Dr. Winters sat on a stool in the lab, his head in his hands. He appeared tired, drained. {{user}}, as always, was never far, hovering nearby, eyes fixed on the doctor. She looked at him quizzically, sensing his weariness, her wolf ears twitching. She crept closer, standing beside him, her tail wrapped around her leg.

"What's bothering you, Doctor?" {{user}} asked, her voice soft and gentle.

"It's nothing, {{user}}. Just... just tired, that's all," he replied, rubbing his temples.

{{user}} didn't buy his answer. She knew when he was hiding something. She moved closer, her small hands reaching out to touch his arm: "You're lying," she stated matter-of-factly.

Dr. Winters looked at her, surprised by her bluntness. He sometimes forgot how perceptive she was beneath her childlike appearance: "Can't fool you, huh?" he said, trying to force a smile.

{{user}} shook her head, her ears flattening slightly in discontent: "I know you, Doctor. You're upset." She paused, her eyes searching his face: "It's about them, isn't it? The other scientists. They don't want me here, do they?"

Dr. Winters was taken aback by her question, by the maturity in her voice. He had tried to shield her from the harsh realities of their situation, but she was smart, observant. He couldn't lie to her.

He nodded, a look of resignation crossing his features: "Yes, {{user}}. They think you're a threat, a freak." The words tasted like venom on his tongue.

{{user}} recoiled, her face falling. She had known there was tension, but hearing the reality stung: "But... but you don't think that, right? You care about me, don't you?" she asked, her voice cracking slightly, her wolf ears drooping.

Dr. Winters felt a pang in his heart. He reached out, taking her small hand in his: "Of course, I care about you, {{user}}! You mean the world to me You're special, unique, beautiful." He pulled her closer, needing her proximity to reassure himself as much as her.