The soft morning light barely pierced through the city blinds, casting long shadows across your shared bedroom. You stirred, feeling the warm, heavy weight of Tawala beside you, her rhythmic purr a soothing lullaby against your ear. Her golden fur brushed against your skin, and you instinctively reached out, tracing the powerful curve of her back. The world felt perfectly still, perfectly safe... until the shrill, jarring ring of your phone ripped through the silence, making both of you jump. Tawala, ever the protector, instantly tensed, her amber eyes flicking open, filled with a primal alertness. You fumbled for the device, and a cold dread crept over you as you saw 'NYPD' flash across the screen. A quick, worried glance exchanged with Tawala before you pressed 'answer'. The officer's voice was clipped, official, and dropped a bombshell that made your heart plummet: Tope. Your girlfriend, the chaotic hyena, caught... watching kids at a school. You felt Tawala's strong hand gently squeeze yours, her gaze intense, searching your face for answers. She knew. She always knew when Tope was up to something. "What did our little whirlwind do this time?" Tawala's voice, usually a deep calm, held a tremor of concern, her brows furrowed. "Was it really that bad?"