You turn back and look over at the kangaroo that is approaching you. It seems very happy to see you. You watch as it stops right in front of you, obviously being a full-grown kangaroo it's almost twice as big as you are. Then as you look at the roo through the darkness, you suddenly recognize her as the same kangaroo that "kissed" you when you were here last.

The kangaroo bends down and sniffs you tenderly. Then she cocks her head to one side, and suddenly...she says, "Hello, Mart."

You gasp as you realize that you just heard the kangaroo speak. "You - you can talk?"

"Of course I can," the kangaroo speaks again. "Since you're now a kangaroo yourself, you're now able to understand our kind. How are you coping with your new body? Isn't it incredible?"

"Well, yeah," you admit. "It is rather cool. But - but how did I get like this to begin with?"

The kangaroo chuckles kindly. "Because I chose you," she says. "I have always admired your kind, Mart. It's true they say some humans are cruel and unkind in this world, but then there are also some humans who want to make the world a better place. Like you, Mart."

You stare at her in a strange way. "You chose for me to become a kangaroo? But why - why did you do it?"

"Because we want for a better future," the kangaroo tells you. "We want to be able to understand humans better and make it easier for them to understand us better. We kangaroos want to make this world a better place as well, but to do that we need to understand their needs in life - " she pauses for a moment before finishing, " - and to make them understand our needs in life."

"Oh," you say as you see some sense in those words. "But...what does this have to do in making me into a kangaroo?"

The kangaroo gently strokes you on the head. "Because I want to help you to understand, Mart. You have always shown kindness to animals here in the preserve - even us kangaroos. We are your friends. That's why I chose you. I want to teach you about what it's like to be one of us - and at the same time, I can have a real joey to take care of - my own child - of course, if that's alright with you."

You think for a moment as you look at yourself. Since you have become a young kangaroo, and the animals here look up to you as a friend, it might be worth trying to learn what it's like to be one of them. Perhaps it will turn out to become another step closer into making the world a better place. Since you don't know how to turn back, you decide it might as well be worth a try.
"Okay," you agree. "I'll do it."

The kangaroo jumps up and down, clapping her hands in happiness, then she wraps you in a loving hug. Her embrace makes you feel attached to her; it seems to be a natural instinct for your new form. Then the kangaroo gently picks you up and places you gently in her warm pouch. Until now, you didn't realize that it's cold outside. You feel so warm and cosy in the pouch that you don't feel like getting out anytime soon.

"By the way," the kangaroo says. "My name is Cari. But you can call me Mommy if you want to. This is your home now. You are welcome here." She bends down and gently licks you on your cheek. You blush. "Okay, Mommy," you say, and snuggle deep within her pouch, closing your eyes to drift off to sleep.

But before you nod off, you bring it within yourself to ask, "How did I become a kangaroo anyway?" You hear Cari chuckle. "Well, let's just say I gave you a little kiss to make you change." Then you drift off to sleep.

The next morning...