Julia said, "Do me first."
"Even if I could, I would not," said Vassi. "The cat first."
"I've had her since she was a kitten, a little round ball with a button for a nose. I can't do this to her. If it does not work.... This is my madness, not hers!"
"What were you going to do with her six months from now?"
"Six months.... Alone, she would be left alone.... Belle has never been alone except for the hours when I'm at work. Who would take care of her? She's such a fussy eater. I have to feed her liver from my hand...."
"You'll be together."
"Together...."
"Take one of the pillows on the bed. Don't think about it! Do it!"