SHARONA

"But Mr. Roberts,” the man continued, “we didn't think we could keep Sharona out of sight of the rest of the world for all of her life. We thought it'd be best to teach her how to be normal, to fit in. Keep her secret."

Edwin looked across the room at the catgirl nervously standing in a corner. The Statlers, Walter and Marilyn, hadn't meant to harm her but it was apparent, knowing what he did now about intelligent catgirls, that something was not right.

She was conflicted. In the presence of strangers she was trained to play the role of a silly, ordinary catgirl. Only alone in their home could she be anything at all like herself. But now, here was a strange man with another catgirl and her owners were laying out her secret to him. Who was she supposed to be, her disguise or herself? In the confusion of the situation, she hid in fear behind her mask, but looked longingly toward Nicolle.

Marilyn said, "If we let her go with you, to hide with your friends until all this is resolved, can you guarantee she'll be safe?"

Edwin lied. He knew he could give no such assurances but there was surely no safety if Sharona stayed here. It was imperative in his mind that he collect all Nicolle's siblings and hide them, like Jews and the Holocaust. He'd read enough history of mankind's inhumanity whenever the objects of fear or distrust could be made to seem not quite human. Dr. Zokoloff's poor kits were pre-made to appear not-human on the outside while being so very human inside. Somehow Edwin and his allies had to perform an opposite trick; to convince the world these creatures were as human as anyone, despite appearances. So he lied and forgave himself for the lies. Many terrible things have been done in the name of good intentions. He prayed that his intentions would not also lead to terror.

Marilyn went to find a bag in which to pack Sharona's things. Until now, Sharona had remained in a corner, as far from Edwin and Nicolle as possible. But if she were to go with them, they had to get past her fear. Nicolle looked to Edwin questioningly but all he could do was give her a tiny shrug; Nicolle was on her own for this. Walter, to his credit, understood what was happening and sat silently.

Nicolle turned to face Sharona, took one small step toward her, and slowly held out her paws, palms up. For a long minute, neither moved, then Sharona took a tiny step. Nicolle took another, matching the length of Sharona's step. Sharona didn't take another step but only leaned forward. It seemed to Edwin her nostrils had expanded and her breathing was quick and shallow. Was she analyzing Nicolle's scent?

Nicolle took another tiny step, and then another. Sharona let Nicolle slowly approach until at last Nicolle also leaned slowly toward Sharona, closed her eyes and began taking slow, deep sniffs in her direction. Sharona hesitated, then closed the last inches between them until their noses finally touched. Sharona began silently weeping and Edwin heard Nicolle whispering, "It's okay now, Sharona, it's me. I’m your sister. We're alike. You don't have to pretend now. Not any more."

Edwin pulled out a handkerchief and cursed allergies for his suddenly damp eyes.

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PRIM

They were ready to leave with Prim, the Ecumer's catgirl. She had a small bag by the door. She hugged Nora and Bentley. Lastly, she hugged their daughter, Mirriam. But when she released the girl, she grabbed one of Prim's paws and stiffly stood close beside her.

Prim tried pulling gently away but Mirriam increased her grip. "You have to let me go now, honey." Mirriam gave her head a shake, her long, dark hair swinging about. Prim felt the little hand tremble and saw the tears Mirriam was barely holding back. She looked at Nora helplessly. "She won't let me go, Mom."

Edwin suddenly realized that what he’d been hearing during this visit and thought was an inflected “Ma’am” was, in fact, Mom. Nora was, in Prim ‘s eyes, her own mother. And another thought tumbled after it. What he'd seen now gelled into a conviction that the leverage he needed to change the laws could be found in the affection of children, the support of their mothers and family.

Nora looked questioningly at Bentley and then turned to Edwin. "Can you wait just a little longer, Mr. Roberts? I need to pack two more bags, I'm coming with them." Mirriam began to dance around Prim. "We have the best Mom ever, Primmy!"

"Have I told you lately how proud I am of my girls?" Bentley said.

"No, but you can make up for it when we get back."

Next: Part 12 / 25, “Stones”