bills, bills, bills...

[itsgunnabe_mei]

Sender: Meilin "Mei" Lee
To: All
Subject: $$$ For Warm Fuzzies

So, sending out a quick question to all my homies and newbies.

How much would you pay to hug a gigantic red panda? Use whatever currency you feel comfortable with, just tell me if it's high or low.

I may have a business opportunity in the works.

Comments

[whatsamada]

I see.

...

But at least you can transform into a red panda at will so I guess it can't be too bad? I mean, a red panda is a good animal to turn into! At least it's cute.

[itsgunnabe_mei]

It has its ups and downs. And it took a while for it to be "at will" - at first it was just whenever I felt something super strongly.

[whatsamada]

[....]

Care to tell me about it?

[itsgunnabe_mei]

Not sure what's left to tell. I mean, by now it's a pretty open secret here. But if you wanna ask anything, go for it.

[whatsamada]

How you did manage to control your emotions? I don't know about you but turning into an animal is going to take a while to get used to.

[itsgunnabe_mei]

It wasn't easy, I can tell you. I really only got most control just very recently!

But thinking of calming things helped, like my best friends mentally cheering me on.

[whatsamada]

That's good to hear!

Hopefully your parents will understand and cheer you on too.

[itsgunnabe_mei]

Well, I mean

it's a little complicated with them

My mom wants me to hide it away until we can properly seal it up under the next Red Moon.

[whatsamada]

...Any reason why?

I guess I can understand if it's dangerous but it doesn't seem to be to me.

[itsgunnabe_mei]

It's tradition. Every female in my family has done it.

[whatsamada]

...But isn't that odd she wants to hide it?

Especially when it's all the female family members?

[itsgunnabe_mei]

Well, I mean, you've got to remember that this kind of thing isn't normal in my world. My mom wants what's best for me, and she always knows better.

[whatsamada]

I suppose so. I can't argue against that and especially when it comes to moms.

Although, I'm glad she's still around to help you out.

[itsgunnabe_mei]

Oh, absolutely! My mom's the best! She's smart and beautiful and wise!

[whatsamada]

...

Then I hope whenever you get back that you spend a lot of time with her. You never know what might happen.

[itsgunnabe_mei]

I kind of hope I can get back soon. I feel like I've been here a long time.

[whatsamada]

You're not the only one. I've only been here for two months and I'm starting to feel a little homesick myself...

[itsgunnabe_mei]

Sorry for being such a downer.

[whatsamada]

What? No, you're not!

If I'm being honest, I'm kind of envious. You have a family that's waiting for you when you get back.

[itsgunnabe_mei]

If I have to make you say that, it's DEFINITELY
a downer!

[whatsamada]

It's not that big of a deal!

I'm kind of used to thinking that way anyway!

[itsgunnabe_mei]

THAT'S STILL TERRIBLE! OH MY GOSH! ARE YOU OKAY???

[whatsamada]

I'm fine! I really am!

I know I got some people waiting for me back home and I do consider them family! It's just a little different when it's not your mom!

[itsgunnabe_mei]

That's good to hear, but, still, yeah. If you ever wanna, like, talk about that stuff, I'll listen.

[whatsamada]

Thanks. I can't say it's not that bad but...

Let's just say that I don't really have parents anymore.