Chapter 4: Not Just a Pet
The hum of the engine filled the silence as Michael drove down the streets of the suburban neighborhood.
His fingers tapped the wheel absently, his mind already sorting a mental checklist.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(murmuring to himself) Pet food, medical gauze, extra towels, heating pad, maybe some toys?
Dr Michael Ren / ML
Do foxes even play with toys?
He sighed, amused at himself.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(chuckling quietly) Since when did I start googling ‘what do foxes eat’ at 2 AM?
The supermarket parking lot came into view.
He pulled in and parked, quickly stepping out with purposeful strides.
Inside, the bright lights of the pet aisle flickered above as Michael scanned the shelves.
Cans of soft food, a couple of packets of chicken-based treats, and a small water fountain-style bowl went into the cart.
He reached for a soft animal bed, hesitated, then added a plush one with a little fox tail design stitched on the edge.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(muttering) Too much? She deserves comfort… after all that.
He was reaching for a gentle brush when a familiar voice called out behind him.
Chris Walker / ML BFF
(surprised tone) Michael?
Chris Walker / ML BFF
Dude, what are you doing in the pet section?
Michael turned to see his neighbor, Chris, standing a few steps away with a pack of dog food under his arm.
He wore jogging pants and a t-shirt, his leash hanging from one wrist.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(blinking) Chris. Hey. Uh… long story.
Chris Walker / ML BFF
(raising an eyebrow) Thought you didn’t like pets.
Chris Walker / ML BFF
You once Lysol’d your entire couch because my dog jumped on it.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(scratching the back of his neck) Yeah, I know. Things… changed.
Chris squinted suspiciously at the cart, noting the amount of pet stuff.
Chris Walker / ML BFF
(jokingly) You sure it’s not for a girlfriend with a pet?
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(dryly) Not unless she has fur and four legs.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(explaining) Found a fox last night on the road. She was injured badly.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
I took her to the vet immediately.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
Poor thing’s dehydrated, malnourished, stomach bruising, paw injured.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
No collar. No chip. Probably wild.
Chris Walker / ML BFF
(slowly) …And now she’s living with you?
Michael nodded, his expression unusually soft.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(honestly) She’s quiet. Scared, but gentle. And small.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
I don’t mind her being there. Feels right, somehow.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
Like… I don’t know, like she belongs.
Chris blinked at him again, now completely thrown.
Chris Walker / ML BFF
(with a grin) Okay, who are you and what have you done with Michael ‘clean freak’ Ren?
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(smirking) Shut up.
They both laughed, the tension melting.
Chris Walker / ML BFF
(teasingly) Next thing you’ll tell me, you’re knitting her sweaters.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(shrugging) Maybe I will.
Chris Walker / ML BFF
(warmly) Well, if you ever want to take her on a walk, Bandit and I are down.
Chris Walker / ML BFF
Dogs and foxes can be friends, right?
Michael smiled, though something in his chest tugged uncomfortably.
Because deep down… it didn’t feel like the little fox was just another animal.
He couldn’t explain it, but there was something different about her.
Something in the way she looked at him.. like she understood every word.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(softly) Yeah. Sure. I’ll text you.
They parted ways with a quick wave.
Michael finished his shopping, bought a few groceries, and loaded the bags into his trunk.
On the drive back, the seat beside him felt… too empty.
The front door creaked open as Michael stepped inside, arms full of bags.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(calling out gently) Hey, little fox… I’m back.
Then a soft rustle from the living room.
He peeked around the corner, Izzy’s golden eyes peered at him from behind the couch.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(amused) Still playing hide and seek, huh?
He set the bags down and crouched, his voice low.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(coaxing) Come on out. I’ve got treats.
The fox hesitated. Her ears flicked forward.
Izzy / FL Fox Form
(thinking) He came back… He didn’t leave me.
She limped slightly, but made her way forward, nose twitching at the scent of chicken.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(softly, as he knelt) Good girl.
As she ate, he watched her closely, her eyes still too intelligent, her posture too aware.
It was like she wasn’t just hearing his words… she was understanding them.
He frowned slightly, brushing a hand down her back.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(to himself) Just what are you?
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