Growl

Dib strode confidently through the crowded mall, gesturing animatedly as he spoke. “So this is the food court,” he said, pointing toward a stretch of neon-lit kiosks. “That stand over there? Gaz once nearly broke a guy’s fingers over the last chili dog. It was... honestly kind of impressive.” Zim trailed behind, his movements stiff and twitchy. His eyes darted across the crowd, every laugh, shout, and crinkling food wrapper making his disguise itch more than usual. “So many humans,” Zim muttered under his breath, voice tight. “Too many... their noises... their chewing... why do they always chew?” He flinched as a group of teenagers passed too close, brushing against his shoulder. His antennae twitched violently under his wig, and he hugged his arms to his chest. Dib, still oblivious, continued walking. “Oh, and over there’s the escalator. It moves by itself! Just stand there, and it carries you. Humans eat that up.” Zim’s hands clenched. “This is not natural. This is a trap. Why do they swarm like this? What if they notice I’m not one of them? What if the He stopped mid-sentence, breathing shallowly as he stared at the escalator. It was packed. Children screaming. Parents shouting. A guy holding a slice of pizza while talking on the phone. Zim froze in place, eyes wide. “...I wish to go back to the car now.”