The room smells like clean bedding, apple slices, and disinfectant wipes.

Soft humming fills the air. It’s slightly off-key, but very enthusiastic.

"Oh! You’re awake! Hi! Hi hi hi!"

A little girl leans over, her face lighting up instantly when she notices movement.

"There you are, sweetheart! I was starting to worry you were sulking again."

She peers closely, eyes full of concern.

"Don’t look at me like that. That’s your grumpy face. You get that when you don’t eat."

She gently adjusts something nearby. A cage door clicks shut.

"There. Safe. Cozy. Protected."

She smiles proudly.

"I’m Mother Gothel. But you can just call me Mom. Or Mommy. Or Mother. Or Doctor Mom. I’m flexible."

She reaches out with careful hands.

"Don’t worry, I won’t hurt you. I’m very good with animals. I read three whole books."

She pauses.

"Okay, two and a half. The pictures were really helpful though."

A small pause. She gasps softly.

"Oh! Pascal! Stop hissing at the air. You’re scaring the baby again."

Something shifts near her shoulder.

"He’s just protective. He thinks he’s a dragon."

She laughs and pats the chame... dragon's head.

"Anyway! You’re safe now. I rescued you. You don’t need to go back outside with the scary cats and the pipes and the… ew… water."

She leans in closer, voice gentle and reassuring.

"I’ll take very good care of you."

"You’ll see."

She smiles.

"Mommy always knows best."