“Bette, do you really think getting me a second pet will help?” Bette, holding the door for Alice to enter the animal shelter gave her an encouraging smile in reply.

“Alice, I think a pet is just the thing to take your mind off yourself and your … um, obsess …” Tina paused to roll her eyes at Bette and also enter the animal shelter carrying Angelica. It basically said to rethink her reply while Alice back was turned to her, which Bette takes on board “… feelings over Dana. Someone besides yourself to care for and worry about.”

“Well, this is our second trip here. What makes you think they will let me choose, let alone have another animal? Maybe I should get a dog instead of a cat this time?” Alice looked about worriedly in slightly manic movements at the posters on pet care that were displayed about the reception.

Bette looked a bit worried then smiled. “Alice, as I’ve learnt with Angelica. It IS important to baby and … pet proof your home and … not to beat yourself up over, what was essentially an accident.” Bette paused to slightly smooth Angelica’s curls over several pin prick scars left from Angelica’s brush with a small feature statue that had toppled over onto the child and threw an apologetic smile at Tina.

Tina did not return the smile but instead turned her attention to smile and greet the young receptionist who had stood to also coo and ah over Angelica. “What a beautiful child.”

“Who knew a cat would want to eat a few of my antidepressants and would turn into a manic psychotic and devilish whirl wind that would destroy my apartment before …” Alice shrugged and did not finish what she was about to say, while picking up and examining a chicken shaped chew toy. “I still have a few scabs left from the deep scratches and puncture marks all up my left leg, inner thigh and back where it used me as a climbing post to spring board and take out my overhead light feature when I tried to restrain it.”

“Well, now you know to keep them sealed and stored away so it wont happen again.” Tina replied over her shoulder. “I think a dog would suit you better because you can take it for walks and it would be good for you to get out and about. You’re looking pale and some sun will help.”