Renee looked at the Chinese alligator grinding its teeth in the convenience store and spoke gently. "Hello. I just spoke with Phoenix, and I learned how much grief he's given you. If you don't like him, we can have the zoo separate your living areas."
Hearing this, the alligator, which had been losing its temper, instantly calmed down.
It stared wide-eyed at Renee. "Are you serious? I don't have to live with that long-winded, narcissistic Phoenix anymore?"
"I am," Renee said, nodding seriously. "What's your name?"
"My name's Patty."
"Patty, are you willing to come back to the zoo with us now?"
"Yes, yes!" Patty agreed without hesitation. "Let's go back now! Right away!"
In truth, he'd regretted escaping the Alligator Pavilion the moment he got out.
These strange places made him feel insecure. When he got hungry, there was no one to feed him on schedule. The cushy zoo life was so much better.
