“What seems to be the problem” she asked me when we got to an examination room big enough to fit Ryu. I awkwardly gesture to the small bundle of fur wrapped in the blankets. A gasp escaped the nurse’s mouth and she grabbed the kitten from me. “We’re going to have to do an emergency operation, if that will be permitted. In the meantime, fill out this.” I nodded and she handed me a clipboard and hurried out of the room. 

     I looked at the papers then at Ryu. I silently prayed that the kitten would be alright. After filling out the paperwork, I pulled out my phone and earbuds. Playing my favorite music, I stood up and walked over to Ryu. Her panda like coloring reminded me of my best friend’s wings from when I had lived in the city. We had gotten up to so much trouble together, but I had lost her too. She had moved away just before the fire happened. Her name was Rei, which was one reason I named Ryu that. 

     After an hour passed, the doctor walked into the room. Looking at her wings, I saw that she was a sea gull, which surprised me. The usually lived near the water, not in the mountains. I stood up, feeling the anxiety rise up as I saw the small cat in her arms. She gave me a comforting, yet strained smile. She then explained how the kitten’s eye was so bad that they had had to remove it completely. She also explained how they had vaccinated her while they were at it. 

     “You’ll need to give her antibiotics every morning, but other than that, it should heal nicely.” The doctor handed me the kitten, who was wrapped in a new blanket. I saw there was a bandage covering her eye. It reminded me of when I had similar bandages covering my wounds. “Let’s check up on the other critter here.” She moved towards Ryu, who cautiously sniffed the air. 

     After Ryu’s checkup was done, the doctor gave me the kitten’s medicine and some food for her. I paid the bill and headed back out to my house. 

     After a while of walking, I was exhausted. The events earlier in the day had worn me out completely. Realizing that my house was quite far, I didn't know if i would be able to walk there. Making a quick decision, I hopped onto Ryu. I took the rope I had used as a makeshift lead and looped it so that it loosely resembled reigns. 

     When I arrived at my house, I quickly grabbed a bag and filled it with some cloths I found lying around. I then took the bag of grain and poured a quarter of it in a container. I stuck that in my bag and went back to where Ryu was. 

     Climbing back on, I yet again went out to Shae’s house.