Page 136 of The Pacifist
Job Opportunity for Animal Lovers
A number of community homes are currently being designed and built to provide a better life for rescue animals in the Northlands.
We are looking for animal lovers of all ages who will take on the role as their protectors.
Each protector will have a private bed and bathroom.
If you have a handicap and need special arrangements, that can be accommodated.
Payment
Chosen applicants will be paid with board and lodging. Your responsibilities are to take care of the animals and work with the other protectors and caregivers to create a warm community for all residents to thrive in. If you already have a (non-aggressive) pet, you may bring it.
“This is good, Freya.”
Her intelligent green eyes lit up. “Do you like the part about calling them protectors? My mom used the word caregivers, but I know Nmen and they all want to be protectors. It gives them a purpose in life.”
“No, it’s good. I’m sure you’ll see many applications, but what about the poor people who don’t like animals?”
Freya wrinkled her nose up. “I’ve never met an Nman who doesn’t like at least dogs.”
“But some people are allergic.”
“Hmm, why don’t we start with this project first? My parents told me that with the ticket sales and the treasures from the storage room we’re good to go. Next, we’ll be looking for suitable buildings that can be transformed. By this time next year, we might have the first ten community houses up and running. The first one could be opening in as little as three months.” She pointed to the flyer in my hands. “They are being passed out at all food banks as well.”
“Brilliant.” I leaned in to hug her but that made Freya step back and hold up her palm. “You can’t touch me. You’re a man.”
“But I’m a Motlander.”
“You’re still a man.”
I couldn’t argue with that, and part of me was pleased that she saw me as an equal to the Nmen.
“Don’t take it personally. I don’t mind hugging you, but my guards take their orders to protect me very seriously and I don’t want you to get in trouble.” She was just about to walk away when she frowned. “I almost forgot to tell you that we managed to get an express order in for the stickers that you ran out of last night. They were delivered to the main entrance and Leo went to pick them up.”
“Excellent. To be honest, I’m amazed at how willing they all are to let us put those stickers on them.”
“People always behave weird around celebrities. I’ve seen enough grown men come out of that tent looking goofy just because they got to meet Anne, Salma, you, or one of the others. It’s bizarre if you ask me. You’re just normal people.”
I grinned. “You’re right, we are. But don’t forget that you’re a celebrity too. The media talk about you. I heard they’ve been saying flattering things.”
Freya rolled her eyes. “Who cares what they say? They don’t know me.”
“True, but saying that you have your mom’s kind heart, and your dad’s intelligence to find strategic solutions isn’t the worst that can happen.”
She sighed. “I guess I’m just pissed on my mom’s behalf. She’s intelligent too.”
I smiled and held up both my hands. “I’m Pearl’s biggest fan so I won’t argue. Still, I find it interesting that you object to the media thinking you have your intelligence from your father, but you don’t object to them thinking that you have your warm heart from your mother. Does that mean you don’t think Khan has a kind heart?”
Freya bit her lip. “I guess he does, but in a different way. I saw him cry when Magni was hurt so I know he cares, but my mom doesn’t hide her sympathy or pain like my dad does. She’s not afraid that the people might see her tear up or think her weak. It’s so strange with adults.”
“What is?”
Freya tilted her head. “The way they like to categorize things. My dad explained what it means to be a man to Mason and Thor the other day and he used words like strong, respected, stoic, and protective, but I’m those things too.”
“That’s right.” I smiled because it wasn’t hard to envision what a magnificent woman Freya would one day grow up to be. “Can I ask you a question?”
She shrugged and her beautiful green eyes met mine with that intelligent curiosity that made her stand out.
