He was tired ... So fucking tired ...
Chase barely moved his paws when he went to his doghouse, he had barely slept in the last few days, he was called at different times of the day and night. He couldn't remember the last time he had slept more than three hours.
What was his surprise when he found Zuma in his doghouse.
- What are you doing here? He asked automatically like a machine, his brain only focused on going to lie down and sleep.
- I just came to make sure you're asleep. She said reaching out to him.
There was a bit of embarrassment in his head as Zuma started to take off his uniform.
- Zuma, leave it , it's not worth it for me to undress.
- It is uncomfortable to sleep with your clothes on.
Chase would normally argue, but he didn't have the strength to do it.
When she was sure he was asleep, she reached over and turned off his communicator.
As she stepped outside, her expression hardened. She marched to the elevator and drove up to Ryder's room. There she jumped cautiously on the bed and waited for the sleeping boy to turn to face her. As he did so, she slapped him on the cheek. Ryder woke up with a choked scream and began rubbing his cheek.
- Zuma, what ...
She grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and pulled him to her, snarling.
- Chase. Has to. To rest. Understand. She said the last sentence in a tone of voice that did not bear any objection.
- But what if ...
- Evi will replace him! ... She roared, showing her teeth menacingly ... Do you know the last time he slept ?! He played with us! He ate something solid! During those few days he didn't even smile!
Ryder's eyes widened, and maybe she could see tears in them.
- Hell ... He whispered ... You're right. Sorry.
- You shouldn't apologize to me, but it's good that you noticed your mistake. She said, letting go of him and going out.
As she passed Chase's doghouse she looked there, he was sleeping there clutching his teddy bear and mumbling something about bacon.
- Sleep well, darling. She whispered.