SCP 1471 [An anomalous life]

III

I felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured on me.
I tried to keep my expression as neutral as I could, but it was impossible.

-What...
-What did you say?

-I'm sorry, is it something bad? -She asked, a little worried.

-It's not that, it's just that...
-...
-I think you'll understand better if I show you pictures.

-Okay...

I took my phone out of my pocket and sat up, while Mal0 sat next to me.
Fearfully I opened the browser and started typing, making sure I had safe search on.

-They are creatures that look and behave human, or anthropomorphic.

I closed my eyes and waited for the question I knew was coming.

-...

-Like me? -She asked after a few seconds.

-Exactly. -I answered with my eyes fixed on the floor.
-There are people who are fascinated by that kind of thing, they make costumes and stuff.

-So, are you a furry Quentin?

-...
-Im not.
-But I guess you are the exception. -I quickly added as I watched her lower her ears.

-I'm glad. -She said as she scrolled through the images without even touching my phone.

(How strange...)

-So...
-They you dress up as anthropomorphic animals like me, and attend conventions?
-I heard from your classmates that there's a convention the day after tomorrow.

-...

-In the hypothetical case that I were to go there?
-I could go unnoticed. -Mal0 commented with a hand on her chin.

-I don't like where this is going. -I sighed, shaking my head.

(I'm already imagining it.)
(Can we go Quentin?)

-Can we go Quentin?

(Mal0...)

-Listen Mal0, I know you want to interact with more people....
-...
-But I don't think this is the best way to do it.
-Conventions tend to be really crowded places.

-But...
-There's no better place than that...
-I mean, they won't be afraid of my appearance. -She said, almost whispering.

(Oh..)
(I was beginning to remember the old 1471 users, she had told me some things about them.)
(They were all afraid of her, me included.)
(Most of them had committed suicide or done irreparable damage for fear of her appearance.)
(I guess we won't lose anything by trying, right?)

-...
-It's okay, Mal0. -I sighed, shaking my head.
-We can go.

(I can't believe I agreed to this.)

-Really?! -Exclaimed the anomaly jumping on the spot.
She gave me a tight hug, almost cutting off the flow of air to my lungs.

-But I'm not sure the foundation would approve of this. -I managed to say.

-I don't think they'll notice! -She exclaimed, jumping to her feet, her tail wagging behind her.
-Ahh...
-What should I do, I need to practice how to socialize.
-Could you give me some advice?

-I think you are talking to the wrong person, Mal0.... -I coughed as the air came back into my lungs.
-You could watch some videos on how to do it,, I guess. -I said as I handed her my phone.