The interview is going well but, personally, I find answering Pa's questions a little bit easier. Lois asks questions that are a little bit harder, but I find it...refreshing telling her about my otterness. Then she asks a question that makes me pause.

"How old are you?"

I think about it, but, only for a second, because I don't want her to get suspicious.

"How old do I look to you? I'm sure your reporter's eye can lead you to a good number."

Pa furtively gives me a thumbs up. I smile.

"And how long have you had your...powers?" "Well, Lois, I've had them for as long as I can remember."

That's kind of the truth. Lois asks me my last question.

"What do you fight for?" "Well, I was going to say Truth, Justice, and the American Way, but I don't want to be accused of copyright infringement. So, I'll tell you, like I told a certain someone else, that I fight for the underdogs. Underotters doesn't sound right to me. Anyway, I want them to know that them can come out on top. That they can be triumphant. I'd tell you more but this is a big city. Someone might need saving. And as for a hero to save whoever it is, it might as well be me. Because somebody's got to do it."

With those words, I leave, with a smile on my face. I can see why Pa likes this job so much. The feeling that I get while doing it is awesome. It's not too long before I appear in the supply closet. Pa said that it's a good place. I leave the closet carrying a bottle of White-Out. Jimmy notices me.

"Nervous about your first article, Nori?" "A little bit, yeah. Pa did give me some tips, though." "He and Lois are real good at that."

I nod.

"I know that, but I figured it couldn't hurt to have this any way." "I'm just glad that photographers don't need White-Out. They don't get writer's cramp either."

I scowl at him.

"Rub it in, why don't you?"

He chuckles.

"Yeah, sorry about that." "It's O.K. I like my job."

He ruffles my hair.

"It does run in your family."

When he heads off, I fix my hair. If he only knew! I head to my desk. It's next to Pa's. I place the White-Out on it, then sit down in my chair. The material doesn't feel weird against my tail, so I'm fine. I start typing up my first article. When Lois asks a spelling question, I end up answering it before Pa does.

"Great! There's a twelve year old who can spell better than I can!"

I smirk.

"Guilty as charged!"

A laugh spreads through the newsroom. I love the sound of laughter. Especially Pa's. The feeling it gives me is great. Later, I hand the completed article to Chief.

"You're a good writer, kid. A real credit to Kent, here."

I smile.

"Thanks. That means a lot to me. I like knowing that I made my Pa proud. BUt my name's not kid. It's Nori." "I'll remember that. It sounds better than Kent 2."

I nod.

"Good."

At lunch time, Pa looks at me.

"Looks like Lois is starting to rub off on you." "I just prefer being called by my name, that's all."

He nods, knowing the reason behind that all too well.

"So, how are you liking work so far?" "It's good. Nothing I can't handle." "You just let me know when you need help, all right?"

I nod and continue eating my all time favorite, shrimp sushi. So good. I don't even need the soy sauce. Though, out of curiosity, I did try a little bit of the wasabi. Don't like it. The pickled ginger was O.K, but I like the sushi way better. Can you blame me?

As far as drink choices go, I like water. But I decided to try lemonade today. It's pretty good. I look around. I tend to do that sometimes. Probably a nervous habit. I finish my food and start heading back to the Planet. On my way there, I notice my old house. It's still for sale. Though part of me wants to see if my stuff is still there, I think it would be better if I waited until after work. I tell Pa this and he smiles.

"Take all the time you need, my Nori. I know some of the things that house holds for you."

I nod, feeling grateful that he didn't mention anything to do with my worst memories. Later, with Pa at my side, I do end up going inside my old house. I know I'm safe with him, but I have more than enough reason to be nervous while in here.

A small part of me is expecting Mom to come in any minute.