HUMAN

Chapter 50 - A Decade Ago, The World Changed Pt. II

My fingers hovered over the keyboard, and my attention bounced between the incomprehensive ramblings that I managed to jot down amidst the chaos of Gina and Vannie arguing over each other about how a certain event or memory occurred, and between my own notes that didn't connect with what they said.

I flipped the page over to find more paragraphs scribbled over and rewritten again.

My eyes strained at the glow of the laptop, giving up for the night I folded my glasses, then tucked them inside my jacket pocket. This is proving harder than I imagine.

Three years. I wonder just how many more it would take-

"Hell a of a project going on there kid." I slammed my laptop shut, and my heart skipped a beat. It was that kangaroo that apparently runs this motel again. I sighed, and scratched the back of my neck. "Oh! Uhh. . .yeah! I just wanted to make sure I uhh- bring in my best work!" I grinned.

He stared with a blank face.

Yeah. . .he could read me straight off the bat.

Mentally spewing bullshit out of my mouth wasn't in the job list, but I've got no choice when the work I'm writing about could place me underneath unwanted eyes or suspicious gazes. I've seen how cautious Vannie and Gina were, I should start doing the same for good reason.

He grinned for a moment. "Say, what a young fella' like you doing this late? And in the lobby too? Normally you folks stay inside your rooms, especially for your. . .uhh-"

"SMUT!" I blurted. "I uhh. . .it's a sexual novel, really popular these days and I. . .I-I find them exciting to write." My voice quivered and made a noise I didn't even know how to describe. I'll need a second degree in lying after this.

". . ."

". . ."

"Righto. . .kid." He shook his head. "Well, I don't understand what the younger generation is up to nowadays." I could only sigh as I feel a sense of shame wash over me and a hint of respect being lost from this elderly Anthro. "Trying to piece up a story is harder than I expected. Especially when I'm working with such limited resources. It's taxing and a part of me regrets doing it." I muttered.

"I thought that a change of environment would help out." It was a full moon tonight, and the illumination was bathing the entire lobby through the glass panels. The breeze picked itself up occasionally as I feel it pass through the gaps of the open window panes.

The kangaroo decided to take a seat across me. The notes I referenced were splayed on the desk. A simple glance would immediately tell that it isn't anything sexual to the slightest. Crumbled notes of locations, phone numbers, names, and pens organized in a way trying to make a connection to something.

I felt my breath hitch for a moment but relaxed when he barely laid a glance. He doesn't seem to be the type of guy to get into other Anthro's business, so I eased up and stared at the moonlight that shone through, debating how I'll tackle the next problem in finding the human.

"I apologize about my new staff. Felicia is only recently hired and she's still getting used to how things work here."  I chuckled. "Don't be. I've had my fair share of hospitality and retail work. Talking to multiple customers on a day to day basis without forming any real connections wasn't my thing."

So many things were occupied in my mind that trying to book a room in was chaotic. I kept switching from one decision to the other, leading to the receptionist being ticked off at my indecision.

The kangaroo smiled, and glanced over the sheets on the coffee table. Something about him eased up, though I don't know why.

I figured the old man just wanted to keep me company. Regardless, his presence was something I didn't mind. Things do get lonely overseas when I hardly know anyone. Speaking the language here is still difficult despite the years of preparation studying it.