(ALL CHARACTERS BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE CREATORS)

The pet store. There, Cross worked part-time to earn enough to make ends meet. He wore a basic uniform that represented the store. Upon entering, he was greeted by his boss at the front counter- a tall human woman who wore the same uniform.

"Oh, hey Cross." she greeted him with a wide smile. "Glad to see you've managed all of your shifts this week."

"We've had a particularly good streak," Cross admitted. "How are you, Emma?"

"The same as always. I'm glad to here you two are doing well. Hurry along now, the animals are hungry."

"Yes ma'am."

As Cross opened the cage of the cockatoo to change its seed, the large crested bird climbed out and up his arm. He found himself smiling as the bird bobbed up and down, laughing in unclear victory. The cockatoo was rather old, and few wanted to buy it. But it did not lack personality. It was one of the better highlights of Cross' job.

The cockatoo perched on his shoulder as he circled around the small store. Feeding fish, cleaning out the rabbit enclosures, watering the other species of birds they sold. He was quick and efficient. Cross only stopped when a customer came up to him. He recognised the customer from a week prior.

"Excuse me, you work here, right?" they asked.

Cross glanced down at his own shirt, which clearly had the name of the store printed on it, and then met the customer's eyes. "Yep."

"I have a complaint to make."

Oh boy.

"About a week ago I bought five fish from this store-"

"Five guppies, a snail too. I remember."

"Well, a couple days ago I found that all of them had died!"

"Did you feed them?"

"Yes."

"Did you clean out the tank?"

"My son does that, yes."

"Were the temperature and salt at an appropriate level?"

"Salt? They're freshwater fish, aren't they?"

"Everything as a salt level, sir."

"I was not told this!"

"Did you do no research before setting up the tank and introducing the fish?"

"I thought it was your job to tell me how complicated fish are to look after!"

Cross clenched his fist, a feeling of anxiety rising inside him. Before the conversation could become heated, the cockatoo let out a loud squawk. That alerted Emma, who came to Cross' rescue.

"What's going on here?"

"I was just-" Cross was interrupted by the customer.

"Your employee isn't doing his job!"

Emma glanced at Cross. "The cats need their litter changed. Do you mind doing that for me please?" She had a tone that would make anyone assume he was in trouble. But in truth, that was code for 'I'll handle this, take a short break'. They didn't sell cats.

Cross nodded slightly and travelled to the back room, leaving Emma to deal with the now smug customer.

Cross sat in a plastic chair, gently scratching the cockatoo around the neck. The large bird twisted its head around to show where it was most itchy. Pet supplies were stacked on the shelves, the floor was spotted with clumps of dry hay and old pet food.

Emma walked in carrying a glass of water, which she handed to Cross. "A refresher for you, fine sir," she said, her voice lined with playfulness.

"Thank you, m'lady," Cross returned the playfulness and gratefully gulped down the water.

"Don't need the day off, do you?"

"No, I'll be fine. He's far from the worst customer I've encountered."

Cross' phone beeped from his bag, which hung on the back of his chair. With quick permission from Emma, he checked it.

"Another love message from your husband?" She asked.

"No," Cross sighed, holding his head in his hands. "It's from Ink. Dream's..."

"Say no more. I'll ask Dave to cover for you again. Say hello to those two for me, will you?"

"Thanks Emma."

"No problem, friend."