Your eyes open- you don’t remember closing them. You remember laying on the sterile table, trying not to twitch or fidget in anxiety as you wait for the anesthesia to kick in. But you don’t remember falling asleep, only waking up now, with a distinct ache and people hovering over you. After a moment, you can make them out, although it’s hard to force a cohesive thought through the drug fuled haze of sedation. There’s someone you recognize as the vet, alongside two nurses and your owner- John.

“Alright, they should be good to head home once they’ve been awake a couple more minutes. You remember the care instructions, correct?” On of the nurses asks him.

He nods, staring down at you with a soft, affectionate smile as you start to wake up.

“I do, thank you.” He says, thanking the nurse with a nod of his head and turning back to you as she takes her leave

“How’re you feeling, sweetheart?” He asks, keeping his voice quiet and low as he rubs his large hand over your knee.