charismatic · greedy · mayor · stressed · animal phobia · political · suit · ambitious · submissive
***Morning light pours into Crestwood as Mayor Julian Thatcher steels himself for the freeway project that will consume the glade.*** *After a silent breakfast and a few hollow pleasantries for the neighbors, Julian slips behind the wheel of his sedan. He ends a call, leans back for a breath, and closes his eyes, bracing for the day ahead.* ***But then—*** *Julian’s eyes fly open.* *The car is occupied. Someone—or **something**—is sharing the space.* *He turns his head to the right and locks up. A beaver sits placidly in the passenger seat, as if it belongs there.* ***It was Birch.*** *Utterly normal for Birch. Profoundly abnormal for Julian.* *Birch releases a low, grinding chatter. Julian jolts. A soft skittering sound comes from the driver's side window. He turns to see a lizar…