"I told you, I'm trying to expand my boundaries," says Barry, embarrassed to be gazed at by strangers now that he hasn't actively volunteered for it. "I don't always dislike it. I think." He shakes his head and laughs. "See, I don't know."

He begins walking in the direction of the clothing boutique, breathing in a sigh of relief to be among sweaters and coats and not more harnesses. "I missed the fall," he says as he rifles through cableknits. "Zenith's home base is actually on the beach, which is nice, too, I've just always liked autumn the best."