I wake up and find myself nervously looking around.

"Bad dream, [my Nori?]"

I nod, not feeling sure what to say. Not sure what I can say.

"Do you want to talk about it?" "I...think so. I was in my old room as an otter. Mom came in and screamed at me to shift back. I tried but I couldn't. I kept trying my hardest and I still couldn't. Because of that, she wouldn't stop hurting me. I curled into a ball and tried to get away but I couldn't. Darkness overtook me...then I woke up."

My eyes well up with tears. "I'm still scared Pa." He hugs me. "Don't let go." It comes out as a whimper. I haven't had a dream this bad in some time. I, somewhat nervously, look at the clock. I can feel my tail trembling a little bit. "[I am here. You're safe.]"

The words seem to echo in my mind bringing a wave of reassurance with them.

"Thank you Pa." He smiles. "Not a problem Nori. You O.K now?" I nod. "Yeah, I really am."

I've always liked feeling [safe] with my [family.] When I was younger, I practically clung to that feeling. I remember the first time I felt safe and warm. The memory puts a smile on my face. I continue wearing that smile all the work.

On the way there, I see a lot of people wearing my streak. Copycats. However, I know this means less suspicion will be aroused and that's definitely a good thing. The consequences that having my secret identity blown out of the water would bring...I don't even want to think about them.

When I arrive at work, I notice that Jimmy's photo made the front page. I like the way it came out. I arrive at my desk and notice a letter from Jimmy on it. Like I've been doing with all his letters, I read it in my head.

"Nori,
Am I the only one entertained by the mental image of Clark that you mentioned in your last letter? Though I think you should've added one more detail. His jaw down around his collarbone.
Jimmy"

Man, he's almost as bad as Flash! I know he isn't Flash though.

"Jimmy,
I can't believe I forgot that! Guess I had other thing on my mind. And, to answer your question, No, you're not the only one who's entertained by that mental image of him. Don't tell him I said this but I think that would make a good photo.
Nori"

I've been hanging around Flash too long. Nonetheless, I grin as I set the letter on Jimmy's desk. When I get back to mine, there's an assignment on it.

My grin broadens when I see what it is. Chief wants to go to the zoo so I can write an article on the new otter exhibit. Since I'm still a junior reporter Pa has to go with me. But he definitely sent the right girl. It takes everything I have not to jump up and down when I notice I that we'll get a private moment with the otters. I swear my grin practically splits my face in half when I show Pa the assignment. He smiles and whispers.

"Perfect assignment for you [Nori.]" I whisper back. "I know. Isn't it great? I'm going to see my [kin.] One of them is a descendent of my [brother.] I'm barely managing to keep my [tail] under control, not to mention the rest of me."

I'm so excited!