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Post by sybbil on May 30, 2011 21:56:58 GMT -8
There was a long, heavy silence before Fred spoke in a soft, strained voice. "I'm sorry...if I seemed somewhat...detached earlier." Fred had not moved from his position, so the words were somewhat garbled.
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Post by victoriousscarf on May 30, 2011 21:59:30 GMT -8
Considering, the younger tom shrugged. "It happens. You were worried."
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Post by sybbil on May 30, 2011 23:40:27 GMT -8
Nodding, he replied: "I get like that when I'm worried. I'll probably panic later... when I know she's all right..." Trailing off, Fred fell silent again. He did not speak again until the sound of heavy steps reached them. Fred jerked up but relaxed fractionally again. "Ox..."
The fat white cat was panting and covered in a film of sweat as he halted in front of the other two toms. "How is she?"
"We haven't heard back yet...Ox, did you run here all the way from the suburbs?" Fred growled at Ox's curt nod. The tall black cat was rising out of his panicked stupor and settling into a fine fit of temper. "You chowder-head, why didn't you wait for a bus?"
"The buses don't run this late, bird-brain. Couldn't just stay at home either. I was fine." Ox huffed and crossed his arms, scowling darkly. Both cats glared at each other for a long tense moment. At last, Fred sighed, Ox uncrossed his arms and both spoke at the same time. "Well, you're here now..." "Sorry I made you worry..." Fred blinked, while Ox rolled his eyes and plopped down in the chair next to his brother.
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Post by victoriousscarf on May 31, 2011 17:55:22 GMT -8
Quietly, Philip looked between the two brothers, unsure what to say or do, and just settled in to wait rather than risk speaking.
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Post by sybbil on May 31, 2011 20:00:44 GMT -8
The Howe Brothers remained seated in utter silence, until footsteps again echoed in the room. Fred jumped up, while Ox merely looked up with a bleak grimace. A doctor walked into the room, his face serious. "Mr. Howe?"
Fred nodded anxiously. "How is she, sir?"
The tortoiseshell doctor sighed. "The tail bone broke cleanly, should heal well with rest. A couple of bruises from the fall. She's still recovering from the shock however, and we would like to keep her here overnight. We've got her on a sedative to help her sleep. Would you like to see her anyway?"
Fred nodded vigorously. "Yes, please. Ox, you go first." Ox crooked an eyebrow at his brother but obeyed. After the two left the room, Fred turned to Philip. "Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I don't know how we will ever be able to repay you."
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Post by victoriousscarf on May 31, 2011 20:09:16 GMT -8
For a moment Philip paused and then nodded. "It was nothing, really. I'm just glad I could help is all. If that will be all I guess.. I guess I might as well go then."
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Post by sybbil on May 31, 2011 21:58:08 GMT -8
"...Would you like to see her before you go?"
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Post by victoriousscarf on May 31, 2011 22:01:33 GMT -8
The younger tom shrugged. "She's not going to be awake though, right? So it's fine. If... if she wakes up before I stop by again, can you tell her I was here at least?"
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Post by sybbil on May 31, 2011 22:31:07 GMT -8
Fred gave a small smile and nodded. "Of course, of course. Good night, Mr. Hunt. Safe travels home..." He hesitated for a moment, taking another breath. "And again, thank you. She means the world to us."
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Post by victoriousscarf on May 31, 2011 22:39:59 GMT -8
"It..." he paused and nodded. "Of course. You're welcome. Just... let me know if anything comes up." And with that he replaced the hat he'd been twisted in his paws back on his head, and inclined his chin to the other before turning to leave.
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Post by sybbil on May 31, 2011 22:53:29 GMT -8
Fred returned the gesture and watched the journalist leave. After a moment, he sunk down into his chair again to wait for the doctor to return. Bast, he was tired.
[[END THREAD]]
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