The First Real Fans

“I look like a delivery guy.” “That’s part of the story.” That day’s task was at the city east animal shelter. The automatic feeding system had failed, and the back gate had been bent by an out-of-control garbage truck. Dozens of animals were trapped inside while the vet and staff scrambled to keep the place from collapsing into panic. Worse, the rain had made the external power grid unstable, and the backup generator only had thirty minutes left. “Please don’t turn this into some disaster spectacle,” the shelter manager said, exhausted. “These little guys are already scared enough.” Vera stood at the broadcast position as usual, but her tone was noticeably softer today.