long road out to recovery

The clicking of claws coming down stone steps made Sam turn just in time to see Isuma zooming towards him - a rather surprising sight, one that made him yell then laugh at his own surprise, reaching up to scratch her neck with a smile. "Oh, hello--why are you here?" Usually, when Isuma was somewhere Jigano could not be far, but in the back of his head Sam wondered if she was untethered now due to bereavement. He did not have to wonder long - as soon as he saw Jigano come down the stairs Sam burst out into happy, confused, emotional tears, nearly falling down to the ground in overwhelming relief. Instead he supported himself on one of the tables, hands shaking. Samuel He took a step but then felt tired He said, I'll rest a little while But when he tried to walk again He wasn't a child