Splash Page Scene: The maintenance room of Sayvette. Close up of a tiled wall and sink, a small shelf full of cleaners and supplies. Everything filthy and covered in grime. Colour palette for this page is whites, off-whites (blues and beige shift) and the dirt in blacks and browns. Title: Feldon, Magical Mystery Squirrel Story Arc Title: Vivaldi font, hot pink or crimson red as before. Melodrama! Part 3 Subtitle: Should appear as a plastic bottle standing on the shelf next to the story arc title. The plastic bottle has embossed letters stating: Soap Credits: Written upon the tiled wall in pen or marker, beneath a bit of graffiti stating “For a good time call...” Writer: Jason Barry Artist: Someone Editor: Ace Allen Published for Black Ace Mint, 2016 Issue 3, Page 1 Panel 1 Scene: Sayvette department store, the lunch room. Riddle and Feldon sitting and having lunch. Feldon is reading World Weekly News, it appears Elvis has made another sighting, while Riddle is reading the latest on the end of the Cold War. Riddle (RD): “I have to show you the fan room after break Fel. It is one of those strange things in this store.” Feldon (FL): “Alright. I've been curious about this fan room of yours.” Panel 2 Scene: Riddle and Feldon are walking through the pets section, head on view of both. Between them in the far distance is the distinct character of the golden furred jackal who appears to be watching them discretely. Panel 3 Scene: Along a back wall in pets, Riddle is moving a shelf on wheels to reveal a door behind. RD: “I suppose you should know about this anyway, just in case we get a repair man through here and he asks where this is.” FL: Grinning— “That's management's responsibility, not mine.” Panel 4 Scene: Both Riddle and Feldon enter into the 'Fan Room' which is more of a narrow, dark corridor than an actual room. The wall opposite the door is a mass of wires and breakers and at the end of the room are a pair of fans, one on top of the other that blow into the ventilation of the building. RD: “It's like a science fiction movie in here.” FL: “This is the electrical room, not fan room Riddle.” Panel 5 Scene: Feldon's eyes have gone green, as well as all the background detail of this panel. FL: Thinking-- ? Issue 3, Page 2 Panel 1 Scene: Still in the mono-green tones we see a vision of something that has happened here in the past; a struggle of a large, fat, older man. He is a feline, wearing a shirt dress shirt and grey slacks. He is laying on top of a female cat just below the fans, holding both of her arms by the wrists. She is putting up a struggle, face a mask of agony, fear and despair. Panel 2 Scene: Riddle looking over his shoulder at Feldon. The possum seems shocked at the appearance of the squirrel. Feldon is staring wide-eyed, baring his teeth at the vision that he is looking down upon. RD: “Feldon? Are you okay?” Panel 3 Scene: The figures that are struggling are beginning to fade out of existence, but not before we get the culmination of the struggle. It appears the the large male feline slams the girl's head against the floor with a resounding crack. Panel 4 Scene: The bare floor beneath the fans. The two figures have disappeared, but there seems to be the faintest trace of a stain on the floor, blood, cleaned up long ago and forgotten. Panel 5 Scene: Feldon, his eyes back to normal, although we wouldn't know since he is pinching the bridge of his muzzle. Riddle is looking concerned. RD: “Feldon?” FL: “Ghosts. I don't want to be here.” Panel 6 Scene: Feldon and Riddle leaving the room; Feldon ahead and almost through the door, while Riddle is looking worried, his hand on Feldon's back as if pushing him onward. Riddle is facing back into the room as if trying to see what the squirrel has seen. RD: “Come on, let's get out of here.” Panel 7 Scene: As the two exit the fan room and close the doors to it, they are still being observed by the jackal who is standing in another aisle. Issue 3, Page 3 Panel 1 Scene: Feldon wandering home, viewed from above. Light snow on the ground, mostly in the form of snowbanks. A tree is in the panel, in the foreground, leafless, but with buds in view. Caption: Early Spring 1992 Panel 2 Scene: Feldon having returned to Atsu's Home for Boys, tossing his jacket aside on the couch. The couch is occupied by Lotion who is looking at Feldon with some concern. Lotion (LO): “Rough day at work Fel?” Panel 3 Scene: Feldon takes a seat on the couch and sighs. FL: “You could say that. I don't know what I just witnessed, but I'm sure that something very evil has happened at some point at Sayvette. I need a new job.” LO: “Well whatever it is that's bothering you, it's over now.” Panel 4 Scene: Feldon seeks out Genichi, who is sitting on a stool in the kitchen reading the newspaper and clipping coupons. The counter next to him holds a cup of coffee and a small stack of coupons. FL: “Hey Gen, can I ask you a few questions? Genichi (GA): “Sure thing Fel, what would you like to know?” Panel 5 Scene: The same. FL: “You were a cop right? Did you ever have a case that involved the Sayvette's?” GA: Considering-- “I was a cop over in Watervalley. I don't recall anything about the Sayvette store. Something wrong?” Issue 3, Page 4 Panel 1 Scene: The same. FL: “Bad feelings about the place.” GA: Interested-- “Anything specific?” FL: “No. Just thought I'd ask or maybe put the bug in your ear that I'm interested in the past history of the place.” Panel 2 Scene: The same. GA: “Well I have a few friends on the force. I could ask around see if anyone has a story to tell about the place.” FL: “That would be fantastic Gen.” Panel 3 Scene: A hallway in a high-school. Feldon standing at his locker, putting books away. His face looks impassive, perhaps even sad. Caption: April 1992 Panel 4 Scene: The same, only this time Birch is passing by Feldon who is now selecting a book from the pile that appears to be stuffed in there. Neither of the squirrels look at each other or acknowledge the others presence. Panel 5 Scene: Home-room, both Feldon and Birch share the same class. Birch is sitting in the back of the room, dead centre, while Feldon is sits in the mid row off to the right. Feldon is leaning in his seat out of boredom, resting his head on his arm. He is trying to keep from looking in the direction of Birch. FL: Thinking-- Don't look at him. Don't look at him. Panel 6 Scene: Feldon getting off the bus to go back to the shelter, when he gets a different idea. FL: Thinking-- Fuck this. I need a tea. Issue 3, Page 5 Panel 1 Scene: Buck's Diner, aerial shot. We see that the parking lot has been ploughed and that the snowbanks are melting away. Spring is starting to take hold. Feldon is still wearing a winter jacket, hands stuffed in the pockets, shoulders hunched against the cold winds. Panel 2 Scene: The diner appears to be empty, save for a single booth at which sits the golden furred jackal, hands folded neatly on the copper-topped table. He appears pleased at see Feldon enter. The squirrel has a perplexed look on his face as a voice has entered into his head, something that has never happened to him before. Voice: Greetings Feldon, would you sit with me? Panel 3 Scene: Feldon looking at the jackal. The jackal waving him over with his finger. Voice: Come, don't be shy. I'm the one that gave you the idea to come here. Panel 4 Scene: Feldon taking a seat at the booth, sitting across from the jackal. His expression is unsure, cautious. FL: “I can't read you. It's like you are not here.” Jackal (LJ): “Must be frustrating for you to suddenly not have such an advantage. I am Lord Jackal, but you may call me Jack. We have been watching you for some time.” Panel 5 Scene: The same. FL: “Who is 'WE'?” LJ: “A society that I belong to. One that has taken an interest in you since you seem to be using your gifts for rebellious reasons. We can't have you running around inflicting psychic damage on innocent people. So we can either train you or stop you. We want to train you.” FL: “I'm not interested in joining any sort of cult.” Issue 3, Page 6 Panel 1 Scene: Waitress comes over and takes their orders, seeming to write on the pad while Jack and Feldon are talking. LJ: “You won't have a choice.” FL: “What if I promise to behave myself?” LJ: “You won't, not for long. I hope you don't mind that I have ordered for both of us.” Waitress: “Will that be all hun?” LJ: “Yes dear.” Panel 2 Scene: The deer gives Jack a funny look, perhaps trying to figure out if what he said was a pun. Feldon sits across from the jackal with a sour look on his face. FL: “Isn't that an abuse?” LJ: Nodding-- “Yes. I'm sure that you will start doing the same thing soon enough. So now I ask you, what if someone else in this place saw us do that? What then? Nothing at present—science has put doubt into everyone's mind, but we could so easily end up in the burning times. It would not take much and the past is closer than we would think.” Panel 3 Scene: Feldon and Jack are alone at their booth. Feldon is still pouting. Lord Jackal sitting with hands folded on the table in front of him, a big smile on his face. LJ: “While we wait for the food, I'd like for you to tell me a ghost-story.” FL: “Like the one about the Dalby Spook?” LJ: “No. One of your ghost stories. You've seen them haven't you? What's your earliest encounter?” Issue 3, Page 7 Panel 1 and 2 Scene: Panel 1; Feldon in profile, eyes heavy lidded as if in a trance. Bubbles lead to Panel 2, which has bubble corners indicating that this is a flashback. In this panel we see a very young Feldon of five or six in a pair of coveralls, hooded jacket and rubber galoshes. Behind him are the legs of his parents and his mother appears to be holding a very young Springer, an infant of no more than two. They all appear to be walking in some sort of muddy path, water is pooling in every rut, foot print and indentation. Caption: (Panel 1) Uncle Douglas. Panel 3 Scene: At the foot of a fresh grave, the inscription of which declares Douglas Feldon, 1928-1981. A partial retaining wall has been built with lumber around the grave, the rest of the materials are neatly stacked beside the grave. Caption: I hardly knew him. He'd sit in our kitchen from time to time and pull quarters out of my ear. Panel 4 and 5 Scene: Panel 4; Feldon's attention is drawn away from the grave, his head turns to see: Panel 5; a pair of hooded wraiths, between them is an A frame constructed with thick timbers and heavy rope. To this frame is lashed an emaciated canine, wearing nothing but a loincloth. He is wordlessly/soundlessly screaming and pleading to his captors. Panel 6 Scene: Feldon running out of the graveyard, down the muddy track. Face scared and determined to get away from this haunted place. Panel 7 Scene: The diner. Food is being placed in front of Feldon and Jack by the waitress. This breaks Feldon's revery of the past, represented by a poof of smoke above his head. Waitress: “Will there be anything else guys?” LJ: “This will do, thank you.” Panel 8 Scene: Feldon applying salt to his home-fries. FL: “I've seen some interesting things in my day.” Issue 3, Page 8 Panel 1 Scene: Jack with a derisive smirk on his face as he watches the squirrel eat. LJ: “'In my day'? You're not even twenty yet and so certain that you have it all figured out. One of the reasons that we want you to join us. Listen, we spend our formative years; right up to about age 30, fucking everything up and we spend the rest of our lives wondering what went wrong and trying to figure out how to fix it. You don't realize the damage that has already occurred in your life—it's right there on the surface though, ready to be plucked.” Panel 2 Scene: Feldon looking annoyed at the jackal. FL: “What are you on about?” Panel 3 Scene: Lord Jackal shrugging. LJ: “Only this: If needs be I could cripple you with but a thought.” FL: “Uh huh.” Panel 4 Scene: Lord Jackal staring into Feldon's eyes. Panel 5 Scene: Bubble borders on this panel, colour palette golds and yellows. We see a vision of Old Man Feldon, stern eyes glaring out of the panel. Old Man Feldon (OMF): “My son's a faggot.” Panel 6 Scene: Feldon sitting across from Lord Jackal, face buried in his hands, sobbing. Lord Jackal sits impassively. Panel 7 Scene: Feldon gets up from the table and leaves, Lord Jackal watches him go. LJ: “When you need our help Feldon just start calling my name in your head, someone if not me, will pick up on it and we will come running.” Issue 3, Page 9 Panel 1 Scene: A park, spring is in the air and there are the first signs of the season in the form of crocus growing in the gardens and buds on the trees. Feldon is sitting on a park bench wearing a light jacket with a scarf, arms draped over either side of the bench. He appears to be waiting for someone. Caption: May 1992 Panel 2 Scene: Enter Birch approaching Feldon from behind. The young squirrel seems to be afraid, nervous. Feldon's expression has turned to one of concern. Panel 3 Scene: Birch standing behind Feldon, he is barely able to speak. Birch (BR): “F-Feldon... Thanks for coming...” FL: “I wasn't going to—but this seemed urgent.” Panel 4 Scene: Feldon now turning to face his former boyfriend, who now has burst into tears. FL: “Birch, what has happened?” BR: “Oh gawd Feldon!” Panel 5 Scene: The two squirrels hugging each other close, Feldon stroking Birch's head. FL: “Alright Birch, tell me what happened...” Panel 6 Scene: Birch sobbing into Feldon's shoulder, everything coming out in a wave of anguish. BR: “Tad has been diagnosed as positive! He's been fucking around on me behind my back--and then he, and then he came home yesterday and—and he looked so scared! Oh gawd Feldon, I might have AIDS!” Issue 3, Page 10 Panel 1 Scene: Feldon holding Birch close, his eyes closed, taking a deep breath. From all sides of the panel a kind of grey mist seems to be invading. This is the panic that is threatening to overtake Feldon and make him pass out. FL: “Let's sit down Birch—I feel dizzy.” Panel 2 Scene: The two squirrels sitting down. Birch looks miserable and Feldon will have spirals and dots floating over his head as he tries to fight the waves of dizziness that are threatening to make him pass out. BR: “Are you alright?” FL: “Shock. I'll be fine. Have you been tested yet? BR: “No. I'm too afraid.” Panel 3 Scene: The same—although the spirals and dots are starting to drift away and dissipate from about Feldon's head. FL: “You are going to get tested and then you are going to tell me what the results are.” BR: “Will you come with me?” FL: “Yeah. I guess I will get tested too.” Panel 4 Scene: The outside of a large walk-in clinic, a four story, redbrick building with large blue letters stating 'THE CLINIC'. Feldon is leading Birch by the hand through the doors. Panel 5 Scene: The waiting room which is filled with a half dozen other people. Feldon is pointing to an empty seat. FL: “You sit there, I'll talk to the receptionist. I'll need your Health Card.” BR: “Okay.” Issue 3, Page 11 Panel 1 Scene: Feldon approaches the desk, behind which the nurse sits (any critter will do as a receptionist). The nurse looks bored as Feldon slides a pair of Health Cards across the desk. His eyes are bright green in this panel and everything should have a tinge of green to it. FL: Thinking-- My friend and I wish to be tested for HIV. Nurse: “Have a seat.” Panel 2 Scene: Feldon and Birch having blood taken at the clinic. Panel 3 Scene: Feldon and Birch outside the Walk-In Clinic. Birch is holding his arm where the blood was taken, he still looks scared. BR: “Thanks for being here Feldon.” FL: Nodding-- “No problem.” BR: “I really fucked things up between us, didn't I?” FL: “Yeah.” Panel 4 Scene: Birch, looking really sad, gives Feldon a kiss on the cheek. Panel 5 Scene: Birch and Feldon part ways in opposite directions. Birch is holding his hand to his forehead and crying heading left; Feldon is trying to maintain a brave face and is departing to the right. Issue 3, Page 12 Panel 1 Scene: Atsu's Home for Boys. Panel 2-4 Scene: Panel 2; Feldon enters the home for boys, unzipping his jacket and undoing the scarf; Panel 3, Feldon is heading up the stairs, his face weary, tail drooping, dragging on the stairs. Panel 4; Feldon tosses his jacket absently on the floor, before falling onto his cot. Panel 5 Scene: Feldon turns on the clock-radio that is on his nightstand. Stevie Nicks is singing, 'Talk to Me'. Panel 6 Scene: Lotion is leaning in the doorway of Feldon's room, arms crossed over his chest. The rabbit is smiling at the squirrel (at this vantage point, probably staring at Feldon's butt). LO: “I heard that it was your Birthday today. Happy Birthday Fel, how old are you?” FL: Moping-- “Sixteen.” LO: “You don't sound too happy about it. You're not suppose to mope until your 30th, that's the 'Gay Death'. Panel 7 Scene: Feldon turns over in the cot so that he is facing the rabbit. FL: “Well Birch decided to give me a birthday gift today. He informed me that Tad is poz and that he wasn't sure if he was too. He was screwing around on me with Tad before our breakup—what if?” Panel 8 Scene: Lotion, face filled with concern takes a seat on the bed next to Feldon's feet. LO: “You have to get tested Fel.” FL: “We did. That was where I was for most of the day.” LO: “Then there is nothing more that you can do until you get the results back. Oh and if you don't hear from them within the week, contact them yourself. Sometimes they don't get back to you unless there is a problem.” Issue 3, Page 13 Panel 1 Scene: Feldon sitting bolt-upright in the bed. His face angry, lips pulled back into a snarl. FL: “Are you shittin' me?” LO: “Nope. They call me now because I've made a stink about it a few times. Panel 2 Scene: Feldon lies back down and turns over, moping. Lotion still sits on the bed, hand now on the squirrel's ass, shaking him. FL: “Thanks for the heads up, but I'm not going to be very good company.” LO: “Come on, get your ass out of the bed and come worship the sun with me.” FL: “Are you kidding? There is still a cold nip to the wind.” LO: “We only get the warm weather for a short while, I intend on enjoying it. With you.” Panel 3 Scene: Feldon climbing out of the bed with a grumble. Lotion is already on his feet clasping his hands in front of him, pleased to see that the squirrel will be joining him outside. Panel 4 Scene: Aerial shot of the two friends out in the backyard on sun-chairs, Lotion wearing a pair of round Lennon sunglasses, while Feldon wears a pair of tiny square-framed glasses. LO: “Now doesn't this just feel yummy?” FL: “Yeah, it does.” Panel 5 Scene: Lotion looking over at Feldon. LO: “So why didn't you mention that it was your birthday today? I mean you didn't meet with Birch until after breakfast, you could have said something.” Issue 3, Page 14 Panel 1 Scene: Feldon turns his head to look at Lotion in the chair beside him. Shrugs. FL: “Age 15 was a rough year for me—just haven't felt like celebrating. Everything seems to be going wrong and now age 16 is starting off with a bang. Congratulations Feldon! You have AIDS!” LO: “You don't have AIDS. Your dumb boyfriend might have it, but you got out of that relationship before anything could happen. Take it as a life lesson: Put a bag on it before sex and don't trust anyone that you don't know intimately. Don't even trust me.” Panel 2 Scene: Feldon stares skyward, considering. Panel 3 Scene: The same. LO: “School is almost out and then after that it is the summer. Surely you can't be bummed about something like that?” FL: “Another change I'm not ready for. I got excepted in at the College of Canter—I'm arranging for a dorm room there.” Panel 4 Scene: Lotion nearly leaps out of his sun-chair with excitement. Big grin on the rabbit's face, eyes wide and wild. LO: “College of Canter? I'm starting there next year too! What are you taking?” FL: “Pharmacist's assistant. You?” LO: “Journalism and creative writing.” FL: “I should take creative writing, I've always dabbled in it.” Issue 3, Page 15 Panel 1 Scene: The same. LO: “You should, it would be nice to see a friendly face. We could start a pub crawl, notebooks in hand.” FL: “Pub crawl?” Panel 2 Scene: Lotion has now left his chair and is now sitting next to Feldon, embracing him in a excited hug. LO: “Yes! Pub crawls and writing, it will be so much fun!” Panel 3 Scene: The house, upper story window. The window is open and Genichi Atsu is standing at it, gripping the sill with both hands. Genichi (GA): “No fraternizing you two!” Panel 4 & 5 Scene: Tight close-up of Feldon and Lotion's heads, facing each other, expressions of surprise on both. The next panel has the two facing out and up at the viewers (really facing Genichi), all grins and big, innocent eyes. Lotion: Panel 5-- “Yes sir!” Panel 6 Scene: Lotion returns to his own sun-chair while Feldon is smiling for perhaps the first time since this whole ordeal. He feels better, come what may. LO: “School ends in less than a month, do you have any plans?” FL: “No. Not at the moment.” LO: “Would you like to?” Issue 3, Page 16 Panel 1-7 Scene: This series of panels will show Feldon sitting by an old rotary phone waiting patiently for news. A top each of the panels will be a caption for each of the days of the week starting at Tuesday and progressing through each day thereafter. Each panel should also depict a change in shirt as Feldon is sitting by the phone to show that time is passing by. The final panel should have Feldon wearing a white, button-down dress shirt with short sleeves. Panel 8 Scene: Feldon; dressed in the white shirt described above and a pair of black jeans, gets up angrily from his seat next to the phone and starts heading for the foyer in the house. FL: “Fuck this shit.” Panel 9 Scene: As Feldon is about to head out the door, Lotion is coming down the stairs, wearing red shorts and a black and white T-shirt. He is surprised to see Feldon. LO: “Where are you going Fel?” FL: “The walk-in, I want my results.” LO: “Oooo, let me come with.” Panel 9 Scene: The walk-in from before, sky is bright and sunny, weather is much better in general. Panel 10 Scene: Feldon standing at the reception desk speaking with the nurse stationed there. Nurse is female, any nondescript species that the artist wishes to use, dressed in a blue smock. FL: “Hi, I'm here to find out if there were any test results for Juniper Feldon?” Nurse: “Please have a seat.” Issue 3, Page 17 Panel 1 Scene: Feldon and Lotion in the waiting room. Feldon is agitated, his knee bouncing up and down as he waits. Beside him, Lotion sits, legs crossed and calmly reads a copy of National Geographic. The nurse from behind the desk (off panel) calls for them. Caption: An Hour Later Nurse: “Feldon? The doctor will see you now.” Panel 2 Scene: Feldon and Lotion sitting in the little check-up room. Feldon is sitting on the little leather table that is covered in paper, Lotion on one of the stool provided. The doctor enters wearing a white lab-coat and carrying a clipboard. The doctor's species is up to the artist once again. Doctor: “Mr. Feldon, your results: We have found no HIV anti-bodies in your blood. However since you are in a high-risk group we would encourage you to get tested every three to four months.” Panel 3 Scene: Feldon looking relieved. His eyes however have gone green as he talks to the doctor. FL: Thinking-- What about the results for Birch Anderson? Have you called him about them? Don't you think you should? Doctor: “Pardon me, I should make some phone calls.” Panel 4 Scene: Feldon in the foreground, tight close up, angry and determined. Lotion in the background; more the focus of this panel, he is getting up from his seat with a smirk on his face. LO: “There you go again, making strange things happen.” FL: “Really?” LO: “I think it's neat.” Issue 3, Page 18 Panel 1&2 Scene: Feldon and Lotion are about to leave the examining room when they find the doorway blocked by Lord Jackal, wearing all black, his expression one of disappointment. Feldon's expression is one of surprise, his posture one of being taken aback. Lotion will be in the very background looking confused. LJ: “You just can't help but abuse the normies can you Feldon? This is your second warning—and a second invite. Join us Feldon, let us teach you how to use your gifts properly and more.” Panel 3 Scene: Feldon is now annoyed and pointing at the jackal. FL: “I'm not interested. You and your buddies can just leave me alone.” LO: Whispering-- “Who is this guy?” Panel 4&5 Scene: A split panel, one side featuring a tight close up of Lord Jackal's eyes, with some kind of magical effect going on, perhaps sparkles. The panel should be in all golds. The other split is of Lotion's eyes, wide with fear. Panels 6-11 Scene: Bubble bordered fantasy sequence, a snapshot of Lotion's memories in the following order: Panel 6; a child's bedroom, standing in the corner is a towering grey alien. Panel 7; black, a word balloon screaming 'Daddy!' Panel 8; the child's bedroom, in the corner is a single helium balloon, silver in colour. Panel 9; black, sound effect of 'POP!' Panel 10; deflated balloon laying on the carpet of the bedroom. Panel 11; black. Panel 12 Scene: Doorway shot from the outside. Lord Jackal has turned away from Feldon and Lotion, eyes closed, arm raised in a wave. Framed in the doorway is Feldon assisting Lotion who appears to have fallen to the ground, tears in his eyes. Feldon is looking up toward Jack, glaring angrily. LJ: “Adios amigo! Consider what I have said.” LO: Weeping-- “Oh god...” Panel 13 Scene: Feldon assisting Lotion to his feet. FL: “Are you alright?” Issue 3, Page 19 Panel 1 Scene: Lotion leaning heavily against Feldon. LO: “I don't know. Just overcome with fear for a moment. When I was a kid... Oh! What was that? It was in my room watching me sleep. Who was that?” FL: “Just some asshole.” Panel 2 Scene: Feldon and Lotion leave the walk-in clinic. Both are feeling a lot better. LO: “So, clean bill of health. Congratulations.” FL: “Thanks. It is a weight lifted off of my shoulders. The whole thing was scaring the shit out of me.” LO: “So it should.” Panel 3 Scene: The two of them walking down the street, seen from behind. All around them life continues on, kids are playing in the parks, adults go about their daily routines. LO: “You've missed prom. What are your plans for graduation?” FL: “I don't have any.” LO: “Good, because I do.” Issue 3, Page 20 Panel 1 Scene: A familiar park, after school. Feldon and Birch meet; Birch is using the swings, Feldon is leaning against the metal A frame of the swing-set. Caption: Another Day BR: “Thanks for coming Feldon. I just wanted to tell you things in person.” FL: “No problem Birch what's up?” BR: “Got my results back. I'm negative.” Panel 2 Scene: Feldon gives a nod to this, his eyes closed in contemplation. Birch continues. BR: “Tad moved back in with his mom. He's pretty shook up about this whole thing, I can't blame him.” Panel 3 Scene: Birch looking at Feldon, as if for some kind of approval, some sign perhaps that things are going to be alright between the two of them. Feldon is impassive. BR: “Are we okay?” FL: “Yeah.” Panel 4 Scene: Birch, eyes closed and nodding his understanding. BR: “Maybe one day you can forgive me—and things can go back to the way they were.” FL: “Or we both move on.” Panel 5 Scene: Feldon gives Birch a little peck on the cheek. FL: “It was a wonderful summer romance Birch. I'll never forget that.” Issue 3, Page 21 Panel 1 Scene: Early evening. Aerial shot of the high school that Feldon attends, square and red bricked, concrete play yards with steps, picnic tables filled with smoking parents. Students dressed in suits and dresses. Caption: Graduation Day Panel 2 Scene: Feldon waiting to be called to receive his diploma, dressed in a suit that is a size too big, something that he's borrowed from Genichi. He looks nervous. Announcer: “Juniper Feldon.” Panel 3 Scene: Feldon walks out on stage and takes the diploma and shakes the dean's hand. But he's looking out over the stage and into the sea of faces. Panel 4 Scene: Ivy Feldon and Springer are sitting in the crowd. Ivy is wiping a tear away from her eyes, while Springer looks at her with childlike embarrassment. Panel 5 Scene: Feldon leaving the stage with a huge smile on his face and ducking behind the black curtain with a tear in his own eye. Panel 6 Scene: Lotion approaching Feldon with his hand extended. LO: “Congratulations Feldon, I didn't think that this whole thing would affect you this much.” Panel 7 Scene: Before Feldon can say anything, the rabbit pulls him into a hug and gives the squirrel a kiss full on the mouth. Issue 3, Page 22 Panel 1 Scene: Feldon pulls back from the embrace with a huge grin. FL: “Come on, I want you to meet someone.” Panel 2 Scene: Outside in the courtyard of the high school, Feldon approaches his mother with Lotion staying about a foot behind him. Ivy (IV): “Oh Juniper! I'm so proud of you!” FL: “Thanks mom, thanks for being here.” IV: “Wouldn't have missed it.” Panel 3 Scene: Feldon and Springer lock eyes for a moment. Springer (SP): “Hello.” FL: “Hey, how are you doing?” Panel 4 Scene: Springer shrugs. Feldon decides to introduce his mother to Lotion. FL: “Anyways mom, I want to introduce you to Lo-- uh, Tim Hayward, he's one of the guys that I stay with.” IV: Looking uncomfortable, but trying to bear it-- “Timothy, nice to meet you.” LO: “Likewise Mrs. Feldon.” Issue 3, Page 23 Panel 1 Scene: A dark motel room, lit only by the ambient light that is coming through the slats of the half closed blinds. It is dark outside, late night. Sound Effect: Rattle.. Panel 2 Scene: The door is kicked in by Lotion with a terrific bang. LO: “They are finicky sometimes, you just have to give them a nudge.” FL: “That was what we call 'a kick' Lotion.” Panel 3 Scene: Lotion sits himself on the motel bed, examines the room and makes small talk. LO: “It was nice of your mother to bring us to dinner. The questions were getting pretty awkward though.” FL: “Thanks for putting up with that. Yeah, she's just trying to be supportive, it's all new for her and I'm not around to explain things to her.” LO: “Your brother looked like he wanted to whither up and die.” Panel 4 Scene: Feldon takes off his shirt and looks at Lotion with a smirk, Lotion is looking up at the squirrel, quite pleased at the turn of events. FL: “Let's not have any more talk about my mom and Springer. I want to learn the real reason the guys call you Lotion. LO: Giggles-- Issue 3, Page 24 Panel 1 Scene: As Lotion is undoing the fly to his shorts, Feldon is on the bed behind him giving the rabbit's shoulders a massage. LO: “Are you ready for this?” FL: “Let's see it.” Panel 2 Scene: Tight close up of Feldon looking down at whatever Lotion is showing him. The rabbit is grinning slyly. FL: “Wow, it's already wet. They should have called you Soak.” LO: “Would you like to help me out with that? FL: “Mm, just try and stop me.” Panel 3 Scene: Some time later, Feldon and Lotion laying together in an embrace on top of the bed, both look contented and tired. Caption: Afterwards. LO: “Can you believe that it's all over? High school I mean.” FL: “I know, I never thought I'd see the day, feels like forever.” LO: “There is still the summer ahead. Panel 4 Scene: Closer shot of Feldon, his eyes dreaming, smile on his face. Lotion beside him, head on the squirrel's chest. FL: “Bring on the summer.”