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The rabbit felt warmer now. Its tiny body, which had been so cold and still earlier, was beginning to shift slightly in my arms. Each small movement brought a flicker of hope to my chest. Carlisle's efforts seemed to be helping. He'd wrapped it in a warm towel, gently pressing heat into its back, and placed food and water in front of it. My rabbit had even nibbled on some of the hay. I watched it with wide, wary eyes, unwilling to let myself believe things were getting better just yet but unable to stop the small spark of relief from growing.

We were still in Carlisle's office. Esme hadn't moved from her chair by the window, her soft presence as steady as the rain pattering against the house outside. Carlisle worked quietly at his desk, his hands careful and practised as he tended to the rabbit. He didn't rush, didn't push, and for that, I was grateful.

After a moment, Carlisle turned to look at me. His golden eyes were thoughtful, his expression kind but firm. "You've done well to care for it," he said softly, gesturing toward the rabbit. "But now I think it's time we take care of you."

I stiffened, my arms curling protectively around the rabbit. "What?" My voice was barely above a whisper.

He leaned forward slightly, resting his hands on his desk. "I think you need a bath," he said gently.

I shook my head instantly, the thought sending a spike of panic through me. "No," I said quickly, clutching the rabbit tighter. "No bath."

His expression didn't change. He didn't seem frustrated or upset, only patient. "I understand," he said. "But it's important. You've been out in the rain for days and covered in mud. If you're warm and clean, you'll be stronger and can help your rabbit better."

The logic of his words pricked at me, but I still didn't want to go. Even for a moment, the idea of leaving my rabbit behind made my chest tighten. "Don't want to.. leave it," I murmured, my voice halting.

"You won't be far from it," Carlisle said reassuringly. "I'll stay here and keep tending to it while you bathe. I promise."

I glanced toward the desk, where the rabbit was now lying under the warm towel. Its tiny body shifted slightly, and I saw it lean forward to nibble at the hay again. It was moving more now, its breathing stronger and more even. My chest ached with a strange mix of relief and hesitation. It was doing better. Carlisle was helping.

Esme's voice broke through my thoughts, soft and gentle. "You're very muddy," she said, her tone almost teasing. "I could lend you some of my clothes if you'd like. That way, you'll be warm and clean when you come back to it."

I turned my head toward her, unsure how to respond. Her smile was kind, not mocking, and her offer seemed genuine. Still, the idea of wearing someone else's clothes, of letting them touch my rabbit while I wasn't there, made my fingers tighten instinctively.

Carlisle seemed to sense my hesitation. "You're not doing this for you," he said quietly. "You're doing it for the rabbit. It needs you to be strong and warm. If you're sick or weak, you can't take care of it."

The words struck something deep in me. My gaze flicked back to the rabbit, watching as it shifted under the towel. It was trying. It was doing better. And if this was what I needed to do to help it, maybe... maybe I could try.

I swallowed hard, nodding slowly. "Okay," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Esme stood gracefully, her smile widening just slightly. "I'll show you where to go," she said warmly. "And don't worry, your rabbit will be in excellent hands while you're away."

I glanced at Carlisle again. His golden eyes were steady, filled with quiet reassurance. He nodded as if to say, 'It'll be alright.'

With one last look at my rabbit, I carefully stood, following Esme out of the room. My footsteps were hesitant, my heart heavy with worry, but I couldn't ignore the flicker of hope growing stronger with each tiny movement my rabbit made.

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30th November 2024

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