March 22nd, 1994

Every session brings a new discovery to the table. I bring new activities to Huggy ranging from coloring books to cognitive thinking toys. It's amazing watching his personality and mind blossom. Just last week I observed him put together this huge jumbo puzzle that I bought from the local mall.

With everything I have thrown at him, I've noticed that Huggy seems to be much happier. I've come in for my shift several times to see him pacing the room or curled up in the corner. Lately, he appears to become distraught when I have to leave at the end of the day. I'm afraid he's becoming attached to me and, if there's one thing I've learned from my lessons in college, it's never a good idea to condition an animal to something. This is why animal attacks on humans happen.

I had received a call last night from Leith, asking me to come in earlier than my noon start time. He didn't give me much information, like always. All he told me was there had been an incident regarding an employee and Huggy. Well, here I am now, walking up to the door-

"You better be grateful about how good you have it 1170! I'm sure the others would KILL to be you!" Leith's angry shout made Gabriel halt in his tracks. He was standing in front of the viewing room door. Keeping quiet, the veterinarian listened as Leith continued, "You have everything they could ever want and your antics could get your privileges taken away!" All of the sudden, the door swung open and Leith stepped out. Surprised to see Gabriel standing there, he spoke gruffly, "Dr. Lopez, you came quickly. Good."

"Is... everything okay?" Gabriel dared to ask, adjusting the bag strap on his shoulder. Crossing his arms over his chest, Leith rolled his eyes and scoffed, "Oh just peachy Doc, just a minor incident where our janitor lost his arm. Do me a favor, will ya? Set Huggy straight, discipline him if you have to." Taken aback at first by the news and Leith's tone, Gabriel stayed composed and replied, "Sir, you speak of discipline like we're dealing with a human child-"

"Glad we're on the same page!" Leith interrupted, slapping Gabriel on the back, "I knew you would understand!" Without another word, the head of innovation walked away. Rendered speechless and confused, Gabriel shook his head in exasperation and entered the viewing room and proceeded to the connected room.

Huggy was huddled up in the furthest corner away from the door. Hearing Gabriel's footsteps, the fuzzy blue giant suddenly whirled around and growled viciously. Upon realizing that it was only Gabriel though, his bristling fur laid flat and the growling stopped. Wrapping his arms around himself like a cocoon, Huggy rested his forehead on his knees and whimpered.

"Hey, hey it's okay buddy," Gabriel murmured, kneeling down beside Huggy. The man reached out and stroked the giant's right arm. Whimpering softly, Huggy lifted his head to reveal tears running down his face. It was then that Gabriel noticed something dark red staining the strange creature's mouth. It appeared to be blood. Catching the human staring, Huggy lowered his head in shame.

"Oh buddy, it's okay. It's okay," Gabriel whispered. Untying his red bandanna from his neck, he used the cloth to wipe Huggy's tears away. As he did this, the veterinarian spoke to the fuzzy blue giant in a hushed voice, "There's no need to cry. I'm here- WOAH!" He called out that last part when Huggy suddenly grabbed him. Fortunately, he was not in danger. If anything, Gabriel found himself in a warm embrace. Holding onto the man tightly, Huggy's shoulders shook with every choked sob. His mind still trying to grasp everything that was going on, Gabriel gently patted the strange creature on the head.

He was unsure of how to move forward.

I sat there with Huggy all day. He was very upset and I don't know if it was because of what he had supposedly done or what Leith had told him. Whatever it was, it broke him inside I'm afraid. Today was just one emotional mess, for Huggy and me.

I'm getting too invested into this. Something's not adding up and it's making my head hurt. And it all goes back to Playtime Co. They're a giant toy factory and yet they hired me, a veterinarian and animal behaviorist. They've held a unique creature unlike anything the world has ever seen in their basement for a little over a decade. They refuse to share this discovery with the public. They're not telling me anything unless the situation requires it! Honestly, I feel like I'm being used. I'm a pawn in someone else's game. And I hate it, hate everything. But I need to be strong.

For Huggy.