Special thanks to @CookieCrunch for this lovely art, and @ThatsWhy for proof reading!
A small church. A small table next to the altar. Eight pegasus Fluffy foals, all with their eyes closed, as they sang My Way in perfect unison. Their diction was free of Fluff-speak and their presence did not serve as a hindrance. All eight behaved perfectly as they sang the rendition flawlessly. Some of the attendants cried. Others smiled. However, the choir was merely a part of the background. A single song to honor someone special. It was her favorite song.
The song ended and the crowd offered a small applause. A few even shedding tears amongst the crowd, as two men wheeled the Eight Fluffies away.
Zeri was sat on the church pews. Next to her was a crying elderly woman.
âThank you for this, Miss Lucuques,â the woman said with a small smile âIâm sure my daughter would have loved it.â
Zeri smiled slightly. The priest stepped forward and told everyone that it was time to form a line and say a few words. A solemn line leading up to a funeral casket atop the altar. Most silent as those in the front said their final words. Eventually it was Zeriâs turn to say a few words.
She stared at the open casket. Inside, dressed in her Sunday best, laid one Miss Ariella Orisa.
Passed away at the age of 45.
Heart attack, brought about from constant high stress of managing a shelter, a lack of proper sleep, and an extremely unhealthy diet. It didnât help that she was a heavy smoker and it really didnât help that she simply ignored all the signs because she was too busy working. Unfortunately, it happened late at night, when only Ariella was in the shelter. Sudden cardiac arrest and no one there to call for help. She was found by Emilia in the morning, by then a few hours dead.
Zeri stared at Ariellaâs face. Peaceful and serene. It was hard to believe that she died of a heart attack. There was a slight scar on her forehead from when she collapsed on the floor, but it didnât take away from her beauty in Zeriâs eyes. Ariella was still gorgeous, and the make up really brought out her mature elegance.
âHey⌠Long time no seeâŚâ
A feeling of guilt. She wondered how long it has been since she left Entepott, feeling a sense of surrealism upon realizing that it had only been seven months. It had honestly felt both longer and shorter in her mind. She thought about her conversations with Ariella during that time. They really didnât talk much after she left Entepott. Brief messages consisting of sporadic greetings and small talk. Neither had had much free time to hold a proper conversation, much less hold a proper meet up. Zeri had planned to visit during Entepottâs sixth anniversary, but if she knew⌠Well, if she knew, she would have run to Entepott to save Ariella.
âI⌠Iâm sorry⌠Iâm sorry I wasnât thereâŚâ
An aching. A raw feeling of anger. It was so unfair. No second chances, not like in the movies. Like the ones where the protagonist survives a heart attack and sees it as a sign to change their life. Why didnât Ariella get to have a sign? Why was it simply the end of the road? How did Entepott, a Fluffy Hugbox shelter in a world where more and more people hated Fluffies, got an opportunity to survive and prosper, but the woman who gave it her all to make it happen, didnât even get a chance. Where was all the luck that saved Entepott? Did Entepott take it all?
It didnât matter.
Ariella was dead, and nothing could change that.
Zeri felt a cold aching pain.
It was like her heart had been torn from her body and thrown into an endless sea, sinking deep and deeper in the cold, dark abyss below.
A feeling of painful sorrow.
A realization that this was it.
Zeri continued staring at Ariella. She didnât even know what to say.
They had only known each other for nine months.
So why did it feel like they had known each other for years?
And why did it hurt so much?
Why did it hurt, knowing that she could never chat with Ariella ever again
Why did it hurt, knowing that she could never meet with Ariella ever again
Why did it hurt, knowing that she could never get a chance to tell Ariella how she truly felt
Zeri wiped a tear from her eye, and stared at Ariellaâs lips.
Luscious and bright red.
A single intrusive thought.
Thoughts of a parting gift.
Desires of a loving goodbye.
Yearning of a single kiss.
Zeri leaned down into the coffin. Her lips moving close to Ariellaâs own, but she stopped.
Something told her that she shouldnât do it.
Something about it felt inappropriate. Disrespectful. Unsavory. Wrong.
One of those things, or all of them. Whatever it was, Zeri knew she shouldnât do it.
She sighed in defeat and pulled herself away.
Placing two fingers on her lips, she pressed them against Ariellaâs own.
Hopefully Ariella would forgive her for this indulgence.
âI love you, Ariella Orisaâ Zeri whispered.
A feeling of relief.
Bottled up feelings being released.
The anger was gone.
Only the dull aching remained.
Zeri straightened herself up and tried her best not to cry.
âIâll⌠well⌠I guess⌠Iâll see you when I see you, boss.â
She stepped back and walked away.
Emilia was sat on a bench, overlooking a small lake, watching a Bowl Fluffy waddle towards a lake with her foals.
She was in a park, across the street from the church. A quiet, serene place. Somewhere to mourn in silence. Somewhere to mourn in silence. Somewhere away from the crowds. She couldnât stay there anymore. It hurt too much.
She lit up a cigarette and took a smoke, only to cough violently as the thick tar clogged up her lungs. She really couldnât understand how Ella could smoke these.
Staring at the lit cigarette, the glowing embers provided a brief comfort. A small distraction from the numbness.
âHey Em,â came a familiar voice.
Emilia looked at Zeri warily. It was good to see a friend, but she had to wonder if there were other motivations behind Zeriâs sudden arrival.
âHey Ze⌠did⌠Did Karen send you?â Emilia asked softly.
Zeri gave her a perplexed look.
âHuh? Why would she send me?â
Emilia felt a sense of relief and shrugged casually.
âAh⌠sorry. Itâs just a⌠minor disagreement Iâm having with her.â
âOh? What about?â
âNothing important.â
She felt a twinge of guilt saying that. She didnât want to lie to Zeri, but at the same time, she really wasnât in the mood to have that conversation again. Fortunately, Zeri did not pry. She simply nodded and sat next to Emilia. The two of them looked at the lake as the bowl Fluffy began to turn itself over, helping its foals aboard as it started its journey across the water.
âWhen did you start smoking?â Zeri suddenly asked.
Emilia looked at her in surprise, then she stared at the cigarette in hand. She realized the point of confusion.
âI didnât start.â She replied âI just⌠I just wanted something to make me feel better.â
Zeri nodded in agreement and she eyed the carton.
âAre those Bossâs?â
Emilia nodded quietly, smirking ever so slight. Even after all this time, Zeri still called Ella, boss.
âWant one?â Emilia asked.
âSure,â Zeri replied, taking a cigarette out of the carton.
Emilia helped her light the cigarette and watched as Zeri took a deep puff, only to start coughing violently, giving Emilia a brief feeling of amusement. Only slight. Hardly enough to ward away the numb aching pain.
âGod, how was she able to smoke this?â Zeri asked in disbelief
By living a long life of misfortune and utter bullshit, Emilia thought to herself. She was tempted to say that, but it just made her feel dejected, so she maintained her silence, watching the Bowl Fluffy as it began swishing its tail rapidly, to swim across the lake.
âIâd ask how youâve been, but Iâm guessing youâre just as miserable as me,â Zeri stated.
Emilia offered a brief smile. A fair assessment. She rested her head on Zeriâs shoulder and looked at the sky. Grey with dark clouds. Perhaps God was mourning Ellaâs death as well? That was a small, comforting thought. It really was nice seeing Zeri again. Like the good old days. How long had it been since Zeri left? She thought about it. Five months, wasnât it? It felt longer. It felt like years, and it reminded Emilia of a recent event. She wanted to hear Zeriâs thoughts. So she sat up straight and looked at Zeri.
âSomething weird happened in Entepott recently.â
âOh? What happened?â
âYou remember Petal?â
âOf course I do.â
âShe got kidnapped.â
âHuh?â
âYeah. Some guy in a mask broke in. He was definitely targeting her. Went straight for her cage, so I think heâs been casing us first.â
âUh⌠Okay?!â
âThatâs not the weird bit.â
âKidnapping a Fluffy from a shelter is kind of weird.â
âWell then it gets weirder, as five days later, we find Petal in a wicker basket, in front of Entepott. Sheâs alive by the way. Alive and well.â
âHuh!?â
âThereâs an envelope with her. Enough money to cover all the damages, a note and a USB. We took a look at the USB and itâs so bizarre. Itâs just videos of Petal in some high end Fluffy spa. chiropractor, fancy meals, lovely baths and meditations, then a trip to a hairdresser. Oh yeah and Petal got a new do, and the note was just so strange. The kidnapper said that they taught her to say fuck.â
Emilia chuckled slightly at the sight of Zeriâs bewildered face and she nodded in agreement.
âWe honestly thought it was you at first,â Emilia admitted.
âEh me? Oh, is that why Boss texted me about Petal some time ago.â
Emilia smiled slightly and nodded.
âWe thought you kidnapped Petal or hired someone at least to, well⌠do thisâ.
Emilia couldnât help but smirk, as Zeri was giving her a rather shocked look.
âTo be fair, after we thought about it, we realized that you would never do it.â
âExactly! I might be a bit weird, but Iâm not that crazy.â
âOh. No, I just meant that you would have probably gone for Wimpy or Tanner instead.â
Zeri sputtered slightly and looked at Emilia with disbelief, before suddenly grinning and punching her playfully on the shoulder.
âOof youâre giving me worstest heart hurties, Em. Worstest heart hurties.â
Emilia snorted, and made a small grin. A pleasant feeling of nostalgia. Like they were back to the time where it was just the three of them.
âI missed you, Ze.â Emilia replied.
She hugged her friend, who hugged her back tightly.
âI missed you too, Em⌠Iâm sorry that I didnât contact you much.â
Emilia shook her head as she broke away from the hug.
âItâs fine, Ze. We were both busy. I just wish we could have had our reunion under⌠better circumstances.â
Zeri nodded in agreement, and the two looked back to the lake. The Bowl Fluffy had made some headway, and was now a quarter way across, though Emilia wasnât really focused on that. She was too busy thinking how long she had known Zeri.
âSpeaking of crazy. Isnât it weird that we only really knew each other for three months?â Emilia pondered aloud, as she rested her head on Zeriâs shoulder again.
âHmmm? What do you mean?â Zeri replied âI was working in Entepott for at least six monthsâ.
âYeah, but the first three months, we didnât really talk that much. Just work stuff, but after that⌠I mean it was only three months, but⌠like it felt like I knew you for years.â
âWell you know what they say, tough times bring people together. Though technically our tough times were self-inflictedâ.
Zeri chuckled slightly and Emilia smiled. This was nice.
âYouâre honestly one of my closest friends,â Emilia admitted. âIt actually sounds kinda sad now that I think about it.â
âWell⌠to be fair, I say the same. I guess⌠weâre just a couple of loners, huh.â
Emilia nodded in agreement. She still felt numb from the aching pain of loss, but for now, right here with Zeri, she at least felt a little bit of peace.
âDid you like my singing Fluffies?â Zeri suddenly asked.
Emilia raised her eyebrows and smirked slightly.
âI was wondering about them. The singing is one thing, but how were you able to do it in just three weeks?â
âOh! It wasnât just three weeks. It was in the works for like three⌠yeah three months.â
Emilia lifted her head from Zeriâs shoulder and looked at her with confusion.
âWhy?â
âEntepott opened in July, right?â
âUm⌠yeah⌠yes Entepott opened in July. Why?â
âWell, the singing Fluffies. They were supposed to be a kind anniversary present.â
âHuh?â
âA present. To celebrate Entepott⌠well, I suppose surviving another year.â
Emilia looked at Zeri in confusion.
âWhy?â
âWhat do you mean why?â
âExactly what I mean. Why⌠would you gift Entepott a bunch of singing Fluffies?â
âOh! Because itâs⌠uh⌠gimmicky.â
âHuh?â
âLike a couple of the big Fluffmarts. They got their gimmicks⌠uh⌠rainbow colored dancing Fluffies. A Fluffy that could do stunts⌠And Entepott would have Fluffies that could sing in unison without Fluffy speak.â
âI⌠I seeâŚâ
âHey! Itâs not, like a random thing. I did put some thought into it. Blonde with white fur. All Pegasus. Like a traditional angel motif kind of thing and having them all sing My Way was just like⌠uh⌠stress testing, but also because it was Bossâs favorite song. I imagine that they could learn more songs after, like simpler songs and stuff. Like⌠well⌠uh⌠I mean, I can see people coming to Entepott just to see that⌠right?â
Emilia nodded in agreement. She could see the appeal.
âI⌠I understand what you mean⌠But then we couldnât give them up for adoption, right?â
âYeah! And it would have given me the perfect excuse. I would say that they were my Fluffies, but I had no space to look after them, so I would pay Entepott to look after them on my behalf⌠or at least that was supposed to be the plan.â
Zeri looked down with a small, defeated smile and Emilia felt the numbness come back. It really would have been nice if the plan worked out well. Really nice.
âHow did you even get the Fluffies to do this in the first place?â Emilia asked âMemorizing the song is one thing, but even having them sing without Fluffspeak? I canât imagine it being easy.â
âWell⌠I wouldnât really know. I didnât actually do it; more like I got some people under my employment to do it for meâŚâ
Emilia raised an eyebrow, then smirked slightly. She had briefly forgotten about Zeriâs position.
â⌠As for how they did it? Well⌠remember, Tar?â
âOf course.â
âWell the way she tried to overcome her Fluffspeak. It really⌠spoke to me. So I had my people do the same to these Fluffies⌠but I think these ones only had half-dosage of the serum. After that, well we⌠or rather they hired a vocal coach and⌠yeah⌠eight singing Fluffies. Oh! But I tried to make sure that the whole process was ethical⌠Though my people needed to do some bad stuff to have them ready for the funeral.â
Emilia smirked. The whole process was basically adopting a bunch of Fluffies, injecting them with some sort of hormone enhancers and having them learn how to sing from a young age, just so that they could end up as living attractions for a Fluffy shelter. Watching all the other Fluffies get adopted while they remained in the shelter forever. So the thought of Zeri worrying about ethics was darkly amusing. Still the intention was there and it was clear that Zeri was only thinking of Entepott, so Emilia held her tongue. However, it seemed that Zeri had read her mind.
âThinking about it. What I did⌠itâs kinda messed up, huh?â Zeri asked.
Emilia grinned. âOnly a little bit.â
Zeri groaned in response and Emilia offered her a sympathetic smile.
âStill⌠Ella would have definitely appreciated it.â
âYou think?â
âDefinitely. I know you only had good intentions and Ella would know that too.â
Zeri smiled.
âThanks Em.â
Emilia smiled back, and a certain email came to mind.
âWanna hear something really fucked up?â Emilia asked.
âOh! Another story? Yes please!â
Emilia nodded and pulled out her phone. She began looking for a particular email she had gotten recently. One sent by the Happy Hugbox fund.
âAh⌠here it is. So the Happy Hugbox program emailed me two days agoâŚâ
âYeah?â
âLetâs seeâŚâ
Emilia cleared her throat slightly, before putting on a fake bourgeois accent.
â⌠In light of a change in ownership, the Happy Fluffy Hugbox Shelter fund has found Entepott Fluffy Shelter eligible for immediate review to contest previous revoking of official Hugbox status⌠Like fuck off. I only became the new owner a week ago and Ella hasnât even been buried yet, like seriously⌠have some fucking decencyâ.
âThatâs fucking cold,â Zeri replied in agreement, shaking her head in disgust.
âAnd thatâs not even the really fucked up bit.â
âHuh?â
âIâm pretty sure the immediate review is just a cover up.â
âWhat?!â
âI got another email a few days before that. Let me see⌠Ah, here. Weâve received numerous complaints. About one of our shelter inspectors displaying highly prejudiced behavior, and extremely biased reporting, leading to various Hugbox shelters losing their official Hugbox status⌠Iâm pretty sure this âimmediate reviewâ is a tasteless way to cover their fuck up before things blow out of proportion.â
âFuckers⌠Did they even give a proper apology?â
âOf course not, and I bet if they saw Entepott in the way it is now, they would use it to justify their previous ruling.â
âYou know what? I bet they would actually accept Entepott as a Hugbox shelterâ
âHuh? Why would they?â
âThink about it, Em. Entepott is kinda famous now, and people know that weâre really trying to help Fluffies, so it would look bad on their part if they still refused to acknowledge Entepott. Most likely they would use the abuse to justify their previous ruling, then making themselves look good but saying that they now recognize Entepottâs methods are still Hugbox⌠ishâ.
Emilia raised an eyebrow, feeling amused by Zeriâs more optimistic response and a mild elation on something else Zeri had said.
âWEâre trying to help Fluffies?â
âHuh?! Oh⌠I meant we, as in you twââ
âIâm glad that you still consider yourself a part of Entepott.â
Zeri looked at her with surprise, then smiled.
âOf course I would. It was us three against the world, remember?â
The two girls looked at each other silently, sharing a moment of brief mutual respect, then they both looked back at the lake. The Bowl Fluffy was now half way across. Nonchalantly swimming without a care in the world, as a gaggle of geese entered the pond. Emilia found herself envying the Bowl Fluffy, secretly wishing that she could be just as happy and carefree in that moment, but unfortunately she could not escape this feeling of loss. She turned to Zeri, who had this mournful frown, and she once again rested her head on her friendâs shoulder, feeling her friend relax.
âSo, youâre the new boss of Entepott?â Zeri asked.
Emilia frowned. She was hoping to avoid this conversation. The mention earlier was a slip of the tongue, one that she had hoped Zeri would miss.
âThatâs honestly for the best,â Zeri continued âI canât imagine anyone else being able to run Entepott the way that Boss wanted it, except for youâŚâ
Emilia continued to maintain her silence, but the guilt she felt. It was as though it was burning a hole in her stomach.
â⌠You okay if I send my singing Fluffies to the shelter later today?â Zeri asked.
Emilia remained silent, watching as the Bowl Fluffy got closer to the geese.
âEm?â
Emilia pulled away and looked down shamefully, make a soft, defeated sigh.
âEntepott, is going to close down.â Emilia replied solemnly.
For a moment there was silence. Zeri, staring at her with a perplexed look, but her confusion quickly turned into shock.
âWhat? Why!?â
âEntepott. Itâs not working out so well.â
Emilia turned away slightly. This feeling of shame. She couldnât look Zeri in the eye.
âHuh? What do you mean?â
âUh⌠the Good Fluffies. Theyâre not getting adoââ
She paused. She wanted to lie. Lie so badly, about how Entepott wasnât doing well, and how they had no choice but to shut the shelter down. However, that was a plain-faced lie. Entepott was doing well, and Zeri was quite possibly the one person who didnât deserve to hear that lie. The one person, who deserved to know what was going on fully. So Emilia relented. It was time to have the conversation that she had been dreading.
âI lied,â Emilia admitted. âEntepott is doing fine.â
âHuh?â
âEntepott is doing fine.â
âYeah I heard you the first time, but then like⌠why is it going to close down?â
âBecause⌠I⌠I donât have what it takes to run it, and no one else wants to.â
Zeri was giving her a rather bewildered look, and Emilia could only respond with a short sigh.
âHUH!? Wha⌠What do you mean!? Youâre more than qualified to run Entepott!â
âIâm not Ze. Iâm really no-â
âYes you are!â
Emilia closed her eyes and made another short sigh. She really didnât want to have this conversation. She was honestly hoping that Zeri would just understand and accept it, but of course she wouldnât. None of them would. Because none of them saw what she did.
Opening her eyes, she looked back out at the lake, staring at the Bowl Fluffy who was now swimming towards the gaggle of geese. Not a care in the world. Just swimming nonchalantly forward. How she wished she could be like that. Going through life mindlessly. Not having to worry about the future or consequences or any other such matter. She really wished that someone else would take over Entepott. Just so it would alleviate some of the guilt.
âEM!!â Zeri suddenly exclaimed.
Emilia looked at Zeri in surprise, noting her displeased look, as well as the hint of concern. She didnât know how to respond, so she just shrugged, which made Zeri all the more upset. However, Emiliaâs focus quickly turned to the background. Specifically, a small group who was slowly approaching. All familiar faces: Karen, Brad, some of the volunteers. She had an inkling as to why, and felt a twinge of anxiousness. Talking about this with Zeri was manageable, but she really didnât want to talk to them about this. They really wouldnât understand.
She quickly stood up and tried to walk away, but Zeri grabbed her wrist tightly.
âWhere are you going?!â Zeri asked in an alarmed tone.
Emilia pulled her wrist away, and looked back at the group. They were coming closer. She began to panic.
âI⌠Iâll talk to you later. I donât want toâŚâ
Zeri turned around and spotted the oncoming group, then she turned back to Emilia with a look of concern.
âI⌠I donât want to talk to them right now.â Emilia admitted, making no attempt to hide the urgency in her tone.
Zeri pouted slightly, then nodded as she stood up. She suddenly grabbed Emiliaâs wrist and pulled Emillia away.
âFine.â Zeri said coldly. âBut you and I are still going to talk about this.â
Emilia nodded in agreement. If it was just Zeri. She felt it would be okay.
âWhy donât you want to run Entepott?â Zeri asked calmly.
The two of them were in an empty pavilion, overlooking an empty roller skating rink, and right now Emiliaâs face was an enigma. Everything about her was an enigma today, and it was frustrating how mysterious Emilia was acting.
âEm?!â Zeri asked sternly.
Emilia continued to remain silent, but glanced at her slightly, before turning back to the roller skating rink again.
âEm!?â Zeri repeated in a frustrated tone.
âI know.â Emilia replied softly. âWhat can I say? I donât have what it takes to run Entepottâ.
âWhat are you talking about?! You d-â
âI donât! I really donât, Ze! Think about it. Ella only taught me the basic paperwork. I donât know how to fill out any of the government stuff.â
âSo?! We can use the internet to figure the rest out.â
âEven if I knew how to do the forms, itâs not like I know how to lead.â
âIt canât be that hard to lead a bunch of volunteers, I mean theyâre motivated to spend their free time in Entepott and help us out already.â
âTheyâre not the same, Ze! Itâs not the same!â
âWhat do you mean!? Theyâre volunteers, we⌠were volunteers!â
âNo! Theyâre regular volunteers! We⌠We weâre different.â
âHuh?!â
âWe had our roles! Ella on lead, you doing the messy stuff and me handling Fluffy care. We knew what to do, and we were constantly improving each other. Bouncing ideas and though the days were tough, it was fun⌠And even if it was just me and Ella, it was still the same. Ella on lead. Me on messy. The volunteers doing Fluffy care. Ella and I would still bounce ideas, and thingsâŚâ
Emilia had suddenly gone quiet. Slouching as she continued to stare at the roller skating rink with a dejected look. Zeri felt concerned. She had to wonder what was going on with her friend.
âEm?â
âIt⌠Itâs not actually them. Theyâre fine⌠Iâm just⌠Iâm not Ella.â
âYou donât have to be Boss! You can just be Em! Same as always!â
Emilia shook her head and looked at Zeri with tired eyes.
âItâs not gonna work.â
âWhy not!? I⌠Iâll⌠um⌠Iâll hire people! People with initiative. Able to do the messy stuff but still like Fluffies, or people who can handle the administrative tasks. Thereâs bound to be plenty. You just needed to have the money.â
Emilia nodded in agreement with a small smile.
âThen you donât need me.â
âHuh!? What?! No, I do! I do! I really do! Youâre the only one I trust to keep Entepott the way Boss wanted it.â
Much to her surprise, Emilia would give her a pained look.
âWhy!?â Zeri asked in dismay. âWhy do you wanna leave Entepott so badly?!â
âWhy is it so hard for you to accept that I donât want to be a part of Entepott anymore?!â
âBecause once upon a time, you were so gung ho about staying! Even though you werenât getting paid and even though Boss said you should leave, you refused! You stayed by!â
For a brief moment Emilia looked at her with surprise, but then she made another soft, defeated sigh and looked back at the skating rink.
âWhat⌠What about the Good Fluffies?!â Zeri asked with increasing desperation. âWhat about finding them good homes and all that jazz?!â
Emilia responded with a sour look.
âIâll spend the month trying to get them all good homes.â She replied. âIt should be easier when people hear that Entepott is closing down, and for any⌠Left behind, Iâll send them to another Hugbox shelter.â
âB⌠But what about the Entepott Helpers!?â Zeri retorted âYou seriously think they can just go back to a normal life as unwanted Fluffies in some shitty Hugbox shelter. After Entepott?!â
Emilia gave her another dirty look and Zeri replied with an apologetic smile. It was a desperate plea. After all, she really treasured the Entepott Helpers. However, Zeri suddenly wasnât so sure that was the case anymore, when Emilia made a nonchalant shrug.
âHonestly⌠most of the volunteers come specifically because of the Entepott Helpers. All this talk of loving Fluffies, and it to th- us, seeing a Fluffy pull their weig- Anyways, I imagine the Entepott Helpers to be the first set to be adopted, and the ones who donât⌠Iâll take them.â
Zeri looked at her friend with concern. There was something about the way she had said. This hint of malice behind her words, but she wasnât sure if she was just overthinking.
âI⌠I thought your place doesnât allow Fluffies.â
âThey donât⌠but I plan to go back home. Home home⌠Brookshire.â
She really couldnât believe it. Emilia was seriously going to leave?
âAre⌠Are you seriously gonna abandon Bossâs dream?!â Zeri exclaimed.
Emilia looked at her with surprise, before turning away with a shameful look.
âIt⌠It was HER dream.â Emilia muttered quietly.
Zeri looked at her friend in disbelief, and she could feel her anger rising. Just the way that Emilia had said that. After everything the three had been through. How far Emilia had gone, just to stay, and yet now it was just Bossâs dream? She was just gonna leave and let this all crumble down. She refused to accept that this was the end of Entepott, and she grabbed Emilia roughly, forcing her friend to face her.
âSo youâre just gonna leave?! All her hard work gone just like that?!â
Emilia looked at her with surprise, but then her surprise turned to anger.
âThen hire your people to keep it running!â
âNo! Itâs not the same! I need you! Youâre the only one I trust to keep Entepott the way we planned it!â
Emilia had a scornful frown and pushed Zeri away.
âBut I donât want to be part of Entepott anymore! Why canât you understand that?!â
âWhy?! For the longest time you refused to leave no matter what?! Now itâs all you want! What changed?!?â
âYou left!â Emilia snapped. âYou left and now Ellaâs gone too!â
That hit Zeri like a sack of bricks. This feeling of guilt. One that got all the more heavier, as she noticed the tears trickling down Emiliaâs face.
âYouâre gone and Ella is too⌠Itâs just me⌠and I⌠I really donât want to do this alone.â
âEmâŚâ
âIâm tired, Ze. Just so fucking tired. Iâm⌠Iâm just⌠Everytime things start to look up, something new fucks us over and⌠Itâs just⌠so unfair⌠so fucking unfairâŚâ
The anger was gone, and all Zeri had left was the shame. She stared at her friend with concern, feeling guilty that she had not considered Emiliaâs own feelings. She scooted up close, hugging her friend tightly. One that Emilia reciprocated.
âI canât⌠I canât be Ella. I⌠I donât have her drive⌠Not anymore at least.â
âEm, you donât have to be Ella, you j-â
âYou donât get it, Ze! The ONLY reason Entepott was able to survive for so long was because of her⌠Because Ella gave a hundred and fifty percent everyday! She worked hard⌠so very fucking hard just to make he- OUR dream work, and then she finally reaches a point where things were looking good: Product sales were going up, more people were coming in to look at our Good Fluffies, heck she was even getting her love life back with Frankie and then⌠And then her body just screws her over. No warning. No do overs. She pushed herself to the max everyday and her body just⌠just shut down⌠and I⌠I know itâs selfish, but I look at Ella, and⌠I donât want to end up like that as well.â
Zeri nodded in agreement. She understood Emiliaâs own fears, but at the same time, she really didnât want to see Bossâs dream fade.
âWe⌠you donât have to be Ella.â Zeri said softly âYou donât need to push yourself a hundred and fifty percent, I can get people to help you. I ju-â
She found herself interrupted, as Emilia shook her head in disagreement.
âItâs not just that! I just⌠I FINALLY realize why people hate Fluffies.â
âWhat?â
âYou should have seen it, Ze. I came into Entepott hearing the sound of laughter. Cute, childish laughter, and I went into the housing area to see Ella on the floor and a puddle of dried blood⌠and⌠and the Shit Rats, they knew she died, because they kept saying she got forever sleepies and they were⌠they were just laughing. Like innocent children playing in a park! They were smiling! They were cheering! Their cute little faces, their tubby little bodies and their soft hooves. It was like a party! But they were fucking celebrating Ellaâs death and IâŚ. I justâŚâ
Emilia began to break down in tears. She looked sick, and Zeri felt sick as well, as she imagined those disgusting Shit Rats cheering at Bossâs demise.
âI see it even when I look at the Good Fluffies.â Emilia admitted âEntepott Helpers too⌠I tried not to, but in the end⌠They have the same cute faces. The same tubby little bodies. The same soft hooves. The same innocent smiles. The same carefree laughs. I see the Good Fluffies and the Entepott Helpers and all I can think of are those psychopathic Shit Rats, and I justâŚâ
Emilia had gone silent again. She had this pained, defeated look and Zeri made an understanding nod. She got it. She realized why Emilia couldnât do this anymore, and there was no way she was going to force her friend to endure that.
âI get it.â Zeri replied firmly. âI understand.â
She felt Emilia, resting her soft head on her shoulder. This feeling of warmth, the only source of comfort in this cold numbness.
âI know it doesnât mean much, Ze⌠But I am sorry. I know why you want to keep Entepott running, but I REALLY canât do this anymore.
âYeah I got that⌠and I honestly donât blame you. I mean those Shit Rats are so fucked up and⌠God! I get it⌠I⌠fuck that must have been horrible to see.â
She felt Emilia nod, and rested her own head on Emiliaâs. The two of them, just looking at the empty skating rink in silence.
âAre you still going to hire people to keep Entepott running?â Emilia suddenly asked.
âNah. I⌠Actually. Thinking about it, me hiring people⌠Like funding Entepott, is exactly what Boss didnât want⌠so⌠uh⌠I guess it really is best if we just shut it down⌠I mean itâs either that or slowly turning Entepott into something Boss hated, right?â
âR⌠right⌠I guess it is⌠Thank you, Ze.â
Zeri pulled her head back, and Emilia did the same. The two of them look each other with glum yet hopeful looks.
âSo whatâs the plan?â Zeri asked âWhen are you shutting Entepott down?â
âTomorrow⌠Iâll talk to everyone and announce my decision⌠I⌠Maybe one of them will step up and say they want to take over Entepott, but I doubt it. None of them seem willing. Like, no⌠uh⌠not enough experience or not enough time⌠So donât get your hopes up.â
âI get it⌠Honestly though, I wouldnât trust them to keep in line with Bossâs dream.â
âYeah⌠They all still get queasy about feeding Shit Rats, Shit Rats⌠Anyways, once I talk to them, Iâll send an official notice to the Health and Environmental department. I already sent an inquiry before. They told me they would send an inspector like one month afterwards. By then, I have to discard all non-adopted Fluffies⌠uh⌠During that time, Iâll focus on getting the Good Fluffies under m- our care, adopted⌠and. Oh! You can take back your meat grinder if you want.â
Zeri couldnât help but smile in amusement and shook her head. A part of her still wanted to fight for Entepottâs continued existence, but what was the point? An Entepott without Boss and an Entepott without Em, wasnât Entepott. It was just another Fluffy Hugbox shelter and there were plenty of those everywhere.
She sighed softly, before smiling and nodding in agreement. She knew that it was best to just accept that this was it.
âI⌠I have to say⌠I⌠well I honestly didnât think this would be the end.â Zeri admitted. âI kind of imagining Entepott surviving for years⌠Heck even decades.â
Emilia nodded in agreement.
âI thought so too⌠But the truth is, Entepott is nothing without Ella, and when Ella died⌠so did Entepott.â
Zeri could only make a small nod, staring at the empty skating rink in silence. Neither of them spoke for a good few seconds. Emilia had this dejected look, and Zeri didnât know what to say. Still she felt she needed to say something. Anything. Something came to mind.
âHey, Em. Whatâs⌠um⌠Do you remember the name of that asshole shelter inspector?â
Emilia raised an eyebrow and gave her a puzzled look, but then she suddenly nodded.
âAre you talking about Mayer?â
âYeah! Mayer, thatâs the guy!â
âWhat about him?â
Zeri shrugged. It felt weird what she was planning yet it felt right.
âI⌠I think⌠Well itâs just⌠From that email⌠uh⌠the one you mentioned before. It just sounds like he screwed a bunch of shelters over, and it just reminds me of how he called Boss an abuser and stuff.â
âYeah? And?â
âWell⌠Iâm gonna try and find him⌠Iâm going to find him and Iâm gonna give him a piece of my mind, because it pisses me off that a guy like that had the gall to call Boss an abuser, and⌠well I know that the Hugbox fund is also fault, but he was one of the main reasons Entepott lost their funding. He was one of the main reasons Boss had to work so hard. And it just feels wrong knowing that heâs out there and he thinks that Boss is an abuserâŚâ
Zeri couldnât help but notice the small smile on Emiliaâs lips. It felt uplifting. Sort of like permission to do what she planned.
â⌠Yeah! Iâm gonna try and find Mayer, and Iâm gonna set him straight. If heâs a Hugboxer, Iâm going to tell him how Boss was a better Hugboxer than he ever was, and how he fucked the lives of so many Fluffies he cared aboutâŚâ
âAnd if heâs an abuser?â
âThen⌠Then Iâm gonna fucking ruin him, because if he did this to Boss for shits and giggles⌠Then Iâm gonna fucking ruin him.â
âWhen you find him. Give him the middle finger from me.â
âWhen? I appreciate your belief in my ability to find some random guy in a country of like two hundred million people.â
âHah! If anyone can find him, itâs gonna be you rich bitch.â
Zeri chuckled and playfully punched Emilia on the shoulder.
âI havenât heard that nickname for a while.â
âNo one at work calls you that?â
âHah! No one at work dares to call me that.â
Emilia chuckled this time and nodded in agreement, but the smile faded and she had that dejected look again.
âLetâs go back to the church?â Zeri asked
Emilia shook her head slowly.
âYou go⌠I⌠I want to be alone for a bit.â
Zeri made a supportive nod and hugged her friend tightly.
âYou okay if I pop by from time to time⌠Just to like, hangout and stuff?â
Emilia hugged her back.
âOf course you can. Just text me when youâre in Brookshire and Iâll be there.â
Zeri smiled as she pulled away. She stood up and offered Emilia a respectful nod. One that was met with a grateful smile.
âI guess⌠see ya later, Em.â
âYeah⌠Iâll⌠see you another time, Ze.â
Zeri made another brief nod and walked away. She felt a pit in her stomach, and her heart felt heavy. She walked back to the lake. Karen, her husband, and the other people, were all still there. All looking at her with hopeful smile, but those smiles faded as Zeri shook her head. She turned back to the lake. The Bowl Fluffy was still there, but it was upturned and drowned. A corpse floating in the water alongside its foals.
The reality had truly sunk in.
This was it.
Ariella was gone.
Emilia was leaving.
She couldnât run it.
The dream was dead. The shelter they had worked so hard for. And yet it felt that this was for the best. Better than seeing it ruined.
Still it was hard to take in.
This really was it.
Entepott Fluffy Shelter was no more.
Thing about death is that it can be random and sudden. I know this for a fact. I can only hope that some of you felt sorrow for the three, especially Ariella.
Psst, I got something to tell you.
You might have noticed, but the other short stories after Uphie are connected. Theyâre actually hints of whatâs to come. The only thing is, theyâre not in chronological order. Some might be far in the future, others might be close, but if youâre curious on what Iâm planning, go give them a read, but to be fair, theyâre still just hints and wonât affect the experience of whatâs to come.
