Jax's stomach growled like an angry beast as he walked through the city streets.
'Food. Need food. Now.'
His feet carried him automatically toward the one place that mattered.
Nyara's stall.
The familiar scent of grilled meat and spices hit him before he even turned the corner. His mouth watered instantly.
"Professor Jax!"
A small figure came barreling toward him at full speed.
Brian.
The catfolk boy crashed into Jax's legs and wrapped his arms around them in a death grip.
"You came back!"
"Yeah, yeah," he muttered, patting Brian's head awkwardly. "Let go before you cut off my circulation."
Brian released him but stayed close, bouncing on his feet. "Mom said you might not come back! She said professors are busy people!"
"Your mom underestimates my appetite."
They walked to the stall together, where Nyara was already preparing ingredients. Her ears perked up at their approach, and her tail swayed happily behind her.
"Professor Jax! Welcome back!"
