My legs still felt weak and wobbly from all the therapy. I couldn't stand on my own for long at all. After just a minute, I needed a wall or someone's strong arm to hold me up steady. Because of this problem, Hellen wouldn't let me work on anything.
She said no to the new Helly Paws designs release. She also forbade the HIER line too. HIER was the casual everyday clothes part of the big Herlos brand.
"Rest first, my little kitten. No work until you can stand steady on those legs," she told me firm that very morning.
Her big hand rested gentle on my short bob hair, fingers combing through soft. She leaned down and kissed my forehead warm and protective, her honey-citrus scent wrapping me safe like always.
"Emily, listen close now. You don't understand—I'm your real family here. I care about you deep, always have, even when things were bad," Alexei said urgent, his voice low and pushing.
