Well I wanna open this with saying this article had me in tears in at least two parts- so props to you on that one! The interview between the Mel and Khells hurt my heart, and was a great emotional center point for the article. I got very emotionally attached to the cat (HIS NAME IS DUCK,,,) and the cats owner Mel is Visercally Upsetting. I quite enjoyed Khells too, the researcher at the central focus who makes a big decision regarding the SCP. Since the cats anomalous (borderline schrondinger) properties aren't veil breaking (Its Immune To All Anomalies) it checks out she was able to get away with returning the owner her service animal- it was especially nice to have Tim Wilson back her up and even commend her for the risk she took after she confesses to him. The beginning and settup is interesting, there's some funny bits, then the final part kicks you in the balls but gives you a little kiss because the woman got her emotional support cat back.
Now, to address your areas of concern!
- Personally, I quite enjoyed the lighthearted bits - I don't think it threw off the tone at all. If anything, I think it lowered my guard while reading to the point when the emotional bits hit they felt stronger because I wasn't expecting it.
- In my opinion, in terms of pacing- I will say the ending part felt a little abrupt? Like the jump from the email exchange with O5-8 to the email from Tim Wilson about the Fake Duck did feel quick. So I def agree with you that it's a bit too fast. Perhaps you could put in another log between the interview with the owner and the email exchange with O5-8? Maybe the researcher herself interacting with the cat as part of a test to see if Duck's behavior is of a normal cat, and that confirmation of him being normal acting helping to further push her hesistance and eventual decision?
Personally, the article left me with one question- does Khells get away with this? Her confession to Wilson was through the Foundation email, surely this is monitored- though honestly, I am willing to suspend my disbelief because the emotion of the piece is very well done.
Based on this draft, I'd 100% upvote this- it's cute, emotional, there's some funny bits to balance- and there's a happy ending! I love you Duck you're just a little guy. The fact he's an anomalous Schrodinger's cat is fantastic. And since such a thing isn't veil-breaking, his return to Mel as her service animal still works because- well- she'd never notice he's anomalous!
All and all, this was well done- the emotional beats hit me enough to make me cry and I am very attached to this kitty cat you've created. This is great.
