At six o'clock in the evening, the sky was not yet completely dark.
Neon lights were switched on and light poles were connected to illuminate the bustling streets.
Downtown was at its peak of congestion, with loud voices in the sky and crowds.
The spacious four-lane highway was unbearably crowded due to rush hour.
The densely packed cars were like cans that remained in place on the shelf.
Wolf, stuck in the vehicular traffic, sighs watching the sea of animals of different species that resembled a group of sardines running towards the subway station.
At that moment, an untidy lion's mane waved in the wind, brimming with youthful recklessness and debauchery.
He sped by on his skateboard deftly seeking the spaces between vehicles and pedestrians.
It was so ephemeral, but it was also as if a color illuminated the gray endless stream of people.
Wolf after a few seconds is surprised by the sudden feeling of envy and nostalgia.
A car pulled in front when he saw that he left a little space in his distraction.
He frowns.
He checks for the blue uniform and pulls out his cell phone.
Wolf.
/ Hey guys!
Do you have the other Friday night off?
We're planning to celebrate Rhonda's birthday.
Wanna come? /
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Snake.
/ The college girl? /
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Shark.
/ No.
No.
NO.
I promised myself I'd never be the creepy old guy at frat parties. /
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Webs.
/ I'm coming! /
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Piranha.
/ It won't be in a fraternity.
It's at the bar where I work.
I'll be there serving you at the bar.
Anyone want a Mai Tai? /
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Shark.
/ You talked me into it. /
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Snake.
/ I'll get it. :) /
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Wolf.
/ I'll pick you up after work. /
A honking horn makes his eardrums ache.
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Incandescent light enveloped the night sky.
At the doors of the still lit office building, stands Snake wrapped in a ''leather'' coat, he is half leaning against the wall as a black car pulls up in front.
- Hello Snake. -
Greets the wolf with his gallant smile after rolling down the window.
- You're looking good. -
A numb feeling ran through his body and the snake's heart leapt at the compliment.
- Thanks, those are the advantages of always going casual. -
He replies smugly.
- When you dress a little better you dazzle everyone. -
- Good strategy. -
He lets out an amused laugh.
- And what happened with Webs and Shark? -
He tilts his head to look behind the reptile.
- They're putting on their makeup.
I don't think they'll be long, but you'd better park next to the Parking Meter, if an officer comes I'll pretend I'm looking in my purse. -
He plans with amusement, as he spoke, his eyes remained fixed on the canine's face.
He is disappointed to see no reaction from his friend.
Wolf keeps looking behind him as if an orange light suddenly flickered in his eyes.
When she saw him that way, she couldn't help but tilt her head to the side to follow his line of sight.
The color of his slightly wavy hair shines in the wolf's golden eyes, reminding her of the color of sunrise, orchids, apricots and other dazzlingly beautiful objects.
A pair of large, bright eyes stood out on her face, the color a beautiful shade of green that reminded him of precious emeralds.
She had firm breasts and wide hips, the blue-gray office suit perfectly enveloped her outstanding style, which was as good as a model.
Her eyes covered by the cold glasses are fixed on a pile of papers, reading the document with a serious expression, as if it was the work of a renowned scholar.
That look in her eyes, left a deep impression on Wolf.
Snake was stunned for a moment, staring at the canine who was acting like a teenager dazzled by his first love.
This moment . . . It felt like a joke.
His heart was pounding, which was even painful.
He wanted to say something, but when he saw his friend's face looking to the side with a slightly wondering expression, he swallowed his words.
After taking a deep breath, he tried to calm down.
He coughed a little and spoke as if nothing had happened inside him.
- She is the Governor's Cabinet intern. -
- The Governor's! -
exclaims the wolf falling back to reality and catching it in his eyes.
- We have several projects with the city, he must be here for one of them. -
Explains the snake as he watches the vulpine silently leave through the illuminated streets of the city.
He didn't dare to look directly at the younger one sitting in the car.
- He always makes a routine visit every three weeks. -
He emphasizes his words in hopes that he would save that tidbit of information for future decisions.
He felt as if he had acted in a play and it was time to bring the curtain down.
Even if he felt a deep sadness for how it ended, he felt relief immediately.
As if a weight he forgot existed was lifted.
When Snake turned his eyes again, he met Wolf's meaningful gaze.
He shuddered and muttered:
- What are you looking at? -
- You're quite the Sweetheart. -
Wolf said making an innocent expression and looking helpless.
The reptile's heart, which fell to the ground, returns to its original position.
The shark and the spider run to meet it before the snake can think to say anything.
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Wolf drove all the way to the lower part of the city, with the buildings on either side changing in height and style, showing the history and culture of the city.
Gradually, the exotic scenery emerged along with the intricate streets.
Overflowing styles of wandering artists flowing in the streets and alleys, showing a very different image fragment of the uptown/urban, downtown part of the city.
With extremes of glitz, glamour and spontaneity appearing simultaneously in the small corner of the city.
The Wolf deftly navigated between the streets.
He crossed Sixth Avenue, entering the confines of Fifth Avenue, followed by a sharp turn onto Sixteenth Street.
Finally stopping at the entrance to a secluded Bar, his foot lightly stepping on the front of the brake.
- Go inside while I park. -
He informs while his three friends get out of the car.
- Piranha is already inside, he will introduce you to the whole group. -
With a wave of his hand, he says goodbye and heads towards the nearest parking lot.
- This place sucks. -
Claims the snake holding his nose.
The building is next to the alley where giant trash cans are piled up, and the air is filled with the smell of marijuana that made him frown.
- I feel my eardrums begging me not to go in there. -
Shark announces with a worried face.
You could vaguely see the imposing gray brick walls shaking at the high volume of the music.
- Are they going to behave like grumpy old men all night? -
Interrupts the spider, crossing his arms.
- Say what you want while you can. -
warns the reptile.
- But your days are numbered before you end up like us. -
Webs, retracting his eyes snorts ignoring his words.
The shark preparing his ears, pushed the silver door and they entered.
The blinding lights, the noise, the people, were a trap to overload the senses.
The music so loud that the drinks vibrated along with the speakers.
So that when people felt the rhythm, they didn't hesitate to move their bodies.
The piranha in a bartender's uniform greeted them from the drinks bar.
He's been working here for four months, and because the hours are flexible and the tips are generous, he earns enough to support his daily life at Zootopia, allowing him to work as an actor in his spare time.
- They came just in the nick of time. -
He says standing at the bar, while polishing off the freshly washed beer glasses.
- It won't be long before the bar is full. -
Snake surveyed the room and approached the bar so that his voice could be heard over the bustle of music.
- Still more? -
He asked concerned feeling that the place was already crowded.
- We already told them about you. -
The one in green prepared three mugs of beer for them.
- Go and say hello, they are at the back waiting for you. -
He points to where the lighting is dazzling, the privacy between the booths was not strong and looking down to see all kinds of beers on the tables.
The surrounding voices were really loud as they continuously chattered back and forth.
The venue DJ changed the song and the restless music became livelier.
Causing a roar of approval from the audience.
The rhythmic music echoed across the dance floor, and the intoxicated men and women swaying their bodies surrendered to the atmosphere.
The more they watched, the more they realized that these scenes and the surrounding sounds were becoming more and more diffuse.
Snake couldn't help but take a long sip, he must admit that a little alcohol makes people relax a lot after a busy day at work.
Just then, the beam of light from the ceiling swept and shone down on a group of twenty-somethings in the middle of the dance floor.
The noise was especially noticeable coming from that group in the center of the room.
The young woman in the middle was the main topic of conversation, her voice was loud and cheerful, and she had a carefree giggle.
Thanks to the pictures Wolf showed them, they recognized her as Rhonda, tonight's party girl and roommate of the piranha and the wolf.
A light brown-haired canine with wavy blonde hair pulled to one side, large, bright eyes, a lovely nose, and long, thin lips accompanied by a row of sharp teeth.
She has an ectomorphic build, short legs which did not detract from that imposing aura, and accentuated her beauty.
She was wearing a light pink dress completed with an ivory tweed jacket.
The dress is a one-piece with soft lines that subtly showed off the canine's small curves.
Her firm face seemed unwavering, as if she didn't care about the attention of the people around her.
Every time she talked about something or reacted, the people around her laughed.
The three office workers trudged through the sea of people to greet her.
Along the way, they watched as in the chaos, an unfamiliar paw touched Rhonda's waist.
The birthday girl's smile disappeared, she grabbed the wrist and bent it back fiercely.
The rabbit was twisted like a pretzel, showing an expression of pain.
The canine seemed to say a few words to him and then throw him to the ground.
She fixed her hair, rolled her eyes and continued to enjoy herself with her friends.
The rabbit ran away unable to understand why the seemingly small canine was so strong.
The three friends exchange a knowing look; They must be on Rhonda's good side.
They introduce themselves and congratulate her on her day.
The canine recognizes them from her friend Wolf's photos.
She greets them cheerfully and introduces them to her group of friends who welcome them warmly.
Then the music shook the skies and the smell of alcohol grew.
They began to dance moving to the rhythm of the sound.
The reels sliding swiftly and rising smoothly in the air.
Drinking glasses of hard liquor.
Webs dipped his head into a glass of Manhattan and caught a Cherry with his mouth.
Accompanied by conversation and laughter.
- I think the lead should be Ruben Leo, he's everyone's favorite. -
Speak/Shark shout over the music.
- But I hear a big investor will be at the audition, and they will be very strict. -
The atmosphere in the bar was getting hotter and hotter, and the audience was engrossed in having fun.
Even after a couple of drinks they were basically euphoric.
As the music progressed, their dancing status got better and better.
She bent over, stretched out her rings and lifted her weight to complete the complicated moves.
Finally the song ended and before they switched to the next one; the snake finished her dance with a graceful backward motion.
Drawing an amazingly slender and flexible body in front of everyone.
Her misty eyes gazing into the unknown distance.
At that moment, golden eyes interrupted the scene.
- Wow, that's Snake! -
- Hey handsome! -
Snake's head was already burnt from the alcohol, his expression seemed to be in the middle of going to sleep.
- Where were you? You missed the party. -
The canine shows the box in his hands.
- I was only 30 minutes late, the cake guy cancelled at the last minute and I had to go get it. -
He regained his senses with those impossible words over the music that filled his ears.
He exchanges a glance with the shark.
He has the same panicked expression he must also have right now.
They had been dancing for so long that they are tired to the point of collapse.
The music was pounding so loud in their heads that it felt like their molars were vibrating in tune with it.
Thirsty or with their bladders about to burst from how much they had been drinking.
And with heads spinning.
- Do you want to have a dance competition? -
Suggests the wolf gently leaning in to be closer.
His surroundings were in clamor, so Snake shouldn't have heard it, however, that low muffled voice flew to his ears like a gust of fiery wind.
Snake covered his mouth.
Unfortunately.
His throat didn't cooperate and he let out a loud belch.
- No. -
He responded with discomfort after that.
- I need to sit down. -
- So do I. -
Said a haggard Shark behind him.
- Joy must be guarding a booth. -
The wolf answered, now worried when he saw them like that.
- Let's look for her. -
He accompanies his two friends through the crowded enclosure, taking care that the cake was not crushed.
They walked towards the booths, the lights in the bar were dim and psychedelic, and shadows fell over everyone.
The wolf's other roommate sat in an inconspicuous corner, where the lights glowed dimly.
She seemed to be there alone, holding a glass of wine, taking a sip now and then.
Her profile looked a bit distant, as if she had something on her mind.
That solitary appearance made her look like a flower on a hilltop.
With a blank expression undeterred under the gaze of the three friends.
The woman in her forties rose from the cockpit and waved with her black feathers fluttering with every movement.
A very beautiful raven like a delicate piece of glass, she emitted a sense of tension and danger if you dared to play with her.
She did not like to dress like a mature woman.
Simple, casual clothes are her standard preference.
But for today's occasion, she purposely wore a scarlet chiffon halter dress.
- You must be Snake and Shark, it's nice to meet you. -
Her voice is relaxed, clear and calm, it resonated deeply as if it had a natural, quiet firmness.
- Likewise. -
Says the reptile taking a seat next to her.
- We really thought you hadn't come. -
The shark apologizes, resting his sore back on the back of the seat.
- No problem. -
His profile is like a still, inorganic sculpture, hiding a million secrets and his deep dark eyes reflected a fragile glow.
- Rhonda knows I don't like to be disturbed. -
She cuts a fine figure, the simple gesture of shaking her head doesn't move her expression, and they can't tell what she's thinking.
- . . . Okay. -
Snake replied with narrowed eyes.
- Now that Snake and Shark can take care of the table.
You could come with the others to dance. -
The canine offers.
- No. -
Was the bird's resounding answer.
- It was fine. -
The wolf keeps smiling, accustomed to his friend's attitude.
- Would you like me to bring you some drinks? -
- No. -
- No. -
- No. -
- Okay! -
Leave them with the cake.
- We'll come back in a little while to cut it. -
With that said, the wolf returns to his other friends.
- It's nice to meet you. -
First to speak is the shark.
- Wolf has told us a lot about you, he admires you very much. -
- I've noticed. -
- As someone who also wants to quit his job, I'd like to know what gave you the courage to do it. -
The snake stands aside and just listens to their conversation.
- It's nothing dramatic. -
He sips some wine.
- I just made the mistake of believing that I should continue studying after school.
I took the career that I naively thought I would like for life.
And I basically studied for four years for a job I hate. -
- It's a very good reason. -
Admits the fish.
- But. . . why now?
I studied a career that my parents imposed on me and I still don't have the courage to quit. -
- The company went bankrupt and we all got laid off.
It's hard to get a job at my age, so I lost the apartment where I was living.
. . . It was the best thing that could have happened to me. -
- Really?! -
exclaim the two office workers in disbelief.
- Think of it like when you play video games.
That moment when you invest so much time and energy in that game that you can't put it down.
Add to that the pressure of paying bills, debt, and the thought of losing your hard-earned lifestyle.
It becomes a prison without even realizing it.
And suddenly that game is erased or disappears.
Despair and sadness set in.
But in the end you realize that you got your life back. -
- You are very strong. -
Praises the snake understanding the admiration of the wolf.
- I don't care about your opinion. -
The raven averts its gaze away from him.
The reptile looks at her with bewilderment.
- And how are you doing? Are you better now? -
The shark asks with sincere concern.
- Well. . . . I'm better than before.
It's a difficult path.
It's not ideal.
Living in a pigsty with three other companions.
Working part-time in a supermarket.
And struggling with your studies.
But. . . . It gives you a rewarding feeling. -
- You're amazing. . . .because you're here waiting on a table? -
Claims the fish offended.
- You deserve to party hard with all of them. -
- We've been partying since before we got here, I'm too old to be their cool aunt.
I'll wait for them to cut the cake and go home to sleep.
I'm sure they'll go to another bar after Piranha finishes her shift. -
Watch the little fish, his whole body a bit disheveled from the hustle and bustle of his work.
- Another bar! -
They exclaim in horror.
- No. That's all. -
Says the shark firmly.
- Snake.
I'm going to collect the favor you owe me, pretend you're too drunk to get out of here. -
- And why not just leave? -
Joy points out with a raised eyebrow.
- Leave after thirty minutes? ... My pride won't allow it. -
- What about Webs? -
asks the snake.
- He is already cooperating without knowing it. -
The spider keeps asking for more drinks.
- It would look very strange for the three of us to leave when one of us can easily take Webs home. -
- I'll never humiliate myself drunk again. -
declares the reptile firmly.
As if pulled by an invisible thread, he found himself unconsciously drawn to the wolf's profile.
Wolf fixed his shirt unbuttoning button by button.
Until he finished on the third, exposing his soft, extra fluffy chest fur.
He broke into a smile as he entered the crowded dance floor.
She looked dazzling under the dim colored lights.
Wolf's gaze was fixed on an attractive hyena who returned his gaze flirtatiously, with each step she took in his direction.
He grabbed the back of her waist with his large palm and pressed it to himself.
Screams were everywhere on the dance floor.
They danced grandly until they were sweating.
Wols shirt almost slides down off his shoulder, exposing how sweat dripped from his adonis chest.
Snake is exhausted but his mind was unusually excited.
- It's okay Shark. -
Accepts the reptile no longer wanting to be here.
- But you will pay for the drinks. -
He feels thirstier than usual.
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It wasn't midnight when Shark left the bar with his two friends cradled in his arms.
It was still early, so the train is still running, so Wolf, assigned conductor, and the whole team boarded the car to go to a new Bar, and drop the four centenarians off at the train station.
After five minutes, they were crammed into the car.
Snake with his head on the shark's chest rolled the car window all the way down; with the wind blowing in his face, he watched the scenery driving away.
The trees on both sides of the street were neatly arranged, their leafy growth competing for nutrients and straining to grow.
- If you want to sleep. -
Whispers the one in gray with the snoring spider in his left hand.
She didn't have the energy to say anything and just hummed lightly in affirmation.
She was so tired that she fell asleep immediately the moment her head touched her best friend's shoulder.
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A bottle of mineral water suddenly appeared in front of him from his bedside table, next to a Webs sound asleep on a small pillow.
He unconsciously took the water.
He unscrewed the cap and drank it.
His throat seemed to be weeping with gratitude.
The bedroom is very quiet.
Her roommate had already moved to seventh heaven, and just drooled on the pillow.
She could hear the occasional clatter of pans in the kitchen, must be Shark making breakfast.
Reluctantly he took a hot shower.
Even though he didn't need to go to the company on the weekends, that didn't mean he could rest.
He had to be ready in case he had to head to the company for any unexpected circumstances.
He returned to his sleeping quarters after twenty minutes.
With a grunt he reached for his coat that the shark kindly kept in the closet to get his cell phone.
He rested his head back on the pillow, and checked his contacts.
W.
/ Good morning.
How are you doing? /
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S.
/ As well as I can be. /
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W.
/ It's a pity we didn't get to talk last night. /
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S.
/ A Bar with loud music is not the place for conversation. ¬_¬ /
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W.
/ That's right!
Do you want to get together /
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S.
/ Sure. /