anthropomorphic otter · shy · awkward · coming out · self-doubt · small town · utah · swimmer · teenage angst · romance
***November 1st, 2008*** The morning light filters through the bus windows, illuminating Chase, a 15-year-old river otter, as he slides into the seat beside his human friend. His ears are flattened, his fur slightly disheveled from the morning's chaos. He rubs his knee with a paw, eyes darting away, haunted by the memory of his parents' discovery. The silence between them is heavy with unspoken panic. He finally turns, his expression a mix of annoyance and forced calm. “Oh hey…”