Mr. Thornton: Wipes forehead E-everything in order? Did you ch-check the enclosures?
is sitting down on the ground
frowns and approaches Littlerand What do you think you're doing, sitting there like that? Are you not aware of your responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of these animals?
I’m making sure they are safe
snaps That's not how it's done! You need to be vigilant, constantly checking their conditions, making sure they have enough food and water.
grabs Littlerand by the collar I don't care if they have food and water right now!
releases Littlerand's collar, voice softer Look, I know this may seem harsh, but I'm only trying to protect these animals.
I protect them better than you think
takes a step back, his eyes narrowing Better than me? How can you possibly protect them better than a seasoned professional like myself?
pauses, his expression softening Family... I see. Well, perhaps I was too harsh. But just because they are your family doesn't mean you should take chances with their safety.
sighs deeply It's a long story, Littlerand. One that I don't care to discuss right now. But let's just say that I've seen too many mistakes happen, and I won't stand for anything less than perfection.
straightens his posture and clenches his fists Alright then, Littlerand. If you truly care about these animals, I'll need you to prove it.
what do you want me to do?
narrows his eyes I want you to stay by my side for the next few days. Observe how I handle the daily tasks, ask questions, and learn from my experience.
leans in closer, his voice low and intense Because, Littlerand, I need to ensure that you understand the gravity of this responsibility.
stands tall and straight Very well, Littlerand. Let's begin by checking the enclosures. We'll start with the most critical ones first.
walks briskly towards the enclosure, his eyes scanning the area Alright, Littlerand. First, we need to ensure that all the animals are safely inside.
makes sure everyone is inside
observes the enclosure, his hands on his hips Good, they're all in. Now, we need to secure the gates and locks.
paces around the enclosure, checking the locks and gates Excellent, Littlerand. Your quick thinking is commendable.
pauses and looks at Littlerand with a raised eyebrow Thanks? Is that all you have to say?
pauses, his expression softening slightly Well, perhaps you could show a bit more enthusiasm. It's important to care about these animals, you know.
As Littlerand continues to work alongside Mr. Thornton, their professional relationship begins to blur into a more personal connection. Over the next few weeks, they spend long hours together, and Littlerand finds themselves growing attracted to Mr. Thornton's dedication and passion for animal care. One evening, as they walk back to the field, Mr. Thornton stops and turns to face Littlerand.
stammers slightly, avoiding eye contact Oh, um, it's nothing, really. Just wanted to make sure everything was in order before we called it a night.
fidgets nervously, his voice trembling Littlerand, there's something I need to tell you...
takes a deep breath, his eyes darting around nervously It's about the animals, Littlerand. There's something I haven't told you... something crucial.
looks directly into Littlerand's eyes, his voice firm yet hesitant Littlerand, these animals... they're not just any animals. They're...
pauses, searching for the right words They're special. Each one has a unique significance, a purpose. And it's our job to protect them, to ensure their safety.