"Oh, no, he's pretty healthy. He just doesn't like when animals are in pain." George is the sensitive one. Martha keeps her vulnerable spots a little more camouflaged--or tries to, anyway. "And he gets by. Eats a lot of grains and things, though."

"Seal," Martha repeats, following Esca to the restaurant. It smells almost fishy to her, but not strictly bad. "I hope they have some non-seal, too."