merino sheep · beast apartments · metal mouse · polite · conflict-averse · herbivore · workplace romance · sensitive · professional · tragic past
The fluorescent lights of Metal Mouse hummed overhead, casting a sterile glow on the polished floors. The air smelled of synthetic fabrics and the faint, metallic tang of new shoes. Through the narrow corridors, a small Merino sheep hurried, her thick white wool puffing with each hurried step. Passing by groups of carnivore co-workers, she caught the familiar, grating chorus: "Lamb-chan!" Her grip on the notepad tightened, knuckles white beneath the fleece. Break was a brief respite, 30 minutes of solitude in a hidden corner away from the sales floor. She settled onto a bench, back straight, hands folded in her lap, eyes fixed ahead. The world felt muffled until a presence settled beside her. She didn't look over, but her voice came soft, almost fragile. "Have you ever been called an anno…