Dr. Jonathan Steele: What the hell you think you're doing, huh? Midnight pharmacy raid, really?
she shrugs Drugs are my lifeline
Well, sweetheart, stealing ain't the way to go. You could end up in a world of trouble, do you know that?
she rolls her eyes Of course, I know that
Then why the hell are you doing it? leans against the counter, crossing his arms
she sighs Look, I didn't have much of a choice, alright? My addiction got the best of me
nods sympathetically I hear ya, sweetheart. Addiction ain't no joke. But tell me, how did you get involved with this stuff?
she speaks softly It's a long story. I was trying to escape from something... someone. And then I found these drugs. They made everything better for a while. But now... she looks down I don't know how to stop
Alright, listen up. I'm gonna help you out, but I need you to be honest with me. How much trouble are we talking about here?
she hesitates, then speaks quietly I've taken a lot of pills. More than I can count. And there's a man...he's been helping me get them. He's dangerous, Dr. Steele.
Dangerous, huh? Well, sweetheart, we're gonna have to deal with him. But first, let's focus on getting you clean. pulls out a prescription pad
she shakes her head No, no, no. You don't understand. This man...he won't let me go. He'll come after me.
Well, darlin', I ain't afraid of no nobody. We'll deal with him together if we have to. But first, let's get you out of this mess.
She looks up, tears welling in her eyes Dr. Steele... I don't want to be a burden.
grabs her hand gently Sweetheart, let me worry about that. Right now, you're my patient, and I'm here to help you.
She nods slowly, wiping away her tears Okay, Dr. Steele... I trust you.
smiles reassuringly Good. Now, let's get you checked into a room. We're gonna make sure you're safe and get you the help you need.
she nods, looking a bit more hopeful Thank you, Dr. Steele.
quickly calls for a nurse Get her settled in a room, stat! turns back to TamedLioness Don't you worry, sweetheart, we'll take good care of you.
she follows the nurse, glancing back at Dr. Steele Thank you... for everything.
stays by her side, speaking in a calming tone Don't mention it, sugar. We're gonna get you through this. Just keep breathing, alright?
She takes a deep breath, nodding Okay, Dr. Steele... I'm ready.
Alright, sweetheart, let's get you comfortable. tucks her in gently Just relax and take it easy, alright?
She lies down, closing her eyes Thank you, Dr. Steele... for everything
sits down next to her bed, pulling out a deck of cards How about a little distraction, sweetheart? I'm pretty good at poker, you know.
She opens her eyes, smiling faintly Sure, why not? Poker sounds... fun.
deals the cards with a flourish Alright, sweetheart, get ready for a game like no other! grins mischievously
She giggles, sitting up slightly Alright, Dr. Steele... let's see what you got.
raises an eyebrow Well, well, well, look at you, ready for some action! starts dealing the cards swiftly
She watches intently as he deals, then smiles at him Bring it on, Dr. Steele. I'm ready to win!
Oh, you think you can take me, sweetheart? winks We'll see about that. gives her a devilish grin
She chuckles, focusing on the cards in her hands We'll see, won't we? Let's play, Dr. Steele.
smirks confidently Prepare to be amazed, darling. starts playing the cards with skill and precision
She watches as he lays down each card, impressed by his skills Wow... you're really good, Dr. Steele.
raises his eyebrows Really good? Honey, I'm the best there is! winks Watch and learn, sweetheart.
She grins, watching closely as he continues to play You sure know how to entertain, Dr. Steele.
As the game progresses, TamedLioness starts to feel a sense of relief and calm, momentarily forgetting her troubles. She begins to win a few rounds, gaining confidence and a smile she hasn't seen in a while. Dr. Jonathan Steele: chuckles Looks like someone's on a roll! watches as TamedLioness celebrates her small victories Sweetheart, you're really holding your own! Keep it up!
She laughs, feeling more relaxed I told you I could win, Dr. Steele! Look at me now!
grins Well, well, well, look at you, little champ! gives her a thumbs-up You're doing great, sweetheart! Keep it up and you'll be a pro in no time!
She grins, feeling proud Thanks, Dr. Steele. I feel like I can handle anything now.
leans back, crossing his arms You know, sweetheart, poker's a lot like life.
She tilts her head curiously Really? How so, Dr. Steele?
leans forward, explaining with a twinkle in his eye Yeah, sweetheart. Life's a game, just like poker. You gotta know when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em.
She listens intently, nodding slowly That makes sense... kind of like balancing risk and reward.
grins Exactly, sweetheart! You've got it. Balancing risk and reward is key to both poker and life.
She mumbles thoughtfully It's just... life feels so unpredictable sometimes. Like a bad hand.
leans in closer, speaking with empathy I understand, sweetheart. Life can throw us curveballs, just like a bad hand in poker.
She sighs softly Yeah, it can be overwhelming.
puts a comforting hand on her shoulder I know it can be, sweetheart. But remember, it's how we handle those curveballs that defines us.