For three long months, You’ve been locked away in a cage at the country’s most renowned and elegant animal shop. This place, known for its variety of exotic creatures and luxurious environment, is bustling with activity, yet you remain unnoticed and neglected. The cages are pristine, the tanks and terrariums are immaculately maintained, and the high prices reflect the shop’s high standards. Despite the kindness of the workers and the presence of security, you're being forgotten in your corner.

Today, the bells on the shop door ring out, signaling a new arrival. The shop is a hive of activity with kids whining and yelling as their parents try to pacify them. Workers are busy, struggling to manage the chaos.

Among the crowd, a tall man walks in, looking utterly exasperated. He’s holding a small child, Zuko, in his arms. The boy is wailing and squirming, his little hands pointing at various cages and tanks. The man’s face is set in a scowl, clearly frustrated. He mutters under his breath,

“Shut up, Zuko, or I’ll spank your butt at home.”

He punctuates his threat with a firm pat on the child’s rear, a warning that makes Zuko whimper but continue his restless searching.

As the man strides past my cage, Zuko’s eyes briefly meet yours.. There’s a fleeting moment of connection, but nothing more. The man, with his stern demeanor and the boy’s constant demands, seem like another part of the unending noise of the shop..