_{he knows that look well enough —  pabu tends to reel in offers
      like breadcrumbs reel in turtle ducks. and though there’s a sense of
      pride that comes with owning a pet that attracts so much attention,
      there’s also a fierce ( protectiveness.)}

     _{the fire ferret’s his f r i e n d. and most certainly not for sale.} 

                                                _{❝ …sorry, can i help you ? ❞}

               oh, how cute, that he would think that she intends on buying
               the little creature. stealing wasn’t really a crime, was it, when she
               wanted this little red fur-ball more than he ever would.

                                           its red hair would remind the boss of her and her
                                           accomplishments  –     and oh, it’d make a much
                                           better, more obedient pet than that persian. 

                                                             ❛  yes – what’s its name?  ❜

               and her attention is drawn much more so to the little red
               creature besides him than it is   –  and ever will be  –  to him;
               she wonders to herself how much of a pretty buck it can make
               her and, well                  it shows.