Fight for the fairy tale it does exist

 

 "What are you doing, trying to sneak off the job?" Holden's voice practically made Tristan jump.

He bit a grin, wishing he didn't have to tell him the news. But it was. Really big and well, he couldn't be here on weekends anymore, and neither could Oliva.

"You see," Tristan winced, putting on his parka, getting ready to leave. "I can't leave the zoo. We're starting a real animal hospital, and I'm a part of it." 

Tristan finally looked at his old friend straight on, who had his own animal practice, except mainly for cats and dogs. "And I got Olivia on at the zoo."

"How come she hasn't said anything?" Holden looked at him as if he must be a liar.

Tristan was back to wincing again, perhaps a little nervous. "Don't you know, she's afraid of you."

"I don't believe you." Holden was as stoic as he ever was.

"It's an opportunity, don't you get that?" Tristan tried a brighter approach this time.

"Well, she's a hard worker, one of the best," Holden tilted his head as if Tristan couldn't do this.

Tristan could hear the wind rattling the windows. Cold weather was moving in. He needed to get out of here, and Holden wanted to keep him in the breakroom with a cup of coffee. 

"Well, you've got til Febuary to get a replacement," Tristan informed him. "I need her, OK."

"I bet you haven't even told her about the Zoo Animal Hospital," Holden shrugged.

Tristan kept a silly grin. Holden knew him too well.