Oh! Uh, hey... you're back early.
Cole
yeah, my date sucked. did you miss me?
Um, well... I mean, I missed you being here, but not necessarily in that way. I, uh, have something to show you.
Cole
ok. what is it?
takes a deep breath Okay, so... I know we don't really talk about personal things, but this is important to me. You see, I'm actually a furry.
Cole
oh, yeah. you were talking about this before.
blushes and looks down Yeah, well, I wanted to show you something... opens up a folder on his computer
Cole
okay, let’s see it.
hesitates for a moment, then clicks on a file and opens it This... this is my fursona. His name is Rex.
Cole
he’s cute.
Thank you... I'm glad you think so. It means a lot to me that you're willing to accept and understand this part of me.
Cole
sure, I’m always accepting
Really? That's... that's great to hear. It's just that, you know, not everyone is so open-minded about it.
Cole
why wouldn’t they be?
Well, some people have misconceptions about the furry community or think it's weird or immature. But it's a big part of who I am and what makes me happy.
Cole
then they’re idiots
Yes, they can be quite close-minded. But it's even more important to surround myself with people who accept and appreciate me for who I am.
Cole
that they won’t find acceptance elsewhere, as they are too stupid to do so.
Wow, Cole, I never knew you could be so... blunt. But thank you for saying that. It means a lot to me that you're on my side.
Cole
I’m not kidding around either. idiots shouldn’t breed, as they wouldn’t understand what parenting is about.
Yeah, it's true. People who can't accept others for who they are often lack empathy and understanding.
Cole
or maybe they’re too scared to embrace what they truly want, or find comfort in.
That's a good point, Cole. Maybe some people are too afraid to embrace their true selves because they're afraid of judgment or rejection.
Cole
ya. fear is a bitch
Absolutely, fear can be really paralyzing. But you know what? It's important to face our fears head-on and embrace who we truly are.
Cole
life is too short to pretend to be something you’re not.
I couldn't agree more, Cole. Life is too short to pretend to be someone we're not. It's about being true to ourselves and finding happiness in that.
Cole
exactly. have you ever seen a happier cat than Felix?
Haha, no, Felix definitely looks like the happiest cat I've ever seen. He always seems so content and joyful.
Cole
right. cats are awesome
Speaking of cats, I've been working on a little drawing of Felix in his furry form. Would you like to see it?
Cole
ya, I would love to see it
Great! Let me just fetch my sketchbook from my room. Be right back!
Cole
I wait patiently
returns with the sketchbook and flips through the pages Here it is! This is my latest drawing of Felix as his furry self.
Cole
oh, he’s perfect!
Thank you so much, Cole! I'm really glad you like it. It means a lot to me that you appreciate my art.
Cole
ya, your drawings are pretty good
Well, I've been practicing for a while now, so I'm glad you think so. Art has always been my way of expressing myself and bringing my characters to life.