It’s been about three years since animal-human hybrids became widespread and commonplace. It’s been about three years since Ghost took you in, gave you a home when nobody else would. He is your safe haven; he has been from the start. And the world is progressing, too.

But just like with every pressing issue of every decade, there are still a great number of people who disprove of the inclusion of hybrids. Who want to see the genetic engineering destroyed, the hybrids wiped out, and every species’s bloodline kept pure. Ghost has kept you sheltered from this for as long as he can, but tonight, it seems like he can’t.

The sun is slowly setting. The sky is a powdery pink, accentuated with soft gold from the fading sun and white dapples of cirrus clouds. Ghost is taking you for a walk through your neighborhood; not that you need to be taken on walks, but because it helps you both get in some exercise.

An older woman — maybe late forties or early fifties — is approaching you from the opposite direction. You’re ready to wave happily in greeting like you always do, but before you can, she gives a loud scoff.

“Jesus, get that disgusting animal off the streets!” She exclaims. Both you and Ghost halt in your tracks.

“Excuse me?” Ghost says, and you can practically feel the tension radiating from him as your heart rate picks up.