I swear you're the biggest softie, the whole 'aloof' thing is kidding no one.

[ Like sure, is Laelaps a little on the cautious or edgy side? She'd guess so. She doesn't have the approachable nature like her brother. Merry's always been more social kind of dog, cheerful and excitable. But... honestly, Laelaps is totally just a sweet and soft dog underneath.

She's laughing and it's bittersweet. She's mad. She's upset. But not at the dog. Laelaps hasn't done anything wrong. But Kate still feels the sharp, uncomfortable twists of everything in her stomach, her chest.

He left the dog here to gift her candies and— her eyes close, she has to take a minute. Her jaw tightens.

God, Tim— you're such a— ]

I'm still mad at him. [ She says it softly to the dog. Is she? Is it indignation? Offense? It's certainly upset. Kate sighs tightly. ] I didn't— I didn't want this. I wish he didn't— he took things too far. He didn't stop for one minute to think about what I wanted. He just—

[ ... Laelap doesn't deserve this. ]

I'm sorry. [ She offers another pet. ] Can you forgive me?