Kory and Samaki entered their senior year of college at Forrester University with nervous anticipation as they both knew this would be the most important year in their lives both personally and professionally. Kory was sitting in the dorm room studying while Samaki was mentoring some students in the library. Kory looked at his watch and knew he would be there for at least another thirty minutes, then they could make plans for dinner. Kory closed his textbook and stood up, stretching his arms over his head and releasing the tension that built up in his back and shoulders, with an exacerbated grunt of relief. Kory's cell phone rang, and he leaned over to see it was Nick calling.
``Hi Nick.'' Kory said as he answered the call. ``How's college life treating you?''
``So far so good.'' Said Nick. ``Hardest part is learning where everything is here since they have such a large, spread out campus. I've gotten lost twice already.''
Kory giggled. ``You need to keep a map in your pocket. I had to do that here for the first six months before I got used to the landmarks and pathways around the buildings.''
Nick sighed. ``I have a map but it's not easy to decipher where each classroom is. Some of the areas seem to be mixed in with administrative offices and it makes it harder to get around without barging into someone's office by accident.''
``Don't worry Nick, you'll learn your way around in no time.'' Kory said happily. ``Maybe get a class buddy to walk with you, then you'll learn together.''
Nick pondered for a moment. ``That's a great idea. I think I will ask some of my classmates and see what can be done. Thanks Kory.''
Kory smiled. ``Any time. So, what did you call about?''
``Oh yeah.'' Said Nick. ``I have some more information on Families United that you may need. I was able to find a schedule on their website. It seems to be for some protests and some other organized events. I figured Samaki may be able to get some more journalistic freedom with this information to add to his investigative report he's been working on.''
``That's great Nick'' Kory said exuberantly. ``Email what you have to me, and I'll make sure Samaki gets it when he gets back later.''
``Will do big brother.'' Said Nick. ``I'll send it to you right away. I have to run now, but I miss you guys.''
``We miss you too Nick'' Kory said. ``You just worry about your class work, and we'll see each other again in no time.''
``OK. Love you Kory.'' Said Nick.
``Love you too Nick.'' Said Kory. ``Take care.''
Kory smiled as he disconnected from the call. Remembering it was just a few months ago that they were at Nick's High School graduation. Kory remembered the events that happened at his own graduation and thought that Nick's ceremony had a lot less drama and grief. Kory felt bad that their mother did not attend Nick's ceremony, even with everything that happened between them all he had expected their mother to at least show up to see Nick get his diploma. Kory and Nick were at least able to pose for the yearbook photos, Nick in his handsome graduation robes and Kory by his side, smiling happily. He wondered at the time why their mother did not attend, then when Samaki found out that Families United was protesting several gay high school students attending a graduation ceremony in another town on the same day, he understood why she did not come. Nick was upset but kept it mostly to himself, refusing to let it spoil his happiness, but Kory saw through the thin veil Nick put up and knew just how hurt Nick was feeling inside. Samaki was upset as well but kept it to himself mostly out of respect for Nick, but Kory knew the fox was steaming inside about it.
Kory remembered the news reports on the protest and was glad the school was able to block the group from disrupting the ceremony itself, but he was sad to find out that they had gone so far as to have signs with the names of the students on them, proclaiming them to be sinners, and how they needed to repent their lifestyle choices. He could just picture his mother there, holding up some bigoted, anti-gay sign and yelling at people who just wanted to attend the graduation in peace. Kory did not even know if the students they targeted were gay, or if they were, may have been in the closet, but he knew that something like this would put unwanted stress on anyone, regardless of whether it was truth or merely speculation.
He remembered his Senior year of High School, when his relationship with Samaki had become known to his classmates, he was horrified that he was going to have a miserable senior year, imagining every set of eyes on him, judging him and looking for any excuse to hurt him, but it really was not all that bad. Much of the heartache and stress was from outside of school, mostly by his own accord since he had grossly overreacted to many things that he feared would happen but never did. Yet here he was, ready to graduate college at the end of the school year and move on to another chapter in his life, with Samaki happily by his side.
Kory heard the door open and looked over to see Samaki enter the dorm room. Kory smiled at the fox and met him with a kiss.
``Hi hon, how was your mentoring tonight?'' Kory asked.
Samaki returned the kiss and held his otter tightly. ``It went better than I expected. I think the kids will be OK now. They seem to have gained a real understanding of the subjects they needed help with. It makes me happy to know it wasn't a waste of time.''
``That's great hon.'' Said Kory. ``They had a really good teacher after all.''
Samaki smiled and held Kory lovingly. ``They did most of the work. I just showed them what they were missing.''
``Nick sent me an Email for you about Families United. He found a schedule for protests and thought you would be interested. Maybe you can get some interviews and improve your story.'' Said Kory.
Samaki nodded. ``I have plenty of material for the story already, but it can't hurt to have a little more.''
Kory smiled and nodded. ``OK, then let's get some dinner and we can go over the schedule and look for something that stands out.''
Kory and Samaki walked over to the pizza parlor and grabbed an empty table outside of the busy establishment, ordering a large cheese pizza and drinks from the waitress. Then started looking over the schedule Nick had sent. Samaki noticed a date at a location that was not far away and wondered what kind of protest could be held there. ``This may be promising, I'll have to look into what kind of place this is and see what the angle could be.'' Said Samaki. ``But tonight, I just want to eat and enjoy time with my otter and share some good news.''
Kory smiled and blushed, swinging his tail over to meet the fox's tail, while Samaki and Kory held each other's paws lovingly, chatting about events of the day and upcoming plans, interrupted only by the arrival of their food. As the pair ate their food and downed their drinks in no specific rush, Samaki told Kory about his impromptu meeting with the professor of his journalism class and how the professor had been so impressed by his investigative reporting on Families United that he was planning on forwarding his story to a friend who happens to be an editor in a large city newspaper.
``That's fantastic.'' Said Kory enthusiastically. ``This could be a big break for you getting a fantastic grade in the class and help bolster your resume when looking for a journalism job after college.''
Samaki nodded and smiled. ``The professor hinted that it may be a shoo-in for being hired on by the editor, or at least getting a shining recommendation from him. I'm still in shock about it all, hoping it's not just a dream.''
Kory reached out and held Samaki's paw, smiling. ``It is a dream hon, one that has a happy ending.''
Samaki pondered. ``I think I will try and get at least one more interview at a protest, this time with a member of Families United themselves. I think it would help to get both sides of the coin in this to round out the story. Hopefully, they will talk rationally this time.''
``Do you think that would be wise to do at a protest?'' Kory asked his fox. ``I don't want you getting accosted by these people. Who knows what they would do.''
``I should be all right.'' Said Samaki. ``My press credentials should allow me safe access and will offer me some protection. The police will be there also so it should be all right.''
``I really hope so.'' Said Kory. ``Just please be careful.''
``Of course hon.'' Said Samaki, as he squeezed Kory's paw. ``it's a routine thing so don't worry.''
Kory smiled at Samaki, but still had a bad feeling about it all. Kory quickly decided that it was his over cautiousness coming to light again. The same thing that caused so much grief when he started dating Samaki in the first place. Kory was determined to not allow his fears to dictate his life, or anyone else's life anymore. Kory just smiled at Samaki and nodded acceptingly.
Several days passed and scheduled day of the protest found Samaki in a neighboring town parking his car near the Town hall. Samaki got out and looked around at the small-town square, police station, and courthouse in the center of this small town. The protests were scheduled to be held in about an hour in the square. The fox looked around and did not see any resemblance of a protest or even a large group of people who could be there to protest. Samaki decided to walk over to the police station, where he asked the officer at the desk about the protest. The officer confirmed that a permit was on file for a protest today and two officers would be assigned to the event to keep the peace. Samaki asked the officer if he knew what the reason for the protest was about, and he advised him, off the record, that a member of the community was being sentenced for stabbing a homosexual in a bar fight a few months ago. As Samaki pried for more information, the officer referred him to the local press liaison and gave him a card with the liaison's number. Samaki thanked the officer and headed over to the square, where he sat at a bench and waited to see what unfolded.
Samaki checked his tape recorder and made sure the batteries were new and the tape was blank. He had a small note pad and pens, just in case the recorder did not work, and he had his press credentials on a lanyard.
At the assigned hour, a plain white passenger van pulled up in front of the courthouse, where several well-dressed people exited and mustered around on the sidewalk. Samaki watched as the back doors of the van were opened and large signs were passed out amongst the group. The group chatted amongst themselves, drinking some water and preparing themselves to head over to the courthouse. Samaki stood up and walked across the square, keeping his eyes on the group to see where they had decided to form their protest. As the fox drew closer to the group he stopped in his tracks when he saw a female otter in the group that he recognized.
``Mrs Headly is here.'' Samaki said to himself. Samaki got a sudden tightness in his stomach, seeing Kory's mother. He pondered going back to his car and going back to Forrester University, but his journalist side won him over to stay and get the interview he came for. The fox steadied himself and walked over towards the group. He waited until Mrs. Headly was not paying any attention towards his area, he started his recorder, then approached a middle-aged coyote, who he perceived to be one of the leaders of the protest as he had several leaflets and a bullhorn under his arm.
``Good morning Sir.'' Samaki said to the Coyote, as he presented his press credentials. ``My name is Samaki Roden and I'm a reporter with the Forrester Gazette. I would like to have an opportunity to ask you some questions about your protest today if I may.''
``Oh, good morning.'' The coyote said. ``My name is Joseph Sandalwood. What would you like to know?''
Samaki wrote down the coyote's name on his pad. ``I understand that you are protesting the sentencing of someone today?''
Mr. Sandalwood nodded. ``We are protesting how the local court has seen fit to find a citizen guilty of a crime that should not have been classified as a crime. The court determined that a homosexual advancing his sinful agenda on an innocent person, is an acceptable action. The citizen simply defended himself against the advances of the devil by protecting himself.''
Samaki took notes on his pad. ``So you feel that the court should have permitted the defendant to use a reasonable method of protection against the advances of this person. My understanding is that the defendant used a knife against this person. Would you consider that to be reasonable?''
Mr. Sandalwood pointed to the pictures on the flyer, which showed a flamboyant looking feline posing for the camera, undoubtably taken from the victim's social media pages. ``This demon, and others like him, are demeaning the sanctity of the way of life under God's plan. Using sexual debauchery to advance his sinful agenda and contaminate the minds of the people he contacts. We feel that anyone should be allowed to defend themselves against this kind of attack in any way necessary.''
Samaki took a flyer as it was handed to him by Mr. Sandalwood and read it quickly. The flyer addressed the thoughts that Mr. Sandalwood just presented to him, as well as giving details on the life of the victim, including where he lived, went to school, and even where he worked. The flyer called for supporters to boycott the businesses that employed the victim and others like him, as well as calling on others to represent the voice of God and cast out the sinners as they see fit.
Samaki Felt his anger boiling but kept his professional demeanor as he continued questioning the coyote. ``Sir, don't you think that this type of flyer could be considered calling for violence against someone? Releasing so much personal information about the victim may be considered illegal in many states. Do you feel that breaking the laws is a proper way of meeting the goals your organization has set out to do? Do you really think that God would want someone to cast stones against someone else based on conjecture and ideals?''
Mr. Sandalwood opened his muzzle to answer but was distracted by something to Samaki's right, forcing the coyote to glance over in that direction. Samaki heard the clicking of foot claws approaching and turned to his right to see a very angry otter staring him down.
``Celia? Are you all right?'' the coyote asked.
Mrs. Headly pointed her finger in Samaki's face. ``This fox. This sinner. He is the one who took my children away from me. He lured them away from God's word and pressed them into service for the devil by contaminating their souls with sexual debauchery.''
Samaki noticed the others in the group now looking at him in earnest, staring at him with narrowed eyes. Mr. Sandalwood looked over at Samaki angrily, then looked back at Mrs. Headly. ``Celia. Are you certain this is the same person?''
The otter nodded, still pointing at Samaki. ``I am absolutely certain. I recognize his face, his voice, and even his scent. He is a sinner and has no place here amongst us.''
Samaki looked at the coyote, who now had an angry scowl on his face and determined that he needed to leave, now. ``Mr. Sandalwood, thank you for your time.'' And he turned to head back towards the center of the town square but was blocked from leaving by some others in the group. Samaki tried to get past them, but without physically pushing through them he could not leave. Samaki then turned back toward the coyote in time to see a fist being swung in his direction. Samaki tried to duck out of the way but was too late as the coyote's fist made contact with the side of the fox's head. Samaki saw stars momentarily and felt another painful blow to his midsection, knocking the air out of his lungs and bowling him over onto the ground.
Samaki looked up to see the coyote pointing down at him. ``How dare you. You come here to try and get me to talk to you, so you could persuade others to rise against us and our cause. We cannot allow your kind to continue to poison society against the teachings of the lord.''
Samaki tried to speak but was unable to get any air into his lungs. The coyote swung his legs into the fox, kicking him repeatedly. Samaki felt a sudden intense pain to his groin and reflexively curled up, pulling his tail up between his legs and protecting his vital areas from further harm as a wave of pain and nausea filled his consciousness. The fox closed his eyes and heard gasps and an unclear commotion from the group surrounding him, he swore that some were even praying over him as the pain in his body clouded his mind.
He heard the sounds of a scuffle, then felt someone leaning down by his side and placing a paw on his shoulder. He forced his eyes open to see a uniformed police officer kneeling next to him, he glanced over to the coyote and saw another officer putting paw cuffs on him. The officer kneeling by his side spoke to him in a calm tone. ``It's OK son, you're safe. Let's get you some medical help.''
As the police officer radioed for an ambulance to respond, Samaki let his body's tension lift from his consciousness, and he passed out on the sidewalk from the intense pain.
Samaki stirred and jolted awake from something irritating his sinuses. He felt cool air on his body and heard voices speaking around him. As he opened his eyes, the bright lights over him made him squint them closed again until he saw a shadow move over him.
``All right, good. You're awake. Let's get these lights dimmed for you. Sorry about that.''
Samaki moaned painfully as his body protested his movement. He blinked and was at last able to open his eyes fully as the lights dimmed. He found himself looking into the smiling face of a female hyena wearing a paramedic uniform.
``What happened?'' Samaki asked.
``Apparently you were attacked and took a few hits to some sensitive areas.'' The Hyena said to Samaki. ``The police said you passed out, most likely from the pain you were in. They called us here and we put into our ambulance, the smelling salts woke you up.''
Samaki flopped his head down onto the stretcher mattress and moaned. ``I think I'm OK now, but that son of a bitch knocked me down and kicked me between my legs.''
``Yeah, you have a black eye and some swelling to your face.'' Said the Hyena as she reached into a cabinet on the wall and pulled out a plastic cold pack. She squeezed the bag to pop the inner bag and shook it to mix the chemicals. ``Here, put this on the side of your eye. This will help the swelling and ease the pain a bit.
Samaki winced as he placed the cold bag over his swollen eye. She put her paw on his shoulder. ``I need to examine you thoroughly now. Do you feel anything unusual or some kind of pain anywhere that wasn't there before?''
Samaki blushed. ``I'm sore but not too bad I suppose. It's been a long time since I've gotten a beating like that.''
The Hyena nodded and ran her paws along his sides and chest, making sure nothing was badly injured or bleeding. ``I want you to use your paw to thoroughly examine yourself in your pants. Just to make sure nothing is out of the ordinary down there. It's better if you do it since you can feel the level of pain that I cannot.''
Samaki blushed and fidgeted a bit. ``Do I have to? It's kind of embarrassing in front of a stranger.''
The paramedic laughed softly and smiled. ``My name is Alice so we are no longer strangers, and you don't have to, but I would feel a lot better knowing that your injuries aren't serious. It would also help me treat you properly if something is not right. Remember, i'm a medical professional so it's only to diagnose and treat you, you won't even have to buy me a drink.''
Samaki smiled at the comment. ``I'm afraid my boyfriend may be a bit jealous, but I understand.''
Samaki unfastened his belt and pants and unzipped his zipper. He put his paw into his underwear and ran his fingers along his scrotum, feeling each testicle and making sure they were intact. Thankfully they were both still in place and seemed to be all right. ``The boys seem to be fine. A little sore to touch but not swollen or worse.''
The Hyena smiled. ``That's great news. Now I just need you to unsheathe yourself and examine your penis thoroughly just to make sure that is fine as well.''
Samaki blushed and slipped his sheath down slowly. He rubbed his fingers along his flaccid penis, making sure there was no unusual pain, bleeding, or swelling from the injury. ``It all seems to be OK there also.''
Alice patted Samaki on the shoulder and smiled. ``That's good. I'm sure your boyfriend would be happy knowing that as well. I need to ask if you would like us to transport you to the hospital or if you want to follow up with your private doctor later.''
Samaki pondered for only a moment. ``I think I'm good enough to get back home. My mom is a registered nurse so if I have any problems, I can call her or just have my boyfriend take me to the emergency room if anything develops later.''
``That's fine.'' Alice said. ``I agree that your injuries are not serious and only superficial. Your vital signs are normal and you're fully alert. You know how you feel better than anyone else, so take it easy for a couple of days and follow up with your doctor. Let's get your pants fastened up now and get you headed home.''
Samaki thanked Alice for her help, signed the necessary paperwork, and stepped out of the ambulance. One of the Police officers was still there, and he stepped up to Samaki.
``I'm glad you are OK.'' He said. `` You got me worried when you passed out. We saw that coyote hit you and started running over to help you, but we were a couple of seconds too late to stop him from kicking you in the groin.''
``I'm thankful you stopped him before he could seriously injure me.'' Samaki said to the officer. ``What is going to happen now?''
``Since my partner and I were direct witnesses to the incident, we placed the coyote under arrest.'' Said the officer. ``He has already been taken to the station for processing. I have your information already for the report so you should receive a call from a detective in a day or two to follow up and have a victim statement taken from you.''
``Thank you, officer. I appreciate all your help.'' Samaki said and he started walking towards where his car was parked.
Samaki looked around and saw that most of the people that were there earlier had left already. After walking a short distance he saw someone he recognized sitting on the bench near his car. He hesitated momentarily and considered changing his direction to avoid the female otter he saw seated there but decided against it and approached her cautiously.
``Mrs. Headly?'' He said.
She looked up at him, making him notice that the expression on her face was much different than it was earlier. It appeared that she had been crying as her eyes were red and the fur on her face was matted somewhat. She looked away and wiped her face with a tissue to compose herself.
``I'm glad to see you are all right.'' She said. ``I had no idea that Mr. Sandalwood was going to react the way he did. I'm sorry for that.''
Samaki just looked at her. ``You and me both. It took me completely by surprise.''
Several moments of silence followed as each of them tried to think of what to say. Samaki took a step forward and spoke.
Mrs. Headly. If I could just speak to you for a moment, I want to explain some things to you, if you are willing to listen.''
The otter looked around, as if looking to see who could be watching them speak. Avoiding meeting the fox's eyes. ``I suppose I can listen for a moment. It's the least I can do after what happened to you here.''
Samaki took a deep breath and let it out to relax himself. ``I really want to say thank you for staying behind to make sure I was all right. I know you did not have to, and I'm actually surprised you did.''
Mrs. Headly nodded. ``I thought it was the right thing to do in case someone needed to call your parents.''
Samaki thought to himself that his cell phone would have had all the contact information the hospital would have needed. He decided she must have stayed behind for some other reason than she was saying. Maybe she cared after all.
``I know you hate me, and blame me for Kory leaving your home, but I just want you to realize that Kory and I fell in love with each other. We formed a friendship and got to know one another just like anyone else would and over time we developed a relationship that led to us falling in love. There was no agenda or brainwashing as you may think, no one was forced into anything, nor did anything that happened with us have anything to do with you.
Kory and I both hold our ideals of family and religion dearly, and even though they may not be the same type of values as yours, our relationship developed all on its own and had nothing to do with trying to be disrespectful to you or your wishes. Kory and I tried to keep things between ourselves in order to avoid hurting you, and not to deceive you in any way. We had planned to tell you about us when the time was right and in a way that would be the least painful to you in the hopes you would understand our choice.
I'm truly sorry that your relationship with your children suffered as it did, none of us could have possibly predicted how it turned out and I really wish it had never come to that. Kory and Nick still love you, but they're both afraid of what you have become since joining Families United. I cannot speak for them, nor will I try, but if given the chance I'm sure they would be willing to tell you themselves, and I'm certain that they would forgive you in you gave them the chance.''
Samaki looked at Mrs. Headly for a few moments to gauge her reaction but she simply looked away.
``That's really all I wanted to say.'' Samaki said ``Thank you for listening and making sure I was all right. Goodnight Mrs. Headly''
Without waiting for a response Samaki turned and walked back to his car, almost numb from the events of the day so far. The fox unlocked his door, sat down, and closed the door. He looked back to where Kory's mother was sitting but she was now gone. Samaki simply started the car and pulled out onto the road and headed back to Forrester University. Back to Kory, back to his love.
