Lenny the wolf had spent enough time in the hustle and bustle of Manhattan to know that no matter how bizarre the scene, there was always an opportunity. Tonight, as he prowled the streets of Uptown, the city lights gleaming off the pavement, he caught a whiff of something unfamiliar—something… otherworldly.

Turning the corner, he nearly collided with a tall figure shrouded in a heavy overcoat, its gaunt, frost-covered features illuminated by a flickering streetlamp. The figure’s glowing eyes locked with Lenny’s, and he could almost taste the hunger emanating from it.

“Whoa, buddy,” Lenny said, stepping back and sizing him up. “You’re, uh, a little… off the beaten path, don’t you think?”

The figure straightened up, awkwardly adjusting his coat. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to… run into you. I’m just trying to blend in.”

Lenny cocked his head. “Blend in? With that face? Not sure you’re gonna make it as a street performer, my guy.”

The figure, clearly embarrassed, scratched the back of his neck. “Yeah, well… I’m new here. My name’s Wendell. I’m… trying to live a quieter life. I’m a Wendigo, actually.”

Lenny blinked, then burst out laughing. “No kidding? A Wendigo in Manhattan? That’s rich. You must be really bad at this whole ‘blending in’ thing.”

Wendell sighed, looking utterly defeated. “I’ve been trying, okay? But I’m starving, and no one here serves anything that satisfies my… appetite. And then there’s the whole… glowing eyes thing.”

Lenny’s ears perked up. “Okay, okay. First of all, you’re in the wrong city for blending in, pal. Second of all, you are starving, huh? Well, don’t worry—I got you covered. Follow me.”

---

The duo wandered through the glittering streets, dodging taxis and tourists, until they reached a nondescript dive bar with neon lights buzzing above the door. The kind of place that could always use an extra dose of weird.

“Is this… safe?” Wendell asked, glancing around with suspicion.

Lenny shrugged. “The city’s full of weirdos. This is nothing. Come on, we’re getting a drink.”

Inside, the atmosphere was dimly lit and buzzing with the sounds of casual conversations and clinking glasses. Lenny swaggered to the bar, ordering a drink before turning to Wendell, who was still awkwardly hovering near the door.

“Relax, buddy. You’ll be fine. Just… try not to eat anyone,” Lenny joked, giving Wendell a playful shove.

Wendell shifted uneasily, his stomach growling audibly. “I… don’t usually go for the ‘soul-eating’ thing anymore, you know? But I can’t seem to shake this gnawing hunger. Do you have anything… substantial on the menu?”

Lenny grinned, already knowing what to do. “You’ve come to the right guy.”

---

The two made their way to the back alley, where a shady food truck sat under a flickering streetlamp. Big Tony’s Wild Game Grill. The truck’s sign was half-broken, but the smell of cooked meat was undeniable. Wendell’s stomach growled again, louder this time, as they approached.

“Big Tony!” Lenny called, leaning over the counter. “Got something wild for my friend here.”

Big Tony, a burly man with a face that could’ve been carved from stone, looked Wendell up and down. He raised an eyebrow, clearly unbothered. “What’ll it be?”

Wendell cleared his throat, trying his best to keep his composure. “Uh, elk steak. Medium rare.”

Lenny shot him a look. “Medium rare? Really? Buddy, you’re out here trying to fit in, and you’re ordering like you’re at some posh restaurant?”

Wendell glanced down at his hands. “I’m just… trying to keep it normal.”

Lenny rolled his eyes. “No worries. The man wants elk, he gets elk. Just—try not to get too hungry, alright?”

Big Tony handed over the steak, which Wendell accepted like it was the Holy Grail. He took a bite, his eyes widening in delight.

“Now this is what I’m talking about,” Wendell mumbled, chewing eagerly. He hadn’t tasted anything this satisfying in ages.

Lenny chuckled. “See? I told you—Manhattan’s got everything if you know where to look. But remember, buddy… no more soul-snacking. Stick with the meat, not the minds.”

---

Hours later, the two of them were back on the streets, wandering through the heart of the city. Wendell felt strangely at peace. For the first time in a long while, he was surrounded by people who were just people. No terrified screams, no desperate runs to avoid the looming threat of a creature of legend. Just… life.

“Thanks for tonight,” Wendell said, his voice softer than usual. “I… I didn’t think I could fit in. But maybe… Maybe it’s not about changing who you are. It’s about finding the right crowd.”

Lenny grinned, flicking his tail. “Exactly, pal. And if anyone gives you trouble? You just tell ’em you’re with me. Who’s gonna argue with a wolf, right?”

Wendell’s stomach growled one last time. “Maybe I’ll try some more kale chips next time. For a little balance.”

Lenny stopped in his tracks, giving Wendell an incredulous look. “Kale chips? Buddy, you can’t be serious.”

Wendell shrugged, his glowing eyes twinkling with amusement. “Hey, a Wendigo’s gotta have some class.”

Lenny shook his head, laughing as they both wandered off into the night, ready for whatever weird adventure Uptown Manhattan had in store for them next.

---

The End.