When Alessia finally reached the clinic, she pulled into the nearest available space and parked properly, though she barely gave herself time to put the car in park before reaching for the door. The moment the engine stopped, she was out, carefully cradling the injured cat against her chest as she hurried toward the entrance. The automatic doors slid open as she approached, releasing a wash of bright, sterile light that made the darkness outside seem even deeper by comparison.
A receptionist looked up from her desk, her attention immediately drawn to Alessia and the small animal in her arms.
“Oh. What happened?”
“I found him injured,” Alessia said, already moving toward the desk. “He needs help. Please.”
The urgency in her voice was enough to make the receptionist stand.
“I’ll get som
