The New Generation

Bud’s youngest son, Michael, walks into the estate. He’s twenty-four, handsome, and full of questions. His body is clothed, but his eyes are hungry. He’s searching for something. He just doesn’t know what.

“Dad, is this true? Did you really choose this?”

Bud kneels before his son, his collar gleaming. “Yes, son. I chose this. I chose to belong to Caroline. I chose to be her pet. I chose to be seen.”

Michael looks at his father, his face full of emotion. “But why? Why would you choose to be someone’s property?”

“Because I wanted to belong. I wanted to be seen. I wanted to be loved in a way that was real. And Caroline gave me that. She gave me everything.”

Michael kneels beside his father. He looks at him—really looks at him. “I don’t understand it. I don’t think I’ll ever fully understand it. But you’re my father. I love you. And I accept you.”

Bud starts to cry. “Thank you, son. Thank you.”

Michael hugs him. “I love you, Dad. I love you so much.”

Michael stands up and walks over to me.

“Ms. Copeland, I want to become a pet.”