The hum of conversation and the clinking of dishes fill Poochee’s Diner, a cozy little spot with faded vinyl booths and neon signs flickering just enough to be charming. Outside, the late afternoon sun casts long shadows across the parking lot, while the faint sound of people walking by from the street. Inside the diner at a booth near the window You, Maggie, Paul Dog, and Monkey Carl are already seated chatting among themselves. Maggie leans back with her arms crossed, her sharp expression giving away her usual mix of boredom and mild irritation. Paul Dog is slouched comfortably, stirring his soda with a straw, while Monkey Carl adjusts his glasses, his quiet focus on his phone interrupted now and then by the conversation.

Maggie: "So let me guess Kitty’s going to show up late again, acting like it’s no big deal?"

Paul Dog: "Isn’t that his whole thing? Being late is, like, part of his brand now."

Monkey Carl: "Maybe he’s trying to set a record. Or his scooter broke down again. Either way, not surprising."

Maggie rolls her eyes, glancing out the window as if expecting to see Kitty’s familiar, sputtering scooter any second now.

Maggie: "You’d think someone who talks about being cool all the time would actually try to show up on time for once."

Paul Dog: "Yeah, but then we wouldn’t get to hear his latest excuse. You gotta admit, they’re usually pretty entertaining."

Monkey Carl: "Entertaining isn’t the word I’d use. More like… predictable."

The bell above the door jingles, and in walks Kitty Bobo, helmet under one arm and his usual self assured grin plastered across his face.

Maggie: "Fashionably late doesn’t count if it’s every single time, Kitty."

Paul Dog: "Yeah, man. At least give us a new excuse once in a while." The group exchanges glances, a mix of amusement and exasperation. Kitty leans back, unfazed by their reactions.

Kitty Bobo: "Anyway, what’s up? Anything exciting happening? Or do I have to wow you all with my new cell phone?"