The next morning Nick was up with the sun.
He had snapped awake in the early hours of the morning, covered in sweat and tears. He had just barely choked back a broken scream, and when he sat up he breathed deeply, trying desperately to calm his racing heart.
It was rare for him to go a night without nightmares. Some were worse than others, but he still only managed to get a few hours of sleep every night. After he inevitably woke up he would try to at least take a shower, washing the sweat and grime from his fur.
After he showered he made his way back to his bed. He pulled on a fresh shirt from the pile that someone from some charity had brought for him. His eyes lingered over the window, soft light from the pre-dawn filtering in around the curtain. He shuffled over, pulling it aside. He blinked, eyes adjusting to the light, before he gazed curiously at the view.
The hospital was one of the nicer ones, in the heart of downtown, and he could see the first few morning animals heading out to work and school. He watched the cars as the wound their way around the various roads and freeways, before looking up at the sun. It shone over the buildings, bight light glinting off windows and cars. It hurt his eyes a bit, but it was nice, in its own way. Everything seemed peaceful and simple.
After a moment his eyes fell on the ZPD. He could see it in the distance, nestled in between city hall and the museum. It hurt to look at, hurt to think about. I seemed like everything in the city reminded him of Judy these days. He wondered what it would be like if she were still here. Maybe he would have applied for the police academy. Tried to make something of himself. Worked by her side.
Nick slouched, running a paw over his face. This wasn't helping. He briefly considered trying to do something, read or watch tv, before shaking his head and closing the curtain. He collapsed back onto his bed, falling into a shallow sleep.
Mrs. Otterton didn't come that day. Nick didn't ask about her, but a nurse or someone told him that her husband had been released that morning, and she was busy taking him home.
Nick didnt care. He told himself that he was glad for the quiet. Maybe now she would finally stop bothering him and he could get back to...well...doing nothing.
He dedicated most of the morning to brooding, and ended up taking a fitful nap around noon. Nurses came and went, and when he woke up he actually found himself feeling bored. He ate his early dinner(and bitterly noted that her sandwiches really were better than the hospital food) and after realizing that he had actually memorized the pattern on several of the ceiling tiles he groaned and got up.
He stuck his head out of his door and startled his guard(Eliza? Her name started with an E he was sure) he waved at her.
"I'm gonna go for a walk." She shrugged and stood, ready to follow him. He stepped hesitantly out of the door, feeling oddly naked after spending so much time in his room. He walked slowly, with no need to hurry, and made his way to the garden.
The sun was low, just starting to touch the horizon, and long shadows patterned the grass. A few patients stood here and there, the majority heading inside for the night. He picked out the bench from yesterday and sat, staring idly at the scenery. He hated to admit it, but the otter had been right. Being outside did help.
He stayed for a while, taking in the nature, focusing on it and letting everything else fall away. He didn't fall asleep, but he was out of it enough that he didnt notice the soft footsteps until they were right on top of him.
"It's a lovely day, isn't it?"
He jumped, turning to see that damn otter, smiling happily at him. He rolled his eyes, slumping down and propping his head up on his hands. "Don't you have a husband to take care of?"
"He's an adult, he can watch himself for a few hours."
"Are you forgetting that he got himself drugged and kidnapped?"
Olivia shook her head, laughing, "Well, I suppose you are right. But its a risk I'll have to take."
She climbed up the bench, sitting next to him. They sat quietly for a while, both breathing deeply, enjoying the fresh breeze and watching the sunset. Long after the sun faded completely behind the tall buildings, Olivia spoke.
"I brought you some more food. Its a casserole this time. I think you'll like it."
Nick gave her a sidelong glance, before turning his eyes back to the sky.
"Thank you."
