Chapter 7

The afternoon sun streamed into the clinic. I was carefully bandaging the injured hind leg of an orange tabby cat, my movements gentle and precise. The child who had brought it—a little girl with pigtails and worried eyes—lay on the nearby examination table, curiously watching my every move. "Doctor, will it hurt her?" she asked, her voice small and concerned. "A little," I answered honestly, my hands continuing their careful work. "But it'll heal quickly. Cats are very brave." "Doctor! I'm here!" Lucas's voice suddenly burst through the peaceful atmosphere as he bounded through the door. "You're late today," I observed, ruffling the boy's perpetually messy hair. "What kept you?" "Because Uncle was looking for this!" Lucas proudly held up a thick manila envelope, his eyes bright with excitement. Cooper entered behind him. He moved with quiet confidence, his presence somehow making the small clinic feel safer and more complete. He handed me the envelope. Inside were application