Tom was just like any Human, lonely and looking for companionship. However, Sir Peeping had severe social anxiety and would often be too afraid to approach others. So, he spent most of his time looking on from a distance. He often envisioned himself with the other beings and animals of the forest.
One day, as per usual, he climbed his favorite tree to look out across the expansive forest. He could spend hours up there, watching birds and butterflies soaring in the sky. He often observed a pack of wild dogs hunting for food. He always thought they were really familial and well coordinated, and longed to be a part of a team like them.
Today, however, there wasn't much going on. With his back against the trunk, he sat on the tallest branch. He then brought his attention to the lake where animals often visited to drink.
To his shock there was something he had never seen before, two humans in the lake. Seeing others wash off in the water was normal, no, what he saw that stunned him so much was what they were doing with each other. 'That sure is a weird way to clean another person's body,' he thought.
He didn't know that was what that part of his body was used for. Enamored, he unknowingly began leaning forward, completely caught in the scene. They looked so happy. He now had a new goal in life, to try that too.
He was so enchanted by the act that he temporarily forgot where he was and lost his footing, falling from the tree. As gravity took hold of him he thought he could hear a being in his head right before his world went blank.
All he saw was darkness, but he felt like he could hear something. A creature making sounds like the bird's song; it was fluid and he had never heard another melody in such a way throughout all the beast he had observed all over the forest.
He was more excited than scared and tried to open his eyes to see a new living thing, but when he did there was nothing there but a massive headache.
He was in pain and filled with disappointment, then out of nowhere he heard it again — "Right, Peeping Tom."
He was startled, because he didn't sense anyone around. There was nothing there, but he knew he heard something. Was it just his imagination?
He then felt a wave of bitterness wash over him. Was he just disappointed that he was actually all alone? He couldn't explain this sudden rush of emotion. Then he felt a dishonest sensation of relief, like he was all right. So, maybe it wasn't all in his mind?
All these things happened right after he saw those people looking so passionate with each other, which caused him to fall. Was this a sign from the gods? Was this a gift he got when he hit his head?
As he sat up, he groaned, and he had an epiphany — 'that noise I just made — did I always make that?'
He began getting excited to identify this unexplored side of himself, there was so much he didn't know he could do. 'I guess that hum from my throat means discomfort? Amazing. I never noticed before.' he thought to himself enthusiastically.
**Back to Mallory's viewpoint**
'Why is this weirdo smiling to himself like that? It's giving me the creeps,' I said, taking two virtual steps back.
Mumsy replied while looking at him with what seemed like familiarity, 'Hmm, I'm not sure. You often make that face when you are off looking into nothingness, or what I can only assume is 'thinking '.''
'I do not! Don't compare me to this... this... brute.' I said flustered refusing to believe anything she says. 'She is always so hateful, I swear.' I thought.
I brought my attention back toward the new avatar. 'I mean look at him, he keeps moaning to himself with a weird grin. I never do that.' I remarked admittedly offended.
'Yeah, that is a new one,' she acknowledged cocking her head to the side. 'What is he doing?'
We sat there and watched him make a symphony of sobs, wails, and whines, before I comprehended what was actually going on.
'It must be the new skill!' I said to her with realization. 'He is trying to understand, maybe he isn't half as dumb as I thought.'
* Moan * Groan * Cry *
'Well, maybe not all the way as dumb as I thought.' I corrected.