Aresx - I posted two things before this recently, crazy person!
still, thank you - I always appreciate when people take a moment to comment.
Cnash - thanks! And thank you for linking the first chapter! I should've done that myself, I suppose. I'm glad you liked it. I mentioned elsewhere that what I wrote here wasn't what I originally intended to write for this chapter. It was still going to be Michael's perspective (I don't like switching in first person) but I started with her and instead of moving quickly along to show her at work, I found myself writing about her experiences and emotions and explorations. And I'm glad I did because I like how it turned out.
Fiat - thank you! That's high praise and I'll take it!
I really do appreciate all who take time to chime in so thank you. I'm especially curious to see what people think of a chapter like this - one that explores more of the mental and intimate physical examination of changes. I enjoyed it with the last tiger story and explored more here. And will probably continue that a bit more.