Riz

Thick, furry neck and gravel voice. Half bear, half ape. Riz. What kind of name’s that?

After he caught you gawking you scared yourself out of sleep every night. Told yourself never! Not if you were down to your last egg. Not with that animal. Imagine his kids! Beast-babies!

Then, a tap on your door — there’s Riz asking with his eyes, and yours saying come in. That gravel voice became butter. You fainted and he scooped you up like you were some princess.

Love’s proof was soon fattening your waistline.

Your sweet daughter was born half teddy-bear, half angel.