Sacrifice
Julie had watched silently as his master's mental health seemed to deteriorate. She couldn't sleep, night after night tossing and turning without relief, only to wake up more exhausted than the night before.
She told him everything. About her wishes, about how desperate she was for a nice dream instead of a nightmare, and while Julie himself couldn't help her, he tried his best, rubbing up against her hand and purring. He hoped maybe one of these days the low rumbling he produced could finally help her get some rest.
He was wary of the doll on the bedside table at first, but after his master awoke, elated beyond belief by the wonderful dream she'd had of her parents, he grew to accept it. It stared at him from across the room, but if it would help his master, it was worth it. He could not express how satisfied he was seeing his little girl awake every morning with a smile on her face.
He loved her, Miss, more than anyone else. She was his, and he was hers. He would've been happy to lay on her lap forever if that's what she wanted. She gave him food, love, attention, anything he could've ever asked for. He felt a little guilty, maybe even helpless, that he didn't seem to be able to repay her. He couldn't give her those nice dreams like the doll did, but he could sit by her side and hope that he was somehow giving something in return, even if it was only company.
And so when the day came that he looked around the room, the empty and barren room, to see his master frantically searching about for something, anything, of hers that was left for the doll, it was finally his turn to repay her.
He didn't resent her for sacrificing him. Horror shot through his veins as he realized he was all that was left, but he most certainly did not hold anything against her. Even as he clawed at the butler's hands, hissing and frantically trying to free himself, his mind was at ease.
Because if for only one night he could give his little girl something to make her happy, he'd do it in a heartbeat. Even if it meant sacrificing himself.
I always love the bond between pets and owners. I was horrified that he was given to the doll but I thought maybe if he had a strong bond with Miss it would've been more of a bittersweet thing. And I write this with my cat on my lap. XD
Anyway, this is a little present for Remi (reminiscent-afterthought) for writing 50 fics for the Mega-Prompts challenge! *claps loudly* She's so incredibly talented! Congrats Remi! :D
~Foxtail-chan