“Raccoon, how have you been, ol’ chap?” asked a grinning Rooster as he stood up and brushed sunflower seeds out of his feathers.

“Not bad, not bad at all,” replied the masked mammal as he carefully maneuvered the knife back into its sheath. “I had no idea you were back in town!”

“Just visiting the family, you know,” Rooster replied. “Where’s the Frog?”

“Outside,” Raccoon gestured towards the back of the store. “Said something about taking out the trash. I think he’s got a carton or two stashed out there. His missus made him promise to quit smoking. Ah…it’s good to see you again. Who’s your friend?”

The bird and mammal turned to look at Piggy, who was just beginning to realize the facts of the situation.

Rooster laughed and moved to help Piggy up.

“Sorry, Pig. We’re just having a bit of fun. Sometimes it gets boring being Rooster. Get up before the sun rises. Go to work. You know…the grind. It’s nice to try on a new face sometimes.”

Piggy slapped away the proffered wing.

“You bastard!” he sneered.