Richard: I told them to get here, honey. It's important that they know about the situation too and might even be able to help.
Mary: I've heard a lot from your boyfriend, but gosh dear! What in the world has happened to you?!
[Mary steps closer and hugs her daughter, who tears up in grief. They all get inside and Richard tells the kids to go to their room to entertain themselves, as he's going to have a serious talk with the Senicourts. He then offers the cats a drink and joins them at the dining table. Nicole shivers as she struggles to speak.]
Nicole: I-I'm so sorry... I let you down so badly!
Daniel: Look Nicole, I completely understand this specific man has bothered you too much and you've always had troubles with your temper... but... how could you possibly have actually murdered two souls?!
Mary: We didn't raise you to become a killer!
Nicole: I know, I know! I went way too far! But it wasn't my fault... I-it's not the real me who did this! I-
Mary: What do you mean?
Nicole: [Sighs] You remember the incident in the supermarket from months ago, right? Well, that monster apparently still lives inside me. I have no idea how it's possible, but I am sure it got provoked once again by Scotths.
Daniel: Nicole, we came together again before these events and agreed to one thing: we had put too much pressure on you and we didn't even notice.
Mary: We deeply missed you all those years, please remember that.
Nicole: What are you trying to say?
Daniel: That... we still love you, but don't want to be the blame of your condition.
Nicole: N-no... It's not all on you guys. I-I guess I'm just born with it... and it of course got worse by various events, but let's not mention those now.
Mary: After we got Richard's call, I looked back at the family tree and could only find one person who had the same issue as you.
Nicole: Wait, really?
Mary: Yes, you might have inherited it from her.
Nicole: Who?
Daniel: It was my father's sister, Hana. She also had horrible anger issues which eventually turned into her early death.
Nicole: Gosh, I... I didn't know this?! B-but, did she die of it then?
Mary: She wasn't strong enough to handle those stages. Everywhere beyond gaining pointy teeth and yellow eyes was too much for her. Once, she reached her worst point and... died. Her blood pressure was too high and she couldn't breathe...
Nicole: [Whispers] The Upper Limit...
Mary: What?
Nicole: It's the Upper Limit, Mom. But I survived through much worse scenarios than how you described hers.
Mary: That's because your genes are mixed, dear. I do believe you're much stronger than her.
Nicole: B-but... why does it hurt so bad then? A-and... why is it so hard to control?
Mary: I'm not sure. Judging from when you struggled with your claws as a teen, you might have a stronger connection with our ancestors.
Nicole: Who are?
Mary: Cats, Nicole. They are cats.
Nicole: Oh, right. [Raises an eyebrow]
Richard: Mrs. Senicourt, do you know what we could do to cure this?
Mary: The Limit can't be cured unfortunately. But that doesn't mean it can't decrease danger.
Nicole: I got this wristband from my therapist today. He said that he's going to try to find any possible solution. I-if only there was a way to get a grip on it...
Daniel: Believe it or not, there might be.
Nicole: Really?
Daniel: You're gonna have to try to find inner peace. You need to take a break from everything that stresses you out and visit a special place.
Nicole: Where?
[Daniel writes down an address on a paper from his dairy and hands it over.]
Daniel: There you go. Believe me, you will love it.
Mary: We used to take you there when you were a kitten, but you might not remember it. But it's a place where only a cat can find themselves and meet their ancestors.
Daniel: It can help you with getting more control over your Limit and we only hope you won't kill anyone again.
Nicole: [Sighs] Believe me, I'm not planning to. It makes me too sick...
Daniel: Very well... You can get through this, Nicole.
Nicole: Thanks for your help.
[Nicole tells her parents goodbye and they leave. She is glad they still are supportive after their previous reconciliation and is exited to visit the place they told her. She doesn't recognize the address, but might remember more when she's there, she thinks. She then hugs Richard.]
Nicole: Thank you for calling them, dear. It indeed was necessary.
Richard: No problem. We're in this together, Nicole.
Nicole: So, when will we visit this place? [Holds the paper with her paw]
Richard: I guess as quickly as possible?
Nicole: But what about the kids?
Richard: Let's take them with us. I bet another family outing could do good!
Nicole: You know how to make me smile, dear.
3.00PM
[Nicole is too excited when the Watterson family all get in the car. They're well prepared by having some bags with sandwiches for on the go and the kids are happy to have another family trip together. Richard drives, Nicole naps and the boys play a game together on their phones while Anais reads a technology magazine. Nicole still is tired as she missed a lot of sleep and Richard thinks it's rather cute to see her laying like that.
After a long drive, they are close to their destination. A certain smell triggers Nicole's nose and she wakes up while shaking her fur. Some sort of mist makes the gate in front of the car a bit obnoxious, but they drive through it anyway. The kids look out of the windows in admiration of the almost white trees and gold-coloured buildings. Richard drives slowly and carefully as he gets near the sign next to the main entrance. He parks next to it and they all get out of the car. Richard steps closer towards the sign and reads it. 'Big Cat Rescue Park'.]
Richard: Hey, Nicole? Is this some sort of zoo?
Nicole: [Walks closer] No, silly. It's a rescue centre where all sorts of felines are being kept. The ones who are strong enough get released back into the wild, while the weaker ones stay and get taken care of. [Sighs in relief] It's just like when I was little... I still remember it!
Richard: So we just go inside, or-?
Nicole: It's a public place where only cats used to be allowed inside. But as there isn't anyone around here, I think it won't be a big problem to hop inside. As long as we stick together and are careful.
[Nicole goes into the entrance and the kids follow in excitement. Richard is a bit scared, but walks after his family anyway.]