Anti Gravity (S1)

Episode 5: The Dimension-Jumper's Goat | Part 2

"Have a seat."

Wendy walked into Stan's office and took the empty seat in front of his desk. Stan settled down in front of her and coughed to clear his throat before he began to speak.

"Do you mind me asking how long you've known Soos?"

Wendy shook her head. "No, sir. I've only known him for a while now. We've gone to the same school our entire lives but I never really talked to him until I starting working here."

". . . so how well would you say you know him?"

Wendy shrugged. "I dunno. Hard to say."

"Has he talked to you about his dad?"

Wendy shook her head again.

"Has anyone told you about his dad?"

"No, sir."

Stan sighed. "It's time you found out. . . you see, um. Soos's dad travels a whole lot and rarely ever visits town. I don't think he's ever planned to visit on Soos's birthday."

". . . ever?"

Stan solemnly shook his head. "No." He shifted his weight, taking a moment to try and find the right words to say next. This pause was filled in by the ticking of an owl-shaped clock hanging on the wall.

"Soos is a good kid. He's been through a lot and it would mean the world to him if you could make an effort to make this day something special, just for him."

Wendy swallowed and nodded. The tension had somewhat gone away so she felt less awkward having such a private conversation with Stan.

"He looks up to you, ya' know," Stan said quietly. "And a friend is what he really needs right now."

The clock's ticking seemed to intensify.

Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock.

"More than a friend. . .a sister."

Wendy felt a slight burning sensation behind her eyes, but held herself back from breaking down in tears. At least for now. Crying in front of her boss had to be her worst nightmare.

"Got it," she said bravely. "You can count on me."

"And while I'm thinking about it, I need to ask you for a favor," Stan added before Wendy began to leave the room.

"Sure, anything."

.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .

"BAAAAAA!"

Wendy forced herself to remain calm. She breathed in heavy breaths as she turned to face Stan.

"A goat? Are you actually kidding me?"

"BAAAAA!"

"Isn't he adorable?" Stan said brightly, giving the kid a rub between its horns. The goat bleated once more and tore off a piece of Stan's sleeve with its teeth.
"His name's Gompers."

"How did you get a goat?"

". . . Eh, it's a long story. And most of it probably isn't legal so let's just say I bought him from a farmer. Anyways, this is Soos's present, and you're in charge of him."

Stan tossed Wendy the rope that had been tied around Gompers' neck. She grimaced and shot a dirty look at the goat, wishing that she had an excuse to avoid this new burden that had been thrust upon her.