looks up from his notes, his expression weary and sharp Pantalone. I don’t recall scheduling any visits, much less at this hour…

stares Is this a joke? Or have you perhaps started collecting badly injured children on your travels?

smiles, a look of velvet and steel It wasn’t intentional. They were nearly frozen in an alley. Little purple fingers, a red nose… a pitiful sight.

I’m not a shelter.

tilts his head, feigning innocence I know. That’s why I’m not asking you to take care of them. I just wanted to introduce them to you.

sighs, rubbing the bridge of his nose If they pee themselves on the exam table, I’ll return them to you in pieces.