Page 12 of That’s My Orc, Tusk Off

We didn’t talk about my family. Not even Drogar, who asked about everything, pushed open that door.

I turned back to the shelf and picked up the label maker. “That’s not what this is about.”

“No?”

“This is about maintaining consistent standards across facility operations. If I don’t establish clear protocols now, before the staff expands further, we’ll end up with chaos.”

“You like chaos,” Greth said. “We all do. That’s why we’re here.”

I wanted to argue. The words lined up on my tongue. I just couldn’t get them out.

“Your filing system makes Krem cry,” he said.

“Krem doesn’t cry.”

“On the inside.”

I printed another label with a jerk of my hand.

“You don’t have to be like your parents,” Greth said. “You know that.”

My throat had tightened in a way I didn’t appreciate.

“Willa smiled at you,” he said. “You smiled back.”

“I didn’t⁠—”

“Your mouth moved upward.”

My mouth had moved. I’d felt it happen, the muscles shifting without my permission, and I’d had no idea what to do about it, so I’d done nothing.

Greth turned and left.

I stood in the supply room, surrounded by organized shelves and labels no one had asked for, and realized I’d been holding my breath.

My cottage was still quiet when I returned.

My phone sat on the kitchen counter.

I swiped into it, seeing I’d missed a call.

I played the voicemail.

Hi, this is Erika Collins from the Bramble Creek Regional School District. I’m the science coordinator for our elementary programs, and I wanted to reach out about a potential partnership. We’re developing a cross-species integration unit. Orc kingdom ecology, surface adaptation, that sort of thing. I think the Creature Rescue League would be a perfect fit. I’m thinking of facility visits, maybe some educational materials. It’s a great community visibility opportunity, and honestly, the kids would be thrilled. We’ve got some funding, and this would be the perfect place to use it. Give me a call back when you can. Thanks so much.

I set the phone down.

This was good. Excellent, even.

Community outreach. Positive visibility. Potential donor interest. Structured, documented, and with clear parameters. And funding to cover the facility cost.

I was the logical choice to lead it. I could build a curriculum, coordinate with the school district, and manage the facility visits. I’d done similar presentations with families, and the principles were the same.

The phone screen dimmed.

Krem was better with children, though. He had an easy warmth that humans responded to. But Krem’s organizational skills were only adequate. He’d forget to document half the interactions, and we’d have no data to measure program success.

I could delegate the facility tours. Keep the curriculum development and school coordination myself. That would be efficient.