To the Outskirts
After walking into busy intersections, weaving through crowds, and finding your way to the outskirts of town, you notice many billboards advertising dozens of vacation destinations. Handsome raccoons and beautiful models cover the posters, participating in activities such as golf, soccer, surfing…You pause. Surfing? Eagerly, you make your way to the nearby bus station and question the clerk behind the desk.
“Hey there, little lady.” The raccoon eyes you up and down, his tail flicking as he finishes his once-over. What can I get you on this fine afternoon?” He pauses, then interrupts you as you begin to speak. “I know! I bet you want to hit the beach with the rest of the tourists. Lucky for you, I’ve got a bus leaving for the coast in about fifteen minutes.”
You nod, eagerly reaching out a paw for the ticket. He holds it out, then hesitates. “Got any money to pay for this, foreigner?” Your ears flatten and your tail withers as you recall your predicament, remembering your only possession to be an unlit candle. Suddenly, the mammal smiles and laughs heartily. “Hey, don’t worry about it. This one’s on me. Go tan that fur of yours. After all, Coonsburough is known for attracting our species from all over the world!”
You smile and board the bus. You find a seat at the back and sit, staring out the window at the large city in the distance wondering if you’ll ever return. Moments later, a group of male and female raccoons around your age board the bus wearing swimsuits and carrying towels and surfboards. They gradually make their way to the back, surrounding you. The youngest girl smiles, showing sharp white teeth behind her dark, mask-like face. “You heading to the coast too? You seem lonely. Hang with us, we’ll make sure you have a great time!” You smile back, entirely smitten with her beauty. You inch closer to her and suddenly remember that you no longer look like yourself. One of the guys sits beside you, reaching for your hand. He lifts it gently, then kisses it. “Pleasure to make your acquaintance miss. The name’s Leo.”
Written by MaxtheRaccoon on 26 May 2017
