Sprocket's Synchronized Sprint

Sprocket (named for his brother Zephyr's energy) was the slightly calmer, but no less important, half of the gerbil pair. While Zephyr was the chief excavator, Sprocket was the maintainer and the playful instigator. He would often initiate gentle wrestling matches, rolling and tumbling with his brother in a blur of fur. He was also the one more likely to sit up and watch us, his tiny hands folded over his chest. Their bond was beautiful to witness—they slept curled together, groomed each other meticulously, and shared every discovery. Losing Zephyr first was hard, but Sprocket carried on bravely for a time, though the spark of constant companionship was dimmed. Now, both are gone, and the tank is a monument to a perfect partnership.