Eight Lives, One Heart

Eight Lives, One Heart 7 ❤️

The next day, Alexis and her stepfather, Steve, took her dog to the vet. Her beloved dog had been feeling under the weather for a while, and after some tests, the vet recommended surgery. Alexis knew it was the best thing for her dog, but the thought of it made her nervous. Still, she stayed strong, knowing this was part of keeping her dog healthy.

When they arrived at the vet's office, everything seemed to be going smoothly at first. The vet administered the shot to prepare for the surgery, but in a split second, something went wrong. The dog, understandably frightened and confused by the medical procedures, suddenly lashed out, his teeth sinking into Steve's arm.

"Steve!" Alexis yelled, rushing forward as the vet quickly restrained the dog.

The vet looked at Steve's arm, where the bite had drawn blood. "We'll need to treat that right away," he said, his voice filled with urgency. "But we also need to address the situation with the dog."

Alexis's heart sank. She loved her dog more than anything, but seeing the terror in his eyes and the blood on Steve's arm made her realize there was no safe way to continue. The dog had always been gentle and loving, but this sudden attack was too much.

Steve, clearly in pain, nodded. "It's okay, Alexis. I'll be fine. But the dog... it's better this way."

Tears welled up in Alexis's eyes as the reality of the situation hit her. She had to say goodbye to the dog she had grown up with, the dog who had always been there for her. The vet gently explained that they would need to put the dog down, and Alexis, heartbroken, made the decision.

As the vet sedated the dog and prepared for the procedure, Alexis sat by the dog's side, holding its paw. "I'm so sorry, buddy," she whispered through her tears. "I'll always love you."

It felt like the world had shifted under her feet, and she couldn't stop crying as she whispered her goodbyes. She gave the dog one last kiss on its head before it peacefully fell asleep.

Afterward, she left the vet with Steve, her heart heavy. They didn't speak much on the way to the hospital, both lost in their own thoughts.

When they arrived at House MD Hospital, Alexis took Steve to the back, where she immediately started treating his arm. House and Wilson were already there, having been informed of Steve's injury.

"Looks like we've got a tough guy," House said, raising an eyebrow as he watched Alexis work. "But I see you've got this under control."

Alexis didn't respond. Her focus was solely on Steve's arm, making sure the wound was cleaned and bandaged properly. Wilson stood nearby, watching her work with concern in his eyes.

Steve winced slightly as Alexis wrapped the bandage around his arm, but he didn't complain. He glanced at Alexis, a soft look in his eyes. "You know, kid... I love you."

Alexis paused for a moment, looking up at him. There was something so genuine in his voice, and though they had their differences, she knew Steve cared deeply for her, even if he sometimes didn't show it the right way.

"I know, Steve," she said softly. "I love you too."

They shared a quiet moment before she finished the bandaging, and Steve was finally able to relax, even if just for a moment.

Though she had lost her dog, Alexis knew she still had her family. And as difficult as it was, she felt a little lighter knowing that the people who mattered were by her side, offering love and support in the most unexpected ways . After Steve left the hospital to go home, Alexis lingered for a moment in the hallway, her thoughts a whirlwind. The loss of her dog was still fresh, and despite the comforting words from her stepfather, it didn't seem like enough to calm the storm inside her. She needed something to distract her, something to keep her from falling into the sadness that was threatening to consume her.