Now... how do I comfort Rivera? Ethan wondered.
He was new to being a pet; he had no idea how to make her feel better.
He tried to think back to a moment in his life when he'd wanted comfort the most, his lowest point, the memory he'd spent years trying to bury.
***********
In high school, Ethan had fallen for the most beautiful girl on campus, Cassandra.
She was radiant: kind eyes, an easy laugh, the kind of girl who made time stop when she walked by.
He'd first spoken to her on a rainy afternoon, stranded at school without an umbrella.
Cassandra had noticed him waiting alone by the gate and, not saying a word, handed him her umbrella before she walked away with just a hint of a smile.
That simple gesture had captured his heart.
Weeks later, on Valentine's Day, Ethan finally found the courage to leave a note in her locker, asking her to meet him in the park after school.
When she arrived, his hands were trembling.
He confessed his feelings-and, to his astonishment-Cassandra replied that she liked him too.
They even shared a shy kiss under the fading sunset.
It became the happiest day in his young life.
It felt for a while as though it was all some sort of dream: they were going out together, talking every day, and laughing to tears.
Ethan felt he'd finally found someone who actually saw him for who he was.
Then one evening, Cassandra invited him to a hotel. Ethan couldn't understand why Cassandra had brought him to a hotel.
He'd asked her on the way there, more than once, but she hadn't answered, only glancing over her shoulder with that same unreadable expression.
"Just follow me," she'd said, and her tone left no room for argument.
They walked through the dimly lit lobby, the hum of quiet conversation around them, the faint scent of perfume and polished wood hanging in the air. Cassandra handled the booking herself, quick and precise, barely sparing Ethan a glance as she signed the register and collected the keycard.
Moments later, they entered the room.
It was small but comfortable, warm lighting, soft sheets, and the faint sound of rain tapping against the window. Ethan stood awkwardly by the door, watching her place her bag on the table.
He didn't know what to think. Why here? There was only one explanation that made sense, and the thought made his pulse quicken.
Maybe… she wanted that.
The idea felt unreal. Cassandra - beautiful, mysterious, and far out of his league - had brought him here.
And yet, as ridiculous as it sounded, a small part of him whispered that if it truly was her choice, he wouldn't refuse.
She turned to him with a faint smile. "Sit," she said softly.
Ethan obeyed, lowering himself onto the edge of the bed. Cassandra moved gracefully across the room, picked up a bottle of red wine, and poured two glasses. The deep crimson liquid caught the light as she handed him one.
"I'm going to take a quick shower," she said after a sip, her voice calm and unhurried.
"Wait for me."
Ethan nodded mutely, his throat suddenly dry. The sound of running water soon filled the silence.
Left alone, he stared at the untouched glass in his hand. His heart was racing, his thoughts tangled.
What should I do? What does she expect from me?
"Is this the time I loose my virginity?"
He didn't want to disappoint her - whatever this was, whatever she wanted.
The rest was somewhat of a blur: a night which had begun in excitement ended in confusion.
The next morning she was gone.
When he made inquiries, everyone acted like she'd never been there at all.
The next day at school, the whispers began. People stared. Phones lit up.
It was one picture, which should not have existed, that his friend showed to Ethan, and in that instant, everything fell.
Cassandra sat across the room amidst friends, with a mischievous smile playing on her lips.
It was then that he realized it had all been a setup.
Feeling utterly humiliated and heartbroken, Ethan ran home and locked himself away.
His parents helped him transfer to a new school in Seattle.
He stopped involving himself with girls. The laughter, the warmth - all gone.
Then one day, his parents brought him a pet rabbit.
He didn't want it at first, but the little creature hopped onto his bed and stared at him with gentle eyes.
Ethan reached out and stroked its soft white fur; something inside of him eased.
He named her Amara.
She became the one companion he trusted, the only girl who would never betray him.
***********
Maybe… if Rivera felt what I felt that day, Ethan thought, she might feel better too.
Alright, let's do it.
He hopped toward Rivera, nudging his head softly against her arm.
Rivera lifted her head, her teary eyes meeting his soft, beady ones.
She stared for a moment.
Ethan squeaked loudly-a sound that almost resembled a command.
"Pet me," he tried to say through the noise.
Rivera blinked, then smiled faintly. She leaned forward and began to stroke his back.
With every soft pass of her hand, warmth spread through Ethan's body. His fur tingled; his heart raced.
This is… embarrassing, he thought, trying to ignore the way his body responded. Still… it feels nice.
As Rivera's gentle fingers brushed over his fur, a strange thought slipped through Ethan's mind.
> If only I were still human, he mused silently, his heart beating faster, then maybe she could touch me somewhere that'd make me feel even better.
Get it together, Ethan, he scolded himself. You're a rabbit, she is a teenager and you are 24 years old.
The more she petted him, the lighter the expression became. The sadness melted off of her. Ethan's ears twitched with pride. It worked. Pet therapy really worked.
"Mmm… your fur is so smooth and soft," Rivera whispered. "My friend has a magical rabbit too, but it's really aggressive whenever someone touches it. I hope you two get along."
Wait - another rabbit? Ethan thought.
I am a rabbit so maybe I can communicate with another! He perked up, excitement flickering behind his eyes.
Maybe she'll even be a girl rabbit, he told himself dreamily. This world might actually be awesome.