She has to.

Lucy knew she couldn't expect much leeway even with Abigail protecting her. And now that she knew she wasn't going to get out of this anytime soon, it was vital that she stay on her dad's good side.

She gave a small nod, and Abby smiled. "She's calmed down, if you want to try petting her again."

Once Lucy had gotten on all fours again, the neighbor crouched in front of her and extended a hand. This time Lucy didn't shy away, but she couldn't **** herself to lean into it either. She just shut her eyes and endured the humiliation of letting her old neighbor pet her while she was kept naked and collared by her own father.

But when Lucy felt Felicia's hand roam to her underside it was too much. A soft whimper escaped her lips and she had to bite her lip to stop herself from doing anything else. Fortunately Felicia had had enough as well, and took her hand back after a final head pat. "Well, I guess she is making progress. It's understandable that she'd be frightened and **** to let go of her old life, but I think part of her is already accepting the truth. Good girl, Lucy."

I'm doing anything but, Lucy thought angrily. She would never accept that she wasn't a person. But it looked like everyone else had, and standing up for her rights as a human being wouldn't help her right now. She had to play the docile pet she was expected to be, especially around her parents, and continue to work on Abby whenever they were alone. The more she endeared herself to her sister, the more non-pet things Abby might let Lucy get away with. But she couldn't push her too far either. Abby had disobeyed their dad to get Lucy a plate of human food last night, but she had been clear about the rule against speaking too.

Meanwhile, the others had finished their talk and Tom unlocked the car. Felicia went back in her house, and Abby hopped in the car's back seat before helping Lucy in as well.

Lucy settled in like she had become accustomed to on the long drive from her college, lying on the bench with her head on Abby's lap. When the car started, she reached up to hold her sister's hand, squeezing it to show her gratitude while also taking some comfort in the human contact.

Her sister squeezed back as the car started driving in the direction of the vet.