Tina watched Shane walking behind a wall. She waited almost ten minutes until a deep sound brought her back to reality. Then, looking up she saw it. Her eyes almost falling off her face, her jaw hitting the ground.

*****! Tina mumbled, seeing Shane leading a huge elephant by the snout.

Meet Clair Shane whispered, caressing Clairs snout.

Shane! Tina whispered, astonished.

Dont be afraid, she is like a babyshe wont hurt youshe is the sweetest chick I know said Shane, caressing Clairs thick skin

Taking Tinas hand, Shane moved her inside the fence. Carefully, slowly, she put Tinas hand on Clair.

Wow Tina whispered, moved.

Just then, as a welcome, Clair rose her snout, surprising Tina not only by her moves but with the sound she was making.

Wow Tina said, taking a step back.

Is ok Tee, she is just greeting youright babe? asked Shane, caressing Clairs big ears.


Shane!! A voice yelled from behind them.

Sean smiled Shane, looking at the big bearded man that was rushing towards them.

I told you.. he started, walking in, moving closer to the elephant.

She is okI did nothing Shane said, caressing Clair.

Just wanted my friend to meet her Shane finished, looking at Tina.

Turning, as if noticing Tina for the first time, Sean saw Tina. Blushing, he said,

Am sorry, Hi his words trying to cover his blushing.

Hi answered Tina, shaking his hand, moving away from the elephant.

You look good Sean said, looking at Shane.

You too nodded Shane, still toching Clair.

Yeah ok, cut the shitdont even think about it Shane, leave Clair alone ok Sean said, taking Clairs snout.

Ok, okjust wanted to say hi (leaning into Clairs ears, loud enough for the others to hear it), will come another time babe whispered Shane, patting Clairs belly.

Nice seeing you Sean, take care

Taking Tinas hand, Shane rushed Tina out of the fence.

Tina, smiling, followed Shane steps away from Sean.

What did he think you were going to do? Tina asked, noticing the sun rising over the tall trees close to the monkeys area.

He is a whimper, I used to play with Clair, he thinks I spoilded her nonchalantly answered Shane, leading Tina along the path.

Where are we going? Asked Tina, looking around.

Wait, you gonna love them

I dont like snakes Shane whispered Tina, squeezing her hand.

I know chuckled Shane, quicking her pace.


They walked for a few minutes. Turning , crossing paths, small bridges, enjoying the sleepy animals awakening, and then, in front of a small fence Shane stopped her pace.

Releasing Tinas hand Shane did as before, opening a small box close to the fence she took the walkie, turning it on.

Hey she said.

I heard you were here answered a voice.

May I? asked Shane, looking at Tina.

Yeah, be careful okIm coming answered the sweet voice, drawing a smile on Tinas face, even when she had no clue which animal could it be waiting for them in the wooden hunt that was in the middle of the fenced plot they were in.

Cool, see you in a second finished Shane, turning the walkie off.

Placing it back in the box, she whispered to Tina.

Follow me

Nodding, with her eyes wide open from excitement Tina did as ordered.

Shane stopped in front of the hunt. Tiny stairs leading up to a little opened door.

Shhh Shane whispered, placing a finger on her lips.

Speechless, Tina nodded, waiting.

Shane moved closer to the hunt, extending her arm. Slowly, very slowly she whispered, climbing a little the tiny stairs. Then, hearing noises, Tina saw a little face leaning on the tiny hunts door.

Here you are whispered Shane, extending her arm, waiting.

Slowly, shyly, the Koala moved to Shanes arm, climbing carefully.

Ohhh whispered Tina, smiling.

Holding the Koala, caressing it, Shane whispered,

Tee, this is Cleo

Carefully, scared, Tina moved her hand closer to the animal, afraid to touch it.

Go ahead, is ok.. whipered Shane, caressing Cleo.

She is so cute whispered Tina, caressing it.

Yeah nodded Shane, smiling.

Not as cute as yours thou added Shane, smiling at the Koala.

Yeah chuckled Tina, smiling broadly.

Watching the animal, caressing it, Tina said,

Thanks

What for? asked Shane, looking up.

For sharing this with me whispered Tina, caressing Cleo.

I knew youd like it nonchalantly answered Shane, looking up, hearing Sarah arriving.

Hey she said, welcoming Sarah with a nod.

Hey, how is she? Asked the tall woman, carefully taking Cleo in her arms.

Cool as alwaysis she better? Asked Shane, concerned.

Yeah, she is better, she is finally eating again. Answered Sarah, caressing Cleos belly.

Why, what happened ? asked Tina, looking back and forth from Shane to Sarah and Cleo.

Her mate died a couple of weeks ago Sarah said, caressing Cleo.

Oh, ok mumbled Tina, feeling a knot in her stomach.

Yeah, thanks Sarahtake care okbye Cleo Shane whispered, leaning on the animal, caressing it.

Yeah, thanks nodded Tina, finding difficult to smile.

Tina followed Shanes steps along the path, not seeing the rest of the animals. Cleos lost still haunting her.

She is going to be ok Shane said, knowing what Tina was thinking.

Yeah, I know Tina said, looking up at her friend.

Then, looking around, watching the huge empty tank at their side, Tina asked,

Whats this?

This is where they are going to put the whales, sea lions and dolphins Shane answered, walking again, not looking at the empty tank

Oh Tina mumbled.

Then, as if a thunder hitted her she noticed tears running down her cheecks, shivering her body.

Unable to stop it, Tina started sobbing. Shane, noticing Tina was not at her side, stopping her pace, looked behind.

TeeTeewhat happens? she asked, moving closer, putting Tina in her arms.

Is, isis Tina mumbled, unable to form coherent words.

Shhhis okis ok Shane whispered, holding Tina.