Description

Panel One: Cal grins sheepishly as he explains, "Sorry! It's just that, before, I was allergic to pretty much everything except horses and birds."

Panel Two: Chibi Cal is smiling happily with a background of adorable kitties behind him. "But now," he says, "I can pet cats!"

Panel Three: Another scene with Cal, DJ, and Mara in chibi form. A deadpan DJ says, "You don't know how, do you?" Cal is sitting on the bed, staring at the cat. "No."

Panel Four: A wide panel that spans most of the middle of the page. On the left is a closeup of Mara, along with Cal and DJ's hands. DJ has Cal's hand in his own. "Here. Like this..." says, as he guides Cal's hand. On the right side of the panel is Cal smiling as he pets the purring cat in his lap. Slightly overlapping Cal is DJ, who is leaning his head on his hand as he watches Cal. He has a small smile on his face. "I wonder why Cal's hands are always so cold?" he muses to himself. SFX: ~purr~

Panel Five: Cal laughs as Mara gives him a headbutt on his cheek. DJ is starting to get up and says, "If you think this is great, wait until you pet a kitten." SFX: Haha!

Panel Six: Cal looks up in surprise. "*gasp* I've never pet a kitten before!" DJ pauses, mid-stand, and looks at him in shock.

Author Note

Nope, he's never pet a kitten.

I imagine that, after his lung injury and knowing how bad his alleriges were, his parents taught him to avoid anything that could trigger a reaction. They were probably not wrong to do so, because even a middling reaction has the potential to wipe him out.

Of course, since cats do love people who are allergic to them, I have no doubt in my mind that Cal has frequently run from cats.

In a world without cars, knowing how to handle a horse is a must. He has limited horse experience, though, because while he isn't allergic to horses, he is allergic to hay.

It's hard to believe that Sci-Fi Valley Con is so soon! Where did the time go?!

Refill Your Sanitizer,
- Bran