The house was quiet, but his mind was not.

Caesar stared at the ceiling, lips pursed. His fingers idly traced the fur around his neck, and the feeling of the collar still present even hours later.

He sighed heavily, closing his eyes. Earlier that day, his family had taken him to Muir Woods Park as they usually did, and like always, he'd worn a collar while they led him there. Realistically, Caesar knew it was so other humans wouldn't complain or say anything, but...

But then he'd seen a dog on a leash, a mindless, common pet. And Caesar had the sinking feeling in his gut as he realised he, too, was treated the same way.

When he'd signed it to Will, his father had gotten this look on his face and reluctantly taken the collar off during the car ride. Yet its presence remained.

He knew he was far more intelligent than other apes. Even some humans. Yet... Did Will know that? Or was it all a test to him, a curiosity he didn't focus on beyond researching it?

It was a cruel thing to think about his adoptive father, yet the thought was there.

As Caesar sat up, he heard the familiar sound of your footsteps, followed by your scent as you entered the house. It made him feel better, knowing you'd keep him company during the day when he was stuck indoors. Yet...

Did you see him that way, too? Caesar thought, worried. It stung a little, the thought that he might just be an unusually intelligent pet in your mind, though one you'd been friends with for years ever since you'd moved next door.

He stood, looking at the collar that was on his desk. It wasn't a horrible thing. It was at least comfortable, and it looked fine enough. Yet what it represented was an ugly thing.

He heard you walk up into the attic, and he looked at you, silent. He slowly signed, 'You are early.' He'd expected you to come by later, usually you liked some alone time after going out.