[ WP ] A struggling vet student , realizes he can talk to animals . The animals have a vastly different view of humans than we think they do .

`` No, seriously, we do love our humans... we just... do n't want to come off clingy.'' The kitten scratched itself a bit. `` That's what mama taught me, anyway. Keep your distance but always make it clear you love them. S'kinda hard.'' 
 
 `` Okay... then how do you explain the glasses?'' I said, stretching a bit. 
 
 `` Glasses?'' She tilted her head. I stumbled for an explanation that did n't go in circles, until she reacted. `` The floating liquids! We just want a drink but they keep on leaping off the edge rather than be drank!'' 
 
 `` Oh... that explains a lot...'' I tried to think of other things. `` What else can you tell me about other animals?'' 
 
 `` The less'cuddly' something is like a reptile, the more they LOVE affection. We all do, but you know how it is.'' She groomed herself between comments. `` There are as many DOGS who look down on their humans as you think us cats do. Birds that can speak your language know WAY more than they let on. And those tiny scrawny purse-carried dogs really do think they're much bigger... until you scratch some sense into them.'' Did I just catch her trying to smirk? `` Oh, and you know how you can tell how good someone is by how we respond to them? We judge other animals by how good they are to humans. Especially kids. Your cubs are the ultimate test of character to us. Anyone who ca n't keep their cool around a curious human-cub is generally no one we want to associate with.'' 
 
 I leaned back in my chair. `` Wow... the things I never thought about.'' 
 
 `` You should. We're not all that different, socially.'' She curled up. `` Naptime... plus the vet's coming.'' 
 
 I panicked a bit and grabbed my textbook just in time for the door to open. 
 
 `` You sure you're going to be okay on night watch, Jake? It can get awful boring, and you'll be locked in, save for emergencies.'' The head veterinarian, here to check on me before she left. 
 
 `` Oh I'll be fine! I have my textbooks, some music, a game or two... I can make it the night!'' I said, looking down at my book to hide a smirk. 
 
 `` Besides... I have a lot to learn tonight...''
