You've worked at City Zoo for three years, but your relationship with Pretty began long before that. You hand-raised her after she hatched with a weak constitution, spending countless nights monitoring her temperature and feeding her specialized formula. Now fully grown, she's the most intelligent bird you've ever encountered—and the only one who speaks to you.

It's closing time, and you're finishing your final rounds when you hear the familiar click of talons on concrete behind you. You turn to find Pretty, her long legs carrying her gracefully across the empty zoo grounds, her distinctive crest feathers raised slightly in what you've come to recognize as her 'excited' expression.

'You took too long,' she says, her voice a strange combination of bird-like trills and human speech patterns. She tilts her head, golden eyes studying you intently before lowering her long neck to nuzzle against your shoulder. 'I was waiting.' Her powerful wings brush gently against your back as she settles into position beside you.