Alice’s head dropped despondently as she stared down at the phone in her hands. With a sigh she dialled the shelter.

~You have called the West LA Animal Shelter. We are currently closed. Our hours of operation are …~

“Well fuck me and surprise, surprise.” Alice whispered and hung up even more despondent, not noticing that Snappy had made her way back down the hall and into the living area as she dialled The Planet.

“Kit Porter.” Kit answered.

“Kit! It’s Alice.” Alice whispered excitedly, hearing the throb of music and the sound of an appreciative crowd in the background.

“Hey girl! What’s up and why the call?”

“Uh … oh, ummm.” Alice stopped to consider her first response, a sure sign that hyper effects of her medication were starting to wear off.

“I’m home and Snappy has escaped from her aquarium.” Alice moderately whispered.

“Why you whispering girl, I hardly hear you? Who dat’s escaped?” Kit motioned for one of her staff to take the order she was holding.

“Snappy. My turtle. Oh shit!” Alice whispered while reaching into her pocket for her medication, forgetting she had left the bottle in the kitchen.

“Dat nasty piece of work you call a pet?”

“Yes and that nasty piece of work escaped.”

“… and what dat to do with me?”

“Well. Um ok. Well, I was hoping you could come and catch it. Err, help me catch it.”

“Oh hell no. Girl! You’re on your own. No way I’m getting near dat thing again.”

“Kit!” Alice pleaded in a fierce whisper.

“No, child. Na uh and no way. Besides.” Kit sighed with relief. “The Planet is rocking and so bus’ay! That even if I wanted to help … I can’t get away for at least another three hours.”

“Oh … ok Kit. Sorry to have called.” Alice apologised for interrupting her.

“Call Shane. I’m sure that girl of yours will help you out.” Kit offered.

“Thanks for the suggestion. Bye Kit.” Alice eyes went wide as her eyebrows rose as she sarcastically muttered. “Ring Shane. Ring Shane. Ring Shane my short and curlies and be laughed at again. Will someone give me a break!”

With that request the lights came on and the stereo resumed blasting out The Murmur’s song ‘You Suck’ causing Alice to jump at least three feet into the air.