1 x 1 with Tigermeow

[Boomer]

"A few weeks, if everything goes right." said one of the doctors, "These were second degree burns. We're very lucky only a small amount was burned and they weren't third or fourth degree burns. I've never seen anyone survive the burns she experienced when she was younger." He could tell from her old scars how bad she had been injured before. Alessa simply laid there listening to them. "We'll let the psychologist know when she's ready to talk." he added, "For now she needs to rest."

[Tigme]

Catherine nodded, "She's been through a lot, more than most kids her age." They paused, and looked back at Alessa. Their voice grew soft, "I had hoped she wouldn't have to go through any more." They spoke barely above a whisper. They'd almost lost her, just because of a silly mistake. It made them think about their relationship together, how much Alessa had grown in the short time she had been i their home. Did Catherine really want to put her through another huge change at some point?

[Boomer]

He nodded as Catherine spoke. "I can tell..." he murmured, "She's a strong little girl. I'd be proud if she was my daughter." He noticed that Alessa had fallen asleep with Scarlett in her paws. He unlocked the gurney and started to move Alessa to her room. "If either of you need anything, let us know." he added, waiting for Catherine.

[Tigme]

Catherine's ear flicked as the doctor said "daughter." They needed some time to think, and knew making a decision would put their foster home on hold for some time. They looked back up as he spoke once more, "Will do, thank you." They said, and followed them to the room she was to be staying in. They had nothing in their purse to pass the time, but Catherine had enough in their head that making sense of the day's events would be enough for quite some time.

[Boomer]

Alessa was brought into an empty room. The pup was still asleep even in the brightly lit room. She'd rather sleep in a bright room than a pitch black one. The doctor then left to let them get some sleep. Alessa stirred a little as she slept; she was reliving everything that had happened that day. Alessa didn't thrash or whimper; she laid there in silence.

[Tigme]

Alessa's silence worried Catherine more than if she was thrashing around in her sleep. With everything that had ensued, they could barely imagine what could have happened before Catherine had even arrived. They looked back down at Alessa, and only then did they notice the collar around her neck. It was somewhat hard to see with the hoodie on, but it was surely something they hadn't seen before. They were too afraid to disturb Alessa to try and get it off, but it stuck in Catherine's head what it could be for.

(I'm gonna head in now, sleep well!))

[Boomer]

Alessa finally woke up from her nightmare. She whimpered quietly as she looked to Catherine. Her eyes were filled with anxiety and fear. The pup pulled her blanket up to cover the bandages and keep her shoulders warm. Alessa ran a paw through her hair, feeling upset as it ended just above her chin. She hadn't been afraid of scissors before, but now she didn't think she'd be okay with them anymore. The doctor from earlier returned with some juice for Alessa. "Do you want that collar off?" he asked. Alessa took the juice from him, then nodded. He tried to get the collar off, but realized it had a lock on it. "I've never seen a collar like this one." he muttered, "We may need to cut it off." Alessa's eyes widened as she nearly climbed to the top of the gurney. "No!" she cried, "Not again!" "Okay, w-we'll find a different way." he said, trying to coax Alessa down, "We won't do that..."

[Tigme]

Catherine wished they could help out Alessa any more than just being there for her, but it would take more time before her injuries would heal. And they couldn't even begin to grasp the emotional damage that could have been done in that short time. Catherine looked up as the doctor came back in, grateful that they brought some juice for the pup. They had brought some water bottles to the fairgrounds, but neither of them had drank anything since before they even arrived. They were taken aback as Alessa screamed out at the idea of cutting the collar off, "Alessa, please." They said softly, "We're not going to hurt you, but we need you to stay calm." They looked at the pup, eyes anxious for her safety.

[Boomer]

Alessa stared at them with wide eyes. If she could, she'd put up a protection orb. She started to feel sleepy again, then she stated to relax. "No..." she mumbled. The pup fought to keep her eyes open. The doctor left the room as he didn't want to upset her again. He muttered something about bringing in the psychologist soon. Alessa pricked her ears as she strained to listen. "More doctors?" she asked a little glumly.

[Tigme]

"The psychologist is just gonna come in to help with the other kinds of wounds that happened today," Catherine tried to explain, "They're just going to talk to you, possibly some time with me in the room, but more likely they're going to want to see you alone. But I promise, they're not going to hurt you, it'll just be like your weekly sessions back at home."