- I'm working on a project to get a deal with the Brazilian water reserves to combat droughts. -

- Sorry Mayor, with the egg and her age, this pregnancy became high risk, we have to prioritize the baby's survival. -

The vulpine looked down with an inscrutable expression on her face.

- I am very sorry Diane. -

The wolf apologized.

- I'm sure you understand, everyone recognizes Brazil for its excellent support to working women. -

Diane dropped heavily into the chair, her elbows on her knees and her head in her hands.

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- Are you sure you don't want to live with us until the pregnancy is over? -

Wolf asks now in the hospital parking lot.

- You have already asked three times and the answer is still the same. -He's looking for the keys.

- But we can take care of you while you're resting in bed. -She insists.

- And take care of you after the birth. -

The snake comments with a very natural concern as she observes the way her friend avoids the eyes of both of them.

- That's very kind of you guys, but I feel more comfortable alone at home. -

- At least let us hire a housekeeper or a nurse. -

- That's fine. -

I got into the car and the door slammed shut on the quiet hospital.

- I need to get things in order at work now that Maternity Leave has come early. -

They say goodbye with anxious flips in their stomachs.

They watched until Diane's car faded into the distance.

They avert their eyes to meet each other's, tired, anguished and utterly defeated.

Both standing in front of each other, distraught and separated.

Slowly, the news of what had just happened seemed to sink into their guts.

Wolf crossed two strides and wrapped Snake in his arms without exchanging words, pulling his beloved against him in an attempt to give himself reassurance.

The coils come up in turn and he wraps them around his shoulders, tight, his face buried in his shoulder.

Their hearts clench, as if a hand is crushing them too tightly.

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Wolf pulled into the driveway, parked, turned off the engine with an aggressive flick of his wrist.

But he didn't move.

He watched Snake remove his seatbelt and get out of the car, quickly slid into the door.

He leaned his head back against the seat, so far back that his body tilted a little and his eyes open, they are looking straight up at the sky.

He contemplated the vast blue for a moment, and stepped out of the car, the door to the house slamming shut on the quiet neighborhood.

When Wolf reached him, Snake is in the kitchen and offered him a glass of water.

- Thank you. -

His throat felt like sand.

- We knew there was a chance it was a snake. -

- Call me an idiot, but my brain didn't register the idea of Diane laying an egg. -

Rest the empty glass in the sink.

- Neither did I. -

He leans against the kitchen counter.

Snake suddenly tenses before breaking down, a gasp coming out of his mouth as he begins to sob with tears running down his face.

Mr. Wolf is surprised before hugging him and murmuring words of comfort.

- I have a bad feeling. -

He doesn't want to say the word.

Like Schrödinger's cat: there's always a chance.

And he's afraid to open the box and find that the cat was always dead.

- I'm sorry. -

She wipes her face and looks at him with bloodshot eyes.

- It's all right. -

Wolf cups her face between his hands to lovingly caress her cheeks.

- This is hard, whatever happens, we'll get through this. -

He promises with his eyes holding back tears.

- . . . We should. . . . Adopt those babies. -

She murmurs, turning her head to bury her face in the soft fur of his neck.

- Really? -

- I'm tired of life just not working out the way you want it to. . . . It hurts so much Wolf. -

He couldn't stop the tears from falling from his eyes.

- Nature will take its own course, and I would like to have our family secured when it is decided. -

- . . . All right, when you feel better, and if you still want to, we will. -

She cradles him in her arms and carries him to her room, snuggling into bed as they cover each other with a blanket.

They rest in a warm embrace, cuddling each other to ease the squirming and tossing.

They couldn't sleep well, but feel some of the panic subside.

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Snake is lying on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

The door opens quietly and Wolf enters with breakfast.

- How are you? -He offers him a piece of toast.

- Not very well. -

Toast tastes like ashes to him.

- How about you? -

- The same. -He passes her a large cup of coffee with sugar.

They realize that no amount of comforting words will ease the anguish, only listening was the best balm.

- Our friends called worried, I had to tell them to give us some time. -

He sits on the edge of the bed.

- Sooner or later they will find out, when they see Diane bedridden.

I'm tempted to let them find out that way, but they might think worse, and it wouldn't be fair to Diane. -

- Have you talked to her? How is she? -

Leave the empty cup on the bedside table.

- She sounds a little stressed. She sounds a little stressed. -

- It's unavoidable. -She sighs. It's not a machine. -

- . . . I mean I'm sick not to go to work. -

- Mike is capable of coming in to take your temperature. -

Silence threatened to fall upon them once again.

They lie down on the bed, rest their heads on the pillow and cover themselves with the sheets.

- Do you think I was selfish to decide to adopt them just then? -

The wolf slid his hands down the coils.

- Having children has always been a selfish decision, I don't care what the reason is, as long as they give them a good life. -

He bowed his head and kissed the tip of the tail.

- And I know you'll be an excellent father. -

Snake's breath caught and he struggled to hold back the tears that threatened to fall.

And with that, Wolf felt tears running down his eyes.

Just hours before, he had thought that nothing could bring them down from their cloud of happiness.

They hug each other tightly as they both sob.

They are sure of one thing, they are going to have children, they don't know when, but they will.

But now they just want to grieve and cry together.


Wolf woke up to the smell of breakfast.

Eyes still foggy from sleep, he staggered out of bed to the kitchen.

Snake wished him good morning by handing him his cup of coffee.

He sat at the table, his back leaning against the back of the chair, enjoying the small moment.

She took a sip of her coffee and let out a sigh.

- Thank you, I needed it. -

- Really? -

You press the back of your tail against your husband's cheek.

- I saw you cry over the seven failed attempts. How come you're more composed than me? -

- Because we lost them. -

She lowers the cup to hold that tail and lifts it to press a kiss.

- And right now I know that baby will come through. -

Mr. Snake took a while to respond, as if he was thinking about what he'd said.

- I envy your optimism. -

Wolf realized how sad he sounded, offered Snake a smile before making him sit on his lap, and simply licked his face as the snake tried to push him off.

- Stop it! -

He extends both arms to better wrap around Mr. Snake, and holds him tightly.

When he managed to get him off him, the wolf laughed excitedly.

- And knowing how his father is for not giving up; I know he's going to be a fighter. -

They look at each other and then Snake feels something twitch in his face.

Wolf puts his palm on his neck, pulls him to him by extending both arms again and wraps them around him, holding him in a gentle embrace.

- I'm sorry, really; I hate sitting here, I feel there must be something else I can help with.

I spent all night reading about medicine on Wiki in the hope of finding something. . . I feel useless. -

- Me too, I don't understand how there can be so many mad scientists who can do anything science fiction, and there are not more advances in science for these cases. -

- Too many bad guys in politics who don't want to invest in what really matters. -

They were quiet for the rest of the day, trying to process the thoughts in their heads.

With a strangely soft and safe atmosphere.

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Wolf with his gift basket was greeted with the sound of Diane's retching.

He made his way down the aisle and knelt beside her.

He reached out and stroked her back as she threw up in a trash can, sweat beading the fur all over her face and back of her neck.

- What about your nanny? -

- She went to the market. -She said quietly before vomiting again.

She snorted in exhaustion and settled back against the pillows and blankets.

- Do me a favor and get rid of this. -

She hands him the trash can filled to the brim.

- Pleased to meet you. -He says with a forced smile and holding in his gagging.

- Also bring me some tea, Nana made it this morning, help yourself if you want. -

After dumping the contents in the toilet and washing the basket in the garden, Mr. Wolf sat down next to her on the bed and offered her a cup of tea.

The hot tea is pressed into her hand, warming her fingers and palm.

- Thank you. -

She sips it, relieving her discomfort a little.

- Don't you want some? -

He notices that his friend also seems to be exhausted with bags under his eyes.

- Some other time. -He politely declines.

- How have you been? -

- Well, I mean; not well, but we've reached a point of acceptance. -

- Everything will be fine Wolf, I won't let anything bad happen to him. -

With a serene expression on his face, he gently caressed her belly.

- Thank you so much Diane, I don't know what we would do without you. -

He takes another sip of tea after seeing that there was a pause of silence.

They are both sadly aware that their conversations had been drastically reduced.

They were limited to pregnancy and health.

The affinity they shared at the beginning had gradually faded.

- Diane. -

Something stings in the back of his throat when he looks into her eyes.

- I came because I wanted you to be the first to know. . . . That Snake and I decided to adopt those Eggs. -

She remembers how the doctor told her outright; that the pregnancy became high risk.

- Oh, that's. . . . -

She clenched her fists under the blanket.

- Fantastic! -

He smiles from cheek to cheek with his eyes crinkling at the corners.

- It's not the twelve kids you wanted, but four is pretty good. -

It's obvious his best friend is happy, with his mouth twitching upward and tail wagging.

When he left.

He couldn't stop a bitter feeling from overflowing his heart, causing his whole body to tremble.

She leaned over, the urge to cry was so intense it burned her eyes, but she didn't want to cry anymore.


Snake is frowning at her husband and friends.

Make no mistake.

She had never been happier.

Being able to take their three children to their new home has been the most exciting and satisfying experience they have ever had.

They still had a lot of planning and worrying to do, but they could do it.

Because they had all five, and soon there would be six.

She carefully built a makeshift nest in the double bed to house the eggs while they wait for the incubator to arrive.

Right now she is warming the nest, with the eggs huddled under her coils at the perfect temperature for incubation.

And her found family won't stop taking pictures of her from every possible angle.

- They want to stop at once. -

She feels like a zoo animal.

- I'm sorry, but Diane asked for a lot of pictures. -

Poor thing can't get out of bed to share this moment.

Wolf replied, giving her a smirk as he filled his cell phone memory with pictures of her husband and children.

- Come on, old man, smile. -Webs asks from the ceiling, pointing his cell phone at him.

She rolls up in a pyramid shape, hiding her head.

- Still cute! -Shark exclaims, taking more pictures.

- Come on honey, it's a moment to remember. -

Speaks the wolf with an affectionate smile.

- It will be good practice for when the babies are born. -

- . . . Yes. -

He pokes his head out reluctantly.

- With the fact that you'll be competing in Montreal, I'm sure you want the whole moment captured. -

Now the spotlight is on Mr. Wolf.

The way he finally seems to realize what he just heard.

You watch as his eyes widen like saucers and his face turns pale as snow, hands losing strength until he drops the cell phone to the floor.

All eyes on him, silently asking; did you really forget?

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Mr. Wolf clings to the headboard with his trainer Mike trying to drag him away.

- I swear I'll beat the shit out of you, twist you whole and then I'll tie you in a knot and get you on that damn plane! -

The wolf is one of the team's top runners. So he's not expendable.

The threat goes in one ear and out the other.

Just watching her perfect husband carefully warm the perfect nest to a perfect temperature to incubate her perfect offspring . . .

- I'm not going! -she replied.

- Wolf, stop your tantrums and go! -Snake demanded.

- It's only one race we can live without! -He tries to convince him.

- And who's going to pay all the loans to the bank?! -

Mike roars, piercing the eardrums.

- With your husband's teaching salary he sure as hell won't! -

- Fuck you, Mike! -Screams the snake.

- Hey no shame! Some need Emotional Support Dogs and some need Financial Dogs.

No one is judged here. But it's my turn in custody.

- And how do you know about... -Wolf asks.

- They are celebrities! Everyone knows that they took out loans to pay for the conception. -

It took them another twenty minutes to take him away by force.

Separation anxiety is difficult.

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- How nice of you to come visit me. -

Diane smiles at the shark, who struggled through the door to her room.

- It's been a long time since we've talked. -

Shark smiles back at her pale, sweaty friend.

- And I wanted to. . . -

The vulpine could barely sit up off the bed and reach the trash can; throwing up her breakfast and lunch inches from Mr. Shark's feet.

After an agitated minute, she sat up straight.

- Excuse me Shark. -

- No, no, it's no problem. -He took the basket out of her hands. -

Five minutes later he returns to his seat next to the bed.

- As I was saying; I feel like it's been a long time since we've talked and I wanted to catch up. -

- Not much has happened, I've been in bed for the last few months, wasting time on my cell phone. -

- And what about your deal with the water reserves? It was a success! -

- Yes, it was. I'm glad... Betty did an excellent job in managing my almost finished project, and taking all the credit. -

Her squalid sense screams to her that there's danger.

- And kindly offer to ''take over'' the other projects he was working on.

A shudder of fear runs through him when he hears that quiet voice.

- We'd better change the subject! Tell me about what it's like to gestate an egg. -

- It's actually quite simple. -

They look at the little bulge under her pajamas.

The fabric pooled around her waist, barely making her look bigger than she really was.

It didn't even have the obvious signs like the swelling of her abdomen against the pronounced bony contours of her ribs and hips.

Hardly a mound that could easily be hidden.

- During pregnancy, I haven't had to suffer with the baby doing in utero gymnastics. -

No knee to the rib cage, no punch to the bladder, no foot to the spine.

- I don't feel the slightest movement, I could forget I was pregnant if I didn't have the common pregnancy symptoms. -

Backaches, footaches, and the other dozens of aches and pains that decide to plague you day and night.

- This may be the easiest and most difficult pregnancy I have ever experienced in my life. -

- I'm sure when the time comes you won't even feel it. -

- Actually, the doctor advised a cesarean section. -

- Let me guess; your body is not designed to lay eggs. -

- Yes, it is. . . . She said there's a size mismatch between my pelvis and the egg. -

Shark is unable to speak again because of the lump in his throat, so he nods.

- The reason may be because of that; The egg, hence the''Lack of Progress'', but he couldn't assure me that this; Wouldn't happen again. -

As he began to speak, the floodgates opened and tears began to flow down his face.

Shark's heart races and reflexively wraps her arms around her friend.

Diane says nothing.

Her jaw is clenched, a small vein throbbing in her temple.

She is obviously trying not to cry anymore.

This something of a rarity for the shark, it has witnessed Diane shake off her fear and look straight into the eye of the hurricane.

And although he's witnessed a few moments of weakness, he's never seen her like this before.

- Sorry about that. -He soothes her shoulder.

He hates how they get out of control so easily, dissolving into tears over the most insignificant things.

No matter how often Wolf, Snake or the doctor explains to him that it's his raging hormones.

He still feels vulnerable and embarrassed by his volatile emotions.

- Relax, cry as much as you need to. -

He has snot and tears on his shoulder, and he's sure the claws are going to leave tracks in his skin, but he lets her vent.

He runs the flipper over her back as soothingly as he can.

Diane calms down after a while.

The crying has stopped, aside from the occasional slight sobbing and shuddering.

- Thank you. -She murmurs, "I haven't been the same for a while. -

-I get the idea. -

He helps her lean back against the headboard, pulls the sheets to cover her up to her hips.

- Do you want to tell me? -

He's not going to push her for it.

If she wants to or not, he'll respect that.

- . . . This is harder than I thought. -

Her voice cracks at the end.

- Sitting here listening to my body not being able to adequately protect the child of my best friends. . . . And being aware that I may not be able to protect my own children in their time of greatest need, either. -

The sound of his voice becomes more strained, as if he is about to start breaking.

- It has made me feel weak and useless. -

Shark doesn't say anything, he just listens.

- It feels the same as. . . . When. . . . -

She sobs, while clinging to the blanket with a trembling grip.

- I feel just as weak as the day I lost my parents forever. -

The memory of the Hunter chasing her, lengthening the chase for his own insane amusement, but giving her a chance to hide behind a tree by the underbrush.

- Diane. . . . It's okay. -He says, offering her a glass of water.

Diane was so lost in her memories, she didn't react when she went to get the glass of water in the kitchen.

- No. It's not okay, I'd already had my own closure, I'd processed it and moved on. -

She felt another shiver run down her shoulders and spine.

- The mind is complicated, trauma tends to be reborn, and working through it takes a long time. -

- That's what I did, I worked hard, training physically and mentally to never be weak again. -

Breathe deeply, panting.

- That must be your way of healing, to have power and strength, because that's how you; You are in control. -

The shark spoke softly, in the calmest tone he could use.

- And sometimes. . . . There are times when we are not in control.

Even if you train to be a Super Soldier.

Organize Your Life with Complex Systems like Wolf.

Or set yourself up in a Comfort Zone like Snake.

No one can be in complete control.

What we must do is adapt and become stronger. -

As I listened to him, Diane's breathing seemed to regularize.

- You may think this is a step backwards, but you've come further than you think, because you are a warrior. -

- . . . Thank you Shark. -

She tries to keep her labored breathing under control.

She turned to the fish in a hug, which Mr. Shark gladly received, cradling her in his fins.

- I must apologize to Wolf and Snake. -

She wipes her cheeks wet with tears.

- I behaved very badly with them, when we knew that their son was at risk, I transformed the situation into my own, without saying any words of comfort to them. -

- You are giving them a child at the cost of your body, mind, time and work. -

She passes him a box of tissues she had on the bedside table.

- I'm sure they will understand, and if they don't... -

He cracks his knuckles.

- Call me and I'll make them understand. -

Just hearing it made Diane smile.

- . . . I just realized I haven't heard from you in a long time. -

- I can't complain. -

- Don't be silly, I want to listen to you. -

- . . . I feel lonely.

Each of you is forming your own life, and I'm happy about it.

But I had hoped that we would always go all together against the world, and now; I feel like a secondary character in your lives. -

Diane affectionately rubbed her hand against Shark's shoulder, doing her best to comfort him.

- Our conversations have been drastically reduced to just talking about responsibilities and concerns.

Don't get me wrong! I'm happy to be his shoulder.

I just miss the days when we would watch TV and talk about stupid things. -

He lowers his head sadly.

- And now that they're going to be parents. . . . Maybe I should adopt a dog. -

- I know it's sad to say goodbye, but it's a nice change. -She looks at him softly.

Mr. Shark smiled.

- Yes, it's a nice change. -He says with teary eyes.

- And now that I've come as close to motherhood as I've ever been in my life, I can assure you that I'm not ready to be a mother yet. Someday! but not today. -

- So? -He looks at her curiously.

- That you and I will be for a long time; Best Single Friends and Best Uncles. -

He raises a friendly fist at her.

- What do you say? -

- Of course! -His flipper flutters.

Both fist bump with beaming smiles.


The smell of burning rubber, oil and gasoline permeates the place.

The sound of the engines come in wave after wave.

The noise of the cars was so loud that they needed to wear muffled headphones.

- You look like you just had a colonoscopy. -Mike complains, watching the interviews with the reporters.

- And what else do you expect?! My children are born today, and I'm stuck in another country! -

- Welcome to the world of being a father, you are now the cashier of the family. -

- Oh please! That's it, I'm going home. -He heads for the door.

- Do you really want to pay the fees for non-fulfillment of your contract? -

Wolf freezes, clenches his fangs and his hands shake into fists.

- It's better that you accept it, with debts, college tuition, and surely needing to move to a bigger house, you became a slave to money like everyone else. -

His eyes glow red, for the first time in a long time he feels the great temptation to go back to being a Bad Guy.

- If you're so worried about money, you should start selling your stuff, a pair of used underpants could be worth over 50,000$ -

- I'm not that desperate yet. -

You know that's not sincere advice, for years the company has wanted me to auction off your stuff, specifically the stuff that contains your body odor.

- Yes you are. -

He says after looking you up and down.

- You're out in five, and if you want to support your family, you better win that race. -

Wolf turns his back with a grunt, quickly reaches into his cell phone and dials Snake's number.

- Wolf, you just called five minutes ago. -

Her husband's voice greeted him from the hospital.

- Still no movement. -

- Thank God! -

She feels a little of the weight lifted off her shoulders.

- Keep it up, I'm planning to take the first plane after I finish my degree. -

- But same-day flights are expensive! -

- I'll sell my dignity if I have to! But I'll be there to meet my children! -

- . . . It would be great if I did. -

- I miss you, I miss you all. -

- I miss you too. . . . I'm surprised you didn't try to escape. -

- Your well-being is the only thing keeping me here. -

- How corny! -

They both laugh.

- Mr. Wolf! -One of the managers announces, "It's about to start. -

- Win that race. -Supports the snake after saying goodbye.

- Send me a kiss. -

He hangs up, and Wolf can only laugh, as he is dragged by Mike and pushed into the car.

The Mechanical Team is making the final adjustments.

The race is about to start and the fire mask is put on.

All the drivers get into position.

The match is about to start.

They move from left to right the tires to try to general heat.

The five small starting lights went out and the sound of the engines exploded along with the screams of excitement from the fans.

Wolf stepped on the gas knowing that the drivers behind him wanted to pass him.

The cars raced around the track.

Showing that they were giving him no room to move forward, zigzagging from left to right using almost the entire width of the track.

A drag race until they reached the first corner where accidents tended to happen.

Cars raced along the asphalt, braking at the corners to avoid crashing into the gratings.

Wolf surged ahead unscrupulously, ignoring the instructions his team was giving him from the microphone.

He held his line with a high-speed left turn.

I hear Mike curse all his ancestors - you can't win in the first corner, but you can lose the race!

He could take a wider line when entering the corner, which gives him more opportunity for more speed.

He now has the advantage of the inside line.

The other cars tried to pick up speed coming out of the corner, causing some to become unsettled.

Which caused a few to touch slightly and start spinning.

Those who were lucky corrected it at the last second; but they lost positions, and the others went off the track; Causing them to be in the last places.

Wolf kept his patience and kept his distance from his opponent, like a predator waiting for his best opportunity.

On the straight track coming after the corner, he began to vigorously chase the one in a superior position; causing them to feel a sense of a chase crisis.

In professional races like these, you have to be aggressive or wait for the drivers in front to make a mistake, because qualifying is the most important thing, since overtaking is almost impossible.

Now they must protect themselves from Mr. Wolf's attacks.

Who had not been overtaken by anyone, and was getting faster and faster.

But the surprise was that he was only chasing them, with no sign of overtaking.

Wolf knew he just needed to execute the stops with precision.

In the next corner, he didn't hesitate to go kamikaze; causing him to have understeer problems, which caused the front tires to take longer to grip in the turns and led to slides.

It also wore out their tires faster.

The veteran drivers realized this, and successfully defended their position coming out of the corner and increased speed going into the straights in an attempt to shake it off.

But every time it looked like they could increase the distance gap, Wolf would close in, as if he had extra speed or something.

Maybe years of practice running from the police.

But his inability to take a turn at his usual pace on corner entrances and exits was slowly slowing him down.

A line is starting to form behind, the only thing that saved him is that the track is difficult to overtake, but that will only help him short time.

Seeing the opportunity, the racers coordinated, increased the car's power and chased Wolf.

Pushing their cars into the gaps that were slowly getting bigger, which made it so that Wolf couldn't hold them off for much longer.

But there was one moment that made their hearts scream.

Mr. Wolf began to steer his car with the rear end.

And because he had purposely reduced all his speed, he released all the tension stored in the spring.

He was able to enter the corners with more speed.

Wolf drove aggressively, putting the nose in the right direction and the car responded obediently, turning smoothly when Wolf told it to.

The wheel battle was turning into a massacre.

He has always loved driving a car, the pleasure of frantically accelerating, and being in complete control of the car.

Constantly making progress while aggressively attacking the opponents in front of him.

The problem was that now his rear tires were wearing out.

But at this point, Wolf took this race as an obstacle he had to overcome in order to welcome his children into the world.

To counteract the problem he starts sliding the rear into the corners where the drivers behind would have a chance to pass him so he could keep his tires longer.

His eyes glow crimson, the drivers will meet a real Fierce Father.

He gradually reduced the gap round after round with the cars in front and competed vigorously by blocking the most optimal routes of the cars chasing him.

After a few laps and numerous turns, they finally reached the last lap.

The two cars vying for first place began to accelerate frantically down the straights.

At first they seemed to be in a dead heat, but soon one was pulling away from the other.

The many spectators were on their feet, screaming with euphoria as they watched him cross the finish line.

After the match was over, he continued driving, taking the car back to the garage.

Mr. Wolf exited the car amidst an avalanche of applause from the crowd, his team and with Mike congratulating him in tears.

He then left them open-mouthed as he ran towards the start, leaving behind a cloud of confusion and disappointment.

Obviously there will be no podium ceremony, no post-race press conference.

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- Because they won't answer me! -He yells at her out of nervousness.

He doesn't know how long he stood there, his eyes focused on his cell phone screen waiting for messages or calls to be returned.

- Sir. -

The employee at the counter speaks to him, causing him to startle.

- The plane is about to take off. -

- That's what they always say, and it takes an hour. -

He complains before turning back to be his last attempt at a call.

If your children are being born right this minute, at least make a video call so I can see it.

- Sir. -

Insists the worker.

- If you want to leave on this flight you must board now. -

His breath comes out as a whistle and his next inhalation is shaky.

- When is the next flight? -

- In twelve hours. -

Mr. Wolf tries to work his way through his mind to find the best decision.

And he notices a detail that makes his hands shake too much.

Did something bad happen?

He thought his friends were absorbed in the happy moment, but forgetting about him, it's not their normal behavior.

He forces himself to relax and loosen the tight grip he has around his phone.

He types the last message telling them what time their plane would arrive.

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He hears only shallow breathing.

He watches the rise and fall of his chest under the blanket in the dark.

He knows he's not asleep.

- Snake. -

He receives no response, the snake continues to breathe, long and slow.

He walks silently to the bed, staggered on his feet before finally sitting on the edge of the mattress.

It says nothing.

He doesn't know what to do or say.

His stomach twists as he remembers that conversation he had with his friends when they came to pick him up.

His hand moved and began to stroke following the patterns of the soft chestnut scales.

Snake stirs but doesn't move away from the touch.

She sticks her tail out from under the comforter and grabs him by the wrist.

Her fingers wrap around him.

They look into each other's eyes.

After a minute of silence.

Snake's face changes.

His frown trembles and his eyes narrow.

A shaky sigh escapes his nose.

- Wolf. -His voice is choked.

Tears start at the corners of his eyes.

- I'm sorry Snake. -

I take a shaky breath, through gritted teeth.

- I should have been with you. -

His voice is desperate.

She tries to take a deep breath through her nose and stifles a sob.

She unfolds her fingers and presses her thumbs into the soft, supple flesh of her husband's cheek.

The tears run faster now.

- I want my children back. -

Begs in a broken voice the reptile before breaking down.

She trembles as sobs shake her whole body.

Wolf feels his eyes stinging, with tears beginning to overflow around the edges, he pulls Snake to him and they collapse together.


- Anthropomorphs and Animals. -

Tiffany Fluffit begins her program.

- What is it that distinguishes them?

At first glance we focus on their appearance, since the Evolutionary Chain granted them a set of morphological modifications that differentiate them from their animal ancestors.

With the shape of their skeleton resembling that of humans, but retaining some of their characteristics.

Such as the ability to breathe under water, fly, etc.

Giving them great physical advantages, but! Without being able to overcome the specializations of the animal, making them very vulnerable if found in natural conditions.

Let's just say that the decades of Civilized Society is slowly cutting their claws. -

He explains calmly.

- I have to point out that not all Anthropomorphs have the same morphological modifications.

For example, our beloved Retired Hero; Mr. Snake.

Who could easily be mistaken for a Wild Snake.

In these cases the Evolutionary Chain focused on the acquisition of a higher degree of intelligence, something that is not seen at first glance. -

He smiles at the camera.

- I'm sure you're wondering why I started giving you a biology class that you should have already learned in school.

Well, I just wanted to remind them for what's coming up. -

She gets serious.

- Last night at the Hospital, there was a shocking revelation.

The family of Anthropomorphs of the Crocodile Species that died in a terrible car accident a few months ago.

They were actually a Gang of Traffickers.

They stole Eggs from the Wild Crocodiles and passed them off as their own and then sold them on the Black Market.

This fact was discovered thanks to the Doctors who observed that their behavior was abnormal after hatching.

They were taken to a shelter to rehabilitate them, so they can return to their natural environment.

If you want to know what Commissioner Misty Luggins said and what happened to the parents. ...- Diane turns off the TV when the TV is on.

Diane turns off the TV when her friend answers her call after the sixth ring.

- Hello Wolf. -

She tries to be as natural and caring as possible.

- How are you? -

- Well. . . . Here we go. -

He hears a sigh.

- Snake just leaves the nest to go to the bathroom. -

- ...is there anything I can do? -

- This is more than enough. -

Although his tone was tired, it sounded sincere.

- Okay, if you need anything, or need to talk, just let me know. -

- Thank you, Diane. -

They are silent for a few seconds.

- How are you feeling? It's a few days away. -

- A little Braxton Hicks and stiffness in the belly. -

She's stroking the little lump in her stomach.

- So how did it go with the social worker? Did he finally file the lawsuit? -

Snake tried to hang him and his friends had to stop him.

That's why they didn't answer.

- We settled with a severance package. -

- And the videos? -

Unfortunately someone recorded that moment.

- The university is still discussing leaving him in his position. -

- A Statement in the dam apologizing for your behavior will be more than enough. -

Years of being a public figure has taught him something about the media.

- Admit what happened, don't deny anything and don't argue, add a sentimental story of overcoming that will make people feel sorry for you, and so reflect, which. . . -

- We are not in a position now. -

- Sorry! I got carried away, take as much time as you need. -

- I like the plan anyway, I'll call you when things are better. -

They both say goodbye.

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- Diane sends her regards. -She says entering the room.

- That's nice. -Snake barely responds with a murmur.

- Everything is going well with the baby. -

Quiet.

- Do you want a Push Pop? -

Mr. Wolf was getting more and more worried by the hour, barely talking, hardly moving. . . .

He doesn't seem to be emotionless.

- Maybe later. -His only expression a pensive generic look.

The condolences were meaningless.

He moved as if in a kind of trance.

There he lay in the nest, staring into nothingness.

Wolf rubbed the back of his neck with one hand and shivered in frustration, searching for something he could do.

- . . . Give me a moment. -

He leaves the room and returns after a few minutes.

- Snake. -

Kneels down on the side of the bed to face each other.

- I called, and they told me where they sent the baby crocodiles. -

That bursts your husband's bubble.

- Do you want to go visit them? -She gives him a soft smile.

- . . . Yes. -


Snake is clear about one thing.

In all his life, luck had never been kind to him.

He can't even say he lost his babies.

Because they were never his.

His happiness vanished in the blink of an eye.

- Why is it always so difficult? -

He wants it to be just a cruel joke.

- I don't know. -Wolf answers.

She cursed herself a lot.

She should have realized something was wrong.

She might have noticed it earlier, if she hadn't been doped up on dopamine.

- I wish things were easy, too. -

They're not crying.

No emotion crosses their faces.

- Snake. . . . It's getting close to the birth date. -

The reptile just stares at the wall without moving.

- Diane has been having contractions for two days. -

He closes his eyes instinctively.

Despair and pain work their way through him.

- Shut up. -

He doesn't allow himself to feel.

He built a dam that is overflowing .

- . . . I plan to give up racing. -

The words echoed through the snake.

He jerked his eyes open and I looked into the pitiful golden eyes that reflected his broken heart.

- Easy. -

He lifts Snake's head gently to look him in the eyes.

- I'll do it another time, when we are more financially stable. -

- Why? What happened? -

Fear and sadness for more bad news gripped every part of him.

He crawls over to the wolf and wraps himself around his waist.

- When I thought I was going to miss the birth . . . Every priority, feeling, goal and need was rearranged. -

Cradles Snake's head as if he were the baby they fail to have. . .

- . . . But that's always been your dream. -

- I have new dreams. -

Your son is now at the center of everything.

- I don't want to miss anything. -

I can see the miserable glow of apathy reflected in the eyes of his beloved snake.

- I'll look for a job that won't take me out of town. -

Apathy flickers like a candle about to be extinguished.

- I'll always be there for you. -

She swallows back tears as tremors run through her body.

- But now that baby needs us. -

A sudden, unsettling realization dawns inside Snake.

- And I can't do this without you. -His voice cracks.

His mind whirls along with the swirl of emotions roaring inside.

She is not an armor made of flesh.

Her husband's shoulders curl inward.

- I can't do it without you. -She pleads again with a sob coming from her throat.

The dam finally breaks.

After so many days, Snake began to cry.

Mr. Wolf crushed him to his chest, tears welled up in his eyes as he hugged him.

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When night came they turned off the lights, and crawled into bed, keeping their distance from each other.

Something out of the ordinary considering they usually need each other's constant contact.

They stayed awake for what seemed like hours.

- I'm sorry for pressuring you. -

- Don't be sorry, those are the things to do when you're responsible for a life. -

Diane and the baby need them.

This shakes some of the discomfort for both of them.

- The baby will remain in the shell. -He points to the wolf. We'll still have time for us. -

- That sounds good. -

The pain and the feeling of emptiness still remains.

But you haven't come this far by letting it consume you.

Your lives are changing.

It may be for the better or for the worse.

Now that's up to them at this point.

And it will be for the better.


- I think the baby is coming. -Diane says on the other end of the line.

- The baby's coming! -she shrieks at lunch.

The emotions of happiness quickly turned to terror.

- Put the speaker on! -Snake shouts after spitting out his lemonade.

Fulfills the order as they run to get the keys.

- Did your water break! -

- Not yet, but I've had intermittent twinges of pain all day. -

She had been having these contractions off and on for the last four days, and the pain and pressure was not yet so bad, it was the stiffness of the muscles that was getting to her and she felt like she couldn't take it anymore.

- All right, wait for us, stay calm, we are on our way. -

They run all over the house looking for their things.

They get an adrenaline rush, which they are used to feeling when they are on the verge of death when they save the world.

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- Diane! Where are you? -Wolf shouts, entering the foyer thanks to the emergency key.

- Where are you always! -

They take a few steps down the hallway, peek through the door and find Diane sitting on her bed, rubbing her belly as she breathes slowly.

- Are you all right? -Snake asks.

- No! Being in labor for days is horrible. -

- Sorry, it was a stupid question. -He admits.

- No, I'm sorry. -

This contraction was particularly strong.

- Right now any noise makes me want to kill someone. -

Her friends shudder, feeling the damaging energy emanating from the vulpine.

Snake sits behind her, and helps her prop her up on her legs while Wolf packs her bags in the trunk of the car, with Snake making sure the car seat was secure.

They know they are playing too close to the fire, and without caution, they will get burned.

They helped her sit up and buckle her seatbelt before setting off for the hospital.

She grabbed her seat belt as another contraction began to develop, shifting uncomfortably in her seat.

- Do you want some water? -She picks up a bottle covered in slime and offers it to him.

- Ugh! -He holds back the nausea.

- What? It's inside the plastic. -

- Don't worry, we're almost there. -

Wolf reports, trying to concentrate on the road.

- And Diane, if you can't hold on, don't worry, it will be an honor to have my son born in my car. -

She can feel the mood of her husband and friend sour.

The journey continued in silence with three more contractions before they arrived at the hospital.

They already knew what to do because they rehearsed it.

The proper paperwork was filled out, as they carried Diane to her room.

The nurses helped her into her gown and placed her on the gurney with a summary of what would happen once they were settled.

Then they put her in the bed with an IV and monitor wrapped around her belly.

- How are you feeling? -Wolf asked the moment the nurses left them alone.

- A little sore but it's manageable. -

60 minutes passed when she hissed from the contraction and from the increased tension around her hips.

The pains had worsened, the contractions are regular and the time between contractions was getting shorter.

Wolf and Snake could only rub her back in consolation, praying for the epidural to take effect.

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For the last few hours she has had intense back pain and almost unbearable stomach cramps that made her feel tears stinging in her eyes.

Diane lay in bed, desperately taking in a few breaths of air as she tried to overcome the pain.

Her body is preparing her for the pains of childbirth.

A wet tingling sensation spread and flowed down her legs.

Ah water broke.

She clutched at the sheets on the hospital gurney.

Her body was drenched in sweat and she was having a hard time holding back the tears.

Wolf and Snake positioned themselves on either side of the bed and each firmly grasped Diane's hand.

They could feel their friend's heart racing-or is it their hearts?

Veins surged up the Vulpine's arms at the surge of pain that coursed through her body.

She gripped her friends hand/tail tighter with her loud moans of pain.

Her heart felt like it was going to pound out of her chest, her hands felt clammy with sweat and her lungs burned with the need for oxygen.

He went on like this for hours.

Her body seemed to know what to do, and did so with wave after wave of pressure and pain.

He doesn't know how he manages to endure it for so long.

Must it take so long to start?

She closed her eyes and took a few more deep breaths to try to brace herself.

His heart was pounding, his hands were shaking and a layer of sweat covered his entire body.

It was the first time he experienced this kind of pain, it didn't compare to any of the injuries he had suffered during his countless missions or robberies.

For in this one he felt weak and helpless, his mind filled with cynical thoughts as if he was on the verge of total collapse.

Completely out of his element.

She had to fight off waves of nausea as the contractions became increasingly torturous.

But sometime around first light in the morning.

Diane was taken to the operating room as her contractions peaked.

The doctors prepared for the cesarean section, and they are able to remove the egg from the womb.

She felt the muscles in her lower abdomen begin to tighten tighter, causing her to let out a cry of agony and close her eyes tightly.

So many hands around her, eyes, half-masked faces and numerous needle pricks in her body.

He did his best to try to take deep breaths with the nasal cannula on his face, until the drugs took effect and numbed the lower part.

Chest heaving and limbs shaking, she enjoyed the brief respite, the baby was so close to coming.

- You can do it Diane! -said the wolf fervently.

The husbands are still at her side, dressed in a medical uniform, a cap and a mask over the face.

- This is nothing for you. -Supports Snake.

-We're here for you, don't forget. -

- We won't leave your side, no matter what happens. -

Diane cries, fresh tears rolling down her cheeks with every word.

The grueling nature of what was happening combined with Wolf and Snake's voices encouraging her somehow made her feel strong as a scalpel sliced open her skin accompanied by thick red liquid.

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More than sixty excruciating minutes later, the doctor's voice finally echoed through the room, alerting everyone in the area to the arrival of new life.

Diane exhaled a huge sigh of relief and leaned back against the pillows again, her two friends still clasping her hands but with her eyes on the nurse cleaning the egg.

Their egg.

They watch as they wrapped the baby in a blanket.

Then, she pulled the bundle closer and Wolf reached out his hands just enough so they could snuggle the egg into the curve of them.

He looked at the delicate soft shell and it's perfect.

Carefully pressing through the blanket, she was afraid of hurting him.

After another moment of being like this, she remembered her husband's presence.

She knew he was anxious about this just as much, and maybe even more than he was.

- Hold him. -She said in a soft voice.

Snake nodded and, with the utmost care, withdrew his grip on Diane's hand.

Then, with the practice of having cared for his three little ones, he took the bundle from Wolf's hands.

She examined the motionless shell as her husband had done earlier.

- Congratulations. -Diane whispered with her eyes fixed on the family.

The scene seemed so perfect and serene that she wanted to freeze time.

She waited a few moments, simply watching, keeping it etched in her memory.

Slowly she moved her head to a more suitable position to call sleep as they stitched and stapled her stomach.

Her body was still under anesthesia and she felt tired, and though she would like to continue watching her friends, she fell asleep.

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She wasn't sure how much time passed when she opened her eyes again and blinked at the light.

Cautiously, she moved to sit up, feeling how sore her body is.

Snake is sitting near the bed, he looked so perfectly comfortable and calm hugging the egg in his rings.

- I have no words to thank you for what you did for us Diane. -He says as he sees her wake up.

- You better make it up to me, I have no words to tell you how much I hate you right now. -

She is aware that she will double over in pain from the sharp burn from the cut in her stomach when the painkillers wear off.

They both smile at each other in mutual understanding.

A peaceful silence took over the room as Wolf and his three friends returned with lunch.

All together enjoying watching the tender scene of the new family.


They are back in the hospital.

Their friends occasionally visit them when their jobs allow.

But the rest of the day they sit around, watching terrible daytime television and walking the halls to pass the time.

They kept watch every night, hoping for a movement or to see the shell crack.

As the week wore on, they became uneasy that it would need to be induced and would not experience hatching naturally.

Tomorrow will be the day they will do the induction, which will be two days after his hatch date.

That day drags on as Snake and Wolf waited and waited.

Feelings of restlessness and impatience began to affect them like ocean waves, gradually devouring them.

But they knew this was the final stretch they had to go through to meet their little one, so they muster what little strength and courage they had left.

Wolf sat on a small couch that had been pushed next to the bed, it was too small to sleep comfortably but he piled on a blanket and pillows in an attempt to make it more comfortable.

Snake sat on the couch, his body curled into a spiral to shelter the egg.

They take turns warming it, Wolf using an electric blanket, or leaving it in the incubator if they both need to rest.

The snake will lower its head to rub its cheek against the soft shell.

Hoping to awaken the baby inside and coax it out.

Wolf gives a small encouraging smile in its direction before leaning down and murmuring excitedly to his son that they are waiting for him out here.

They watch the first movement and all goes silent with shock.

Then another and another.

The egg moved and wiggled over Snake's bonias.

Their hearts get stuck in their throats.

Wolf can only incessantly push the button to call the nurses.

His son pushed from the inside the weakest parts of the shell...

Finally a crack.

Little reddish coils writhing.

The wolf chuckles to himself as he identifies the familiar pattern of scales.

It wraps around them both, putting its arm around Snake and leaning against him.

Their breath catches in their throats and comes out in sobs.

There are no words to explain what he feels now.

Finally, after so much thinking, planning and waiting, he was about to meet the one they already adored more than anyone else in the world.

Thinking back and reliving everything that had happened over the past few years.

They feel that everything they fought for was worth it to be in this moment, when they saw the little snake crying shocked by the bright lights of the hospital, the complete opposite of its comforting shell.

They finally came face to face with the child that had only been an abstract concept in their mind until a few minutes ago.

And it was everything they had imagined.

Their breath held in a gasp, as they saw a second head peek out.


Mr. Shark dressed as a woman is sitting in his living room looking for a good movie.

When he hears the Bolivian anthem he set as his ringtone.

- Hello Piranha. -

Say hello with your eyes still on Zetflix.

- What's up? -

- You were right! -

I shriek, leaving him almost deaf.

- I gave him his space and now Webs seems to dance in the clouds. -

- That's fantastic! -

- Who are you talking to? -

Diane asks coming out of the kitchen with a bowl of popcorn.

They're having a single girls only sleepover.

- Webs is doing much better! -

- That's so good! -

- Is that Diane? Put her on speaker. -

The piranha asks and the shark complies.

- Hello Piranha! -

Greets the vulpine taking a seat on the sofa.

- Hi Diane! You're the most optimistic one! -

- Yes I heard that, I'm so glad. -

- I still don't know what the heck happened, but it looks like you found a way to solve it and I'm happy. -

- You treated her like a princess, of course she was going to get better. -

- I also have other good news; we are officially going to try to have a baby! -

Shark and Diane squealed in delight, almost deafening the one in green.

- I wanted to ask them if they wanted to help us decorate the room. -

They deafen him again with a yes.

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Well. . . . Looks like the baby fever isn't over yet.


END

Thank you for reading.

You read 15060 Words.

02/12/2022

Hope you liked it.

Fun Fact:

Take Diane's backstory from the book.