Cartel Cats: Know Your Rights
Volume One Closer: Reflections Under the Setting Sun
The sun was setting over Pawloma, painting the rooftops with gold and shadows. The crew gathered on the highest rooftop, a place where they could see the whole neighborhood—their kingdom, their home. The air was warm with the promise of summer, and the city seemed to pause, just for them.
Barbara stood at the edge, looking out. She remembered how it all began: the days when they felt invisible, voices drowned out by noise, hearts heavy with the feeling of being unseen and unheard. She remembered the first time they dared to speak, the first time they stood together, the first time hope felt real.
One by one, the crew shared what they'd learned.
Rico spoke first, his voice steady.
"I used to think looking out for number one meant only watching my own back. But Ma and Barbara showed me that real strength is in lifting each other up. When you help your crew, you help yourself."
Sneezy Lila, always quick with a joke, grew serious.
"I learned that fights aren't always about what's right in front of you. Sometimes, it's just the weight of the world making you snap at the people you need most. The lesson? Don't let the big problems win by letting the little ones break you apart."
Mama Patch smiled, her eyes gentle.
"We learned to speak up, even when someone in charge said not to. We learned that silence can hurt as much as words, and that standing up for what's right is how you make a difference—for yourself and for others."
Rico grinned.
"And we learned not to poke the bear—especially if the bear's got diplomatic immunity!"
The group laughed, remembering the wild lessons and the teachers who'd shaped them: Barbara, with her courage and honesty; Ma, the village mother with her T+ hugs and endless wisdom; Mama Patch, who always had a story and a snack; and all the friends and even rivals who challenged them to see the world differently.
Barbara looked around at her friends, her crew—her family.
"We learned that the people who seem most different from us are sometimes the ones we need the most. They balance us, challenge us, and help us grow in ways we never expected. Life would be so dull if we were all the same."
Sneezy Lila nodded.
"Ma said it best: variety is what keeps things moving. It's the spice of life."
The sun dipped lower, and for a moment, Ma was nowhere to be seen. The crew felt a pang of worry—she had always been there when they needed her most. But then they remembered her words, spoken just days before:
"If you don't see any good in the world, or hear any good, then be the good you want to hear and see. You're all kings, queens, and royalty if you want to be—you just have to act like you are. Even when you feel unseen, remember: sometimes it's just a matter of line of sight. Keep standing tall, and you'll come back into view."
As if on cue, Ma appeared at the edge of the rooftop, stepping back into the golden light. The crew cheered, running to her side.
She smiled, gathering them close.
"You were never out of my sight. Sometimes you just have to trust that the people who love you are still there, even when you can't see them."
They stood together, arms linked, watching the last rays of sun slip behind the city. The lessons of the year echoed in their hearts:
Look out for each other, and you'll never stand alone.
Speak up, even when your voice shakes.
Don't let little things break big bonds.
The people who challenge you are the ones who help you grow.
If you can't find the good, become it.
Barbara raised her paw, the crew following suit.
"This isn't the end. It's just the beginning. We're not just a crew—we're a family. And we'll keep building the world we want to see, one good deed, one brave word, one act of kindness at a time."
As the stars blinked on above Pawloma, the crew knew they were ready for whatever came next—together.
🎶
We started out unseen, unheard,
But found our power in every word.
Lifted each other, learned to forgive,
Found the good, and chose to live.
If you don't see the good, be the light,
Shine for others through the night.
Kings and queens, strong and true,
The world's a little brighter—thanks to you.
🎶
The night settled in, but hope and courage glowed brighter than ever. Volume One closed, but their story was just beginning.
Ho TE LT Ran Si L VA n!@4