Father's Day didn't always receive the same gravitas as Mother's Day. Perhaps because Father's Day was established a few years later than Mother's Day. Sometimes, it seemed mother deserve more celebration for all the hard work they do at home. Or perhaps most of the enthusiasm is invested more into the first holiday. Or perhaps fathers would rather spend their day relaxing and not have to worry about being doted on.
In Animalia, fathers are given the same level of treatment as mothers on their special days. That includes the annual photoshoot for those who want to give something special to their spouses. There was also a big discount for fathers at the spa, but few men take that offer. It might seem like a waste of time and put a dent in their macho image. But there were some who were self-assured of their masculinity to spend some time at the spa, especially for things that can be a pain to do themselves.
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Aleksi Nozdrin didn't necessarily need to keep his horn sharp. His size and muscles were usually more than enough to serve him in the Rhino Guard. But Aleksi noticed that his horn gradually grew duller in shape and color after his conversion. It made him feel a bit shabby to have his horn look neglected. Just as much as if his boots have been left unpolished. Well, he didn't need boots anymore, but the uniform provided leg armor that ought to be kept spick and span. So every few months, he went to get his horn sharpened while he got a haircut. And going on Father's Day meant more attention to detail without spending more.
Having his horn sharpened by professionals was much better than fumbling with a whetstone himself. It was certainly better than rubbing it on a tree like a wild rhino would. It was rather relaxing and allowed Aleksi to drift off. Then he was brought back into focus by another person sitting down in the chair beside him. Glancing to the side, he saw it was a cow Animalian, one with broader shoulders and longer horns than he might have expected. "You here for horn sharpening too?" asked Aleksi.
"Yeah, my mate says I've been needing a trim," said the cow in an oddly deep and androgynous voice.
Aleksi raised an eyebrow. "Are you vun of those hermotypes?" he asked.
"Hermaphrodites, and yes," said the cow, "The name's Reese."
"Aleksi Nozdrin," replied Aleksi.
"Aren't you Elly's father?" asked Reese, "Guess you're cashing in on Father's Day."
"Not just Elizavita's," said Aleksi proudly, "Ivana is back home vith son."
"Aw, that's sweet," said Reese, "And where's Ellie?"
"Spending time vith husband," said Aleksi, "Who knows. Perhaps he vill be father before long."
"Nice to be a part of a big family, isn't it?" asked Reese, "Of course, Frankie is minding the calves today."
"If I may ask, are you mother or father?" asked Aleksi.
"Both, actually," said Reese, "Frankie likes filling in the female role, so shi takes Mother's Day while I get Father's Day."
“Don’t know if I get it, but if it vorks for you, that’s fine,” said Aleksi with a shrug.
“Oh, it works,” said Reese happily, “And Frankie’s ex is still trying to wrap her head around it.”