Complete

03: Bet

"Excuse me?" Mew turned around, wandering who spoke. Oh. It was the man he pushed down earlier for trying to hurt his baby.

"I suspect that Chopper dislocated his right joint. As you can see, the leg appears to lie at an awkward angle. Although there appears to be no apparent injury, in cases involving joints, nerves, tendons, and ligaments, there are no external signs of injury such as cuts and bruises."

The man stood up, dusting off the grass on his black sweatpants.

"There is swelling at his right joint. He is also persistently licking at that joint. These are some of common clinical signs associated with joint subluxations."

As he walked closer, Mew smelt a hint of lavender, vanilla and white musk.

"You are holding his forearms, right below his elbow joint where he is possibly hurt," he continued. "If his right joint is really dislocated, with you holding him like that, his right joint would only strain more, worsening the injury."

Mew noticed how despite being a bit taller than him, he seemed smaller than him. Perhaps it is because of how he was lean, not built like him. Or maybe it is because his white hoodie was slightly oversized, making him appear small and fluffy.

Mew looked at him coldly. "If my dog is in severe pain, you shouldn't have even attempted to examine him. Even if he is not in obvious discomfort, manipulating broken bones or dislocated joints can cause unnecessary pain and may worsen the injury."

"I am a certified vet." He gestured for Mew to open his palm, placing a card in the palm of his hand. It was a license that recognized him as a vet from one of the pet clinics in Bangkok.

"So I am more than credible and skilful enough to examine him." He smirked, looking at Mew straight in the eye with an air of defiance.

Mew glanced at the card. "Gulf Kanawut Traipipattanapong."

"Many conmen are skilful." Mew shrugged, returning the card.

"Since you are so confident, why not we have a bet." Gulf smirked, folding his arms across his chest.

"Bet?"

"Bet." Gulf smiled, too innocent for Mew's liking.

"What do you want to bet?"

"If I know my stuff and seem experienced, you have to grant me a wish. If you think I am wrong or am still suspicious, I will grant you a wish."

Mew contemplated for a while before nodding.

"Fine by me." He has nothing to lose anyway.

Gulf rolled up his sleeves, squatting down beside Chopper.

While he taught Mew, he gently lifted Chopper. Chopper nestled in his arms, his eyes shutting as he nods off.

This is rare though, Chopper seldom let strangers touch him. He never lets down his guard and is comfortable with only me, Bright and Avia.

"This method will also help him feel secure and comfortable as you pick him up, and will also insure you don't accidently drop him."

Gulf smiled, gently stroking Chopper. Maybe he isn't so bad after all.

"So am I correct or am I right." Gulf looked at Mew smugly.

"Both." Mew chuckled. "What is your wish then?"

"I will save it for another time." Gulf smiled cheekily.

"Alright. Don't regret it if you forget. Saves me the trouble." Mew smirked.

"And thank you. For doing so much.

I would also like to apologise for pushing you earlier. Even if I was worried for my baby, I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions." Mew apologized to Gulf sincerely.

Using the method he had taught him, Mew gently took Chopper from Gulf's arms into his. Their arms brushed against each other from the close contact, sending an electric current up Mew's arm.

"It is okay, all dog lovers are like that. I am like that too." Gulf smiled softly, patting Mew's shoulder understandingly.

"Oh yeah." Gulf snapped his fingers.

"What is your name? You have mine so isn't it unfair I don't know yours?" Gulf tilted his head slightly.

"Mew." Mew's heart lifted a little knowing that Gulf doesn't hold any grudges against him.

"Mew. I like it." He smiled.

"Nevertheless," Gulf peeked at Mew worriedly, "you should bring him to his vet as soon as possible. I am suspicious of Chopper suffering from joint subluxation based on the physical examination findings. But that is not enough. A radiograph (X-ray) is necessary to definitively diagnose a joint subluxation. Other diagnostic tests may include computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)."

"But there are no pet clinics or hospitals open at this hour." Mew sighed, looking at Chopper, distressed.

"How about you bring him to my clinic? I can carry out the radiograph right now. If he requires surgery, I can arrange for it to be held the next day."

"That would be awesome." Mew nodded excitedly.

Letting out a shaky sigh of relief, Mew thanked Gulf softly.

He didn't realize a tear had rolled down his face until Gulf came up close and brushed the tear off with his thumb.

They stared at each other for a while until Gulf broke off the eye contact.

Figuring that Gulf might feel awkward, Mew changed the subject.

"How about we take my car? My house is just opposite. We can drive to the clinic."

"Okay." Gulf agreed gingerly, smiling at Mew.