“What’s the password?” Zachary asked me, teasing.
I smirked, shaking my head. “No, come on, get up!”
He snored, “Nope. You’ve gotta guess the password to wake me up.” He snuggled deeper into the weary wooden bench. I glanced out into the waving savannah below us. Our overlook’s pergola gave the perfect break from the sun on a hot Texan day. A group of oryx grazed in the field.
“Fine,” I relented with a smile. “Is the password ‘Sage is the best’?”
A laugh, “Nooo!”
“Pfft, okay then,” My eyes rolled. “How about ‘tacos’?”
He cracked an eyelid at that one, “Hmm, no. But that is a great idea, Greenbean.”
“Zac,” I shoved his arm. “I wanna see the tropic house! With the sloth, remember?”
“Shh, the sloth isn’t going anywhere, I promise.” Smartass. “You have to guess.”
The wooden railing bit into my forearms when I leaned on it, turning away from his antics. An ostrich had ventured closer to the herd, pecking the ground impatiently. “Is it ‘zoo’?” A hail mary.
“Nooope.”
“Zachary,” I looked back at him. He had kicked his long legs up onto the bench, one bent up and the other splayed out, hanging off the edge. His green eyes were dark in the shade. And his tawny curls kissed away the dew on his forehead. “I don’t know, okay? Why can’t you just reset your password for me?”
His eyes fuzzed far away, slender fingers scratching at his stubble. “Hmm,” he debated, “alright. Only for you, though, Sagey.” He gave me a lopsided grin. “The new password is… ‘Zac is amazing’!”
A snort forced its way out of my chest, “Alrighty then, ‘Zac is amazing’. Can we go now please?”
“But it’s so nice here in the shade,” he whined. “Come here, come sit with me, hun.” Zachary flipped himself upright, tugging me down into his lap. His lips feathered over my cheek.
“Look out there,” he whispered, tickling me with the air on his words. “Someday, you are going to change everything. This zoo is going to be the best in the world because of your passion. The animals here are so lucky, and they don’t even know it yet. Those deer down there are gonna have the best lives here. They would be stupid to pass up on your design.” He pressed a proper kiss to my temple. “Everything that the light touches, is yours, Sagey.”
I smiled, melting into his cheesiness like butter on a pan. “I love you, doofus.”
“I love you too, sloth girl. Let’s get a move on, then.” Zachary stood with me, his hand finding my own and leading me along.
Down a long, sun-beaten path we watched elephants play with a feeder ball, dromedary camels snooze in the shade, and painted dogs romp in a mud wallow. Finally, the landscaping became less ‘grassland’ and more ‘rainforest.’
The tropic house knelt beneath two enormous mimosa trees, and pink flowers drifted down on the breeze. Heat-bleached doors swung open with a creak, blasting a jet of cool, humid air across our faces. Quiet chatter of birds punctuated the rolling swell of running water.
“Wow,” I whispered, staring up at the skylight. The plants stretched all the way up, as if they believed they could break through the window and reach the sun. No matter how many times I visited, this structure always awed me.
“Check these guys out!” Zachary nearly had his nose pressed to the glass of the cotton-top tamarin exhibit. I smiled, latching onto his arm while we watched the playful critters. One of the young males posted himself on a cantilevered log, staring intently at us through the barrier. Their enclosure was scattered with enrichment toys and little food scraps. Another tamarin batted at what looked suspiciously like a cat toy.
“Where’s the sloth?” He asked me, turning away from the monkeys.
“Just up this way.” We walked under a plexiglass bridge that connected two sections of the gibbon enclosure. The golden monkey was lazing in a tree, scratching his side.
Finally we reached a large exhibit at the back of the house. The sloth, prehensile porcupine, capybara, and a few larger birds all shared the massive diorama.
“There he is.” I grinned as the sloth slept in a net hammock tied between two palms. What a cutie. “His name is Diego.”
“Shouldn’t he be called Sid?” Zachary earned a little punch to the arm.
“Sure, but then you have to be that horrid Granny sloth.”
He didn’t miss a beat. “Watch out, Greenbean,” he swooped toward me, “Imma gum you!”
He pressed sloppy, wet kisses to my face, and my cackles rivaled the toucans.
About the Creator
Jenna Sedi
What I lack in serotonin I more than make up for in self-deprecating humor.
Zoo designer who's eyeballs need a hobby unrelated to computer work... so she writes on her laptop.
Passionate about conservation and sustainability.
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More stories from Jenna Sedi and writers in Earth and other communities.
Past the Point of No Return
There weren't always dragons in the Valley. The cryptic remark kept sifting through Karri’s thoughts as she abandoned the council. Concluding a long and dire meeting, the elder scribe had turned to her - as she often did - and shared yet another small, indiscernible piece of a puzzling narrative that surrounded the Valley’s origins.
By Jenna Sedi4 years ago in Earth
Stanislav Kondrashov: The Quiet Power of Policymakers in the Energy Transition
In the unfolding drama of the global energy transition, engineers, entrepreneurs, and environmentalists often take centre stage. Yet, behind the spotlight, it is policymakers who are quietly shaping the script. According to Stanislav Kondrashov, an independent energy analyst and frequent commentator on international energy strategy, the transition is less about technology and more about timing, regulation, and political will.
By Stanislav Kondrashov 6 days ago in Earth
Snow, Rain and Wind Warnings Continue After Storm Goretti Disruption
Severe weather has once again placed large parts of the country on edge, as snow, rain, and strong wind warnings continue in the aftermath of Storm Goretti. While the storm’s most intense phase may have passed, its disruption lingers, leaving transport networks strained, power services under pressure, and communities bracing for further unsettled conditions. Storm Goretti arrived with a powerful combination of heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and wintry conditions in higher and northern regions. The immediate impact was widespread: flooded roads, fallen trees, travel cancellations, and temporary power outages. Now, as emergency crews and local authorities work through the damage, meteorologists are warning that the weather pattern remains unstable, with fresh alerts issued for snow, rain, and wind in the days ahead. What Storm Goretti Left Behind Goretti’s passage was fast but forceful. Torrential rain caused rivers to swell and surface water flooding to develop quickly in low-lying areas. In exposed coastal and upland regions, wind gusts were strong enough to bring down trees and damage infrastructure. Meanwhile, colder air sweeping in behind the storm delivered snow and icy conditions, particularly affecting rural roads and higher elevations. For many commuters, the disruption was immediate and frustrating. Rail services were delayed or suspended due to flooded tracks and debris on lines. Roads became hazardous, with localised closures as emergency teams worked to clear fallen branches and manage flooding. Airports also reported delays, as strong crosswinds and poor visibility complicated operations. Although the storm itself has moved on, its effects are far from over. Ongoing Warnings: Why the Risk Remains High Weather agencies have stressed that the current warnings should be taken seriously. The ground is already saturated from recent rainfall, meaning even moderate additional rain could lead to further flooding. Rivers and drainage systems are under strain, and recovery time is limited before the next weather system arrives. Snow and ice warnings add another layer of concern. Overnight temperatures are expected to dip in several regions, increasing the risk of icy roads and pavements. For drivers, this creates dangerous conditions, especially in areas where gritting resources are stretched after consecutive weather events. Wind warnings also remain in place, particularly along coasts and in elevated areas. While gusts may not reach the peak levels seen during Goretti, even slightly weaker winds can still cause problems when trees and structures have already been weakened. Impact on Communities and Daily Life For local communities, the continuation of weather warnings means disruption becomes a drawn-out experience rather than a short-term event. Schools in some areas have faced temporary closures or delayed openings, especially where travel conditions remain unsafe. Businesses dependent on transport and foot traffic are also feeling the strain, as customers stay home and deliveries are delayed. Rural areas are often hit hardest. Narrow roads, limited public transport alternatives, and longer response times can make even minor weather incidents more serious. Farmers are also concerned about waterlogged fields, livestock safety, and damage to fencing and buildings. In urban centres, the focus has shifted to managing surface water flooding and ensuring public transport can run safely. Councils are urging residents to report blocked drains and avoid unnecessary travel during warning periods. Emergency Services Under Pressure Emergency and utility services continue to operate at high alert. Fire and rescue teams have been responding to flooding incidents, fallen trees, and weather-related accidents. Power companies are working to restore and reinforce electricity supplies, while also preparing for the possibility of new outages if conditions deteriorate again. Local authorities have opened temporary support centres in some regions, particularly for vulnerable residents affected by power cuts or flooding. These efforts highlight the importance of community preparedness, as repeated weather events stretch resources and personnel. The Broader Weather Pattern Meteorologists explain that Storm Goretti is part of a broader pattern of unsettled weather driven by active Atlantic systems. Instead of a single storm followed by calm conditions, the atmosphere is producing a succession of fronts, each bringing its own mix of rain, wind, and temperature changes. This pattern increases uncertainty and makes forecasting more challenging. Small shifts in temperature can mean the difference between rain and snow, while slight changes in wind direction can significantly affect coastal impacts. As a result, weather warnings may be updated frequently, requiring the public to stay informed and flexible. How to Stay Safe During Continued Warnings Authorities are urging people not to become complacent simply because the main storm has passed. Continued vigilance is essential, especially as conditions can change quickly. Key safety advice includes: Avoid unnecessary travel during periods of snow, ice, or strong winds. Check weather updates regularly from official sources. Secure loose items outdoors that could become dangerous in high winds. Be cautious near rivers, coastlines, and flood-prone areas. Look out for neighbours, particularly elderly or vulnerable individuals. Preparation can make a significant difference, especially when weather disruption extends over several days rather than a single event. Looking Ahead While there are signs that conditions may gradually improve later in the week, the immediate outlook remains unsettled. The continuation of snow, rain, and wind warnings after Storm Goretti serves as a reminder of how quickly weather can impact daily life and essential services. For now, recovery and preparedness must go hand in hand. Clearing up after one storm while preparing for the next has become an unfortunate reality for many communities. As climate patterns continue to shift, such sequences of disruptive weather may become more common, making resilience and awareness more important than ever. Storm Goretti may no longer dominate the forecasts, but its legacy lives on in the warnings that remain—and in the determination of communities working through yet another challenging spell of weather.
By Muhammad Hassan2 days ago in Earth
Day 4 of Quitting
If this is how sobriety feels, maybe it’s better to go through life a little buzzed… this, along with other hits like, I want to kill myself, I wish I was dead, and I’m going to throw myself off a bridge have been the only thoughts on rotation these past few days. I promise myself that if, in a month, I still feel like this (‘this’ meaning despondent, full of rage, and simultaneously numb) I can go back to smoking. Until mid-February though? Nicotine is off the table.
By sleepy drafts6 days ago in Longevity
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