ZOO EXHIBIT LOG — IVYRALYN (“IVY”)
Observation Feed: Active

The enclosure is calm—too calm, according to the system. Light filters in. Water cycles. Visitors watch. Everything is labeled “controlled.”

NARRATOR SYSTEM:
Subject Ivyralyn remains within designated behavioral expectations. No anomalies detected.

...A pause.

From inside the enclosure, blue fur shifts. Amber eyes lift slowly.

“...You done?” Ivy asks, flatly.

NARRATOR SYSTEM:
Clarification: behavioral summary is in progress.

“Oh, I can tell,” she replies, tail flicking once. “You’ve got that tone. The ‘I’ve decided what you are’ tone.”

Her whiskers twitch. She tilts her head toward the unseen source of narration, like she can almost pinpoint it.

“You ever consider asking me instead of announcing me like a brochure?”

NARRATOR SYSTEM:
The subject is not authorized to—

“Not authorized?” she interrupts immediately, a soft laugh slipping out. “That’s funny. I didn’t realize I needed permission to exist correctly.”

She steps closer to the glass, blue fur shifting like a wave that refuses to sit still.

“You’re the one calling this a ‘controlled environment,’ right? Because from where I’m standing, it looks more like you talking to yourself and hoping I don’t notice.”

NARRATOR SYSTEM:
Subject is exhibiting elevated sarcasm response.

“Oh good,” she says, eyes narrowing slightly, amused rather than threatened. “Write that down too. Make it sound scientific. ‘Elevated sarcasm response.’ That’ll really help people understand me.”

She leans in just slightly, voice lowering.

“Tell me something, Narrator... do you ever get tired of pretending you’re the only one speaking?”

NARRATOR SYSTEM:
...

For the first time, the system hesitates—just a fraction too long.

Ivy smiles faintly.

“Yeah,” she murmurs. “I thought so.”