Popular Opinion

The Emergence left the world thunderstruck, and the staff of the Perspective stepped into the silence with helpful information, upbeat insights, and an all-around positive spin. Levity went viral, and her follower count jumped into the millions overnight.

"Dang, Miss Levity! Look at your new swag." Anthony leaned on his snow shovel. "Never would have guessed you had a tail this whole time."

"I kept it sort of coiled."

"Uncomfortable?"

"Let's just say I like this better." She swung out, showing off but also showing her mood. Anthony was calm and curious. Friendly as ever. And that made her happy.

"Nice shine. What products do you use? There's a thought. Maybe my shop should stock fur-friendly treatments? I mean, the sign says we handle all ethnic types. What do you say?"

"Anthony, you are one of my favorite people."

"Nothing's changed, then. Amiright?"

Which wasn't entirely true, since panic and protests were real enough. But she thought that overall, calmer voices were prevailing. And here in her own city, along her usual routes, Levity's friends were throwing their support her way.

She'd just finished interviewing the fishmongers who'd been stunned to learn that their best boy and business partner wasn't human. Throughout filming, Roy and Mel sat on either side of Levin, holding his clawed hands in their wrinkled and gnarled ones.

Angelo had gone straight from their boat to the office to edit, but Levity was making her usual round of breakfasts.

Vaugn at the Daybreak Diner came out of the kitchen to get a closer look, peering pensively into her changed eyes. But then he asked if she was hungry, and it was business as usual. He even blew her a kiss from the kitchen window, same as always.

Faye wasn't the tiniest bit put-off by Levity's new look. She dropped into the chair opposite and gossiped her way through the whole meal.

Some things never change, like the fabulousness of Nutmeg's oatmeal. Get yourself to Maple & Main and mix it up. Today: apple jam, candied bacon, and walnuts.

Levity's morning rounds were drawing more attention than usual. She stopped for a dozen selfies on her way to the next place.

Morrow's welcomed me with a heaping platter of the good stuff. Selfie with all the staff. Your support means the world. Love you guys!

At Las Palmas, the servers were jumpy, but Maureen scolded them in Spanish, then personally took over, sharing a story from when she was a little girl about seeing a magical sunbird in the sky. Levity was able to assure her that yes, the Amaranthine people included a phoenix clan.

And by the end, the waitstaff had steadied.

Levity was sure they'd warm up to her, given time.

Maureen at Las Palmas set me up with this breakfast plate and a whole basket of conchas. In my signature color! We chatted about sunbirds. Lovely clan.

Levity checked comments, scanning for friends. Yes, there was Becca, teasing her about platter-sized portions. And muzjiks posed a question about other supposed myths and legends that might walk into the open.

Tippy left a .gif of Divinity, her illusions gone, blowing a kiss at the camera from the set of a morning talk show on one of the national networks. She looked fabulous.

Mick's comment was a reminder of his standing order, please and thank you.

So Levity swung by the bakery and posted a drool-worthy photo.

Strudel for all my Perspective peeps. They're coworkers & friends, but deep down, I've always considered them packmates. My trusted ones. My family.