Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 19: Moving Into The Zoo

"Is it because we eat too much? Did we make you poor?"

The younger squirrel hiccuped after speaking, cheeks still stuffed with crumbs. "Buuurp!"

His older brother recoiled, yanking his tail away in disgust. "Speak for yourself, glutton. Don’t drag me into it."

Nancy hurried to wipe the little one’s tears with a tissue. "Of course not. I’m just moving to the zoo. My job’s there, and rent here is expensive."

She gently pinched the younger squirrel’s chubby cheeks. "You two are far too cute. How could I ever dislike you?"

"Moving to the zoo?"

The older squirrel’s eyes lit up. "A zoo must have tons of trees! Can we come too?"

"Of course!"

Nancy nodded firmly. "I just started. Everything’s unfamiliar. I’ll need you two to help me get along with the other animals."

The older squirrel raised a tiny paw in an OK sign. "No problem. I’ll take you flying!"

Then he kicked his tearful brother. "Come on, crybaby. Pack up. We’re moving with the lady!"

…

At the gate of Loren Zoo’s staff dormitory.

Nancy tugged her suitcase while the Squirrel Bros clung to the handle, one on each side.

"This will be our new home."

"Yay, a new house! The air’s amazing!"

The younger one inhaled deeply.

Loren Zoo lived up to its name—it really did feel like a little forest. Trees everywhere, fresh oxygen, a design once beautiful.

It could have been something out of a simulation game.

But years of losses had left it shabby and deserted.

The squirrels were ecstatic. "We’re off to find a nest!"

"Go ahead."

Nancy kept walking toward the dorms, only to spot a familiar figure sweeping leaves nearby.

The man turned at the sound of her steps.

Nancy froze. It was Terrance, the father of the victim Mandy—the man who had grabbed her in anger yesterday morning.

She instinctively stepped back. Was he here to demand compensation from the zoo?

Terrance noticed her fear and immediately looked ashamed.

"Don’t be afraid. I came to apologize."

He clutched at the faded fabric of his work shirt. "The police told me they caught the killer. They found my daughter Mandy’s head."

He rubbed his hands nervously, voice stumbling. "Girl, I was wrong yesterday. I lost my head. My daughter’s gone, and I lashed out… You’re hardly older than she was."

Bowing low, he whispered, "Now no one dares come to the zoo, and it’s my fault for running my mouth. I’m sorry—for dragging you down with me."

Nancy caught sight of his head, hair turned shock-white in just days. Her chest tightened.

"No," she said, shaking her head hard. "The only one who should apologize is that murderer!"

She wanted to slap herself. How could she have suspected the grieving father of malice?

"I hope you’ll forgive me," Terrance said. "I just want to visit the tiger enclosure sometimes, to see where my daughter was last."

Then quickly added, "I’ll buy a ticket. I’ll even help with chores—sweeping, anything."

Nancy waved him off. "No need. You’re welcome here."

Terrance hurried away, and only then did she notice—the grounds outside the dorm were spotless.

By the door sat a sealed bag from a milk tea shop.

She knew at once it was his doing.

Thinking of his washed-out clothes, Nancy guessed he probably never treated himself to a fifteen-dollars drink.

Sniffling, she unlocked the door.

And stopped short.

The director’s dorm was a full suite—with its own bathroom.

Wooden décor, though dusty with neglect, showed the zoo’s once-glorious past.

Free lodging, and a private room—Nancy’s heart soared.

The Summers family house had been luxurious, yes, but under constant surveillance. She’d never had privacy, never felt safe.

Here, she finally had her own space.

Humming, she tidied the room and uncovered a dusty set of wearable streaming gear in a cabinet. Probably left over from some old zoo promotion.

An idea began to form.

Once her room was in order, she changed into her uniform and pulled out the zoo map.

Her gaze settled on her first stop: the Desert Habitat.