"But I can't let you leave, " said Heather quickly. "I need you. I can't be alone anymore. I just can't take it anymore. I feel like I am going crazy."
Kim patted her tail gently, trying to ease the large tail away from the door. But the massive thing was too heavy for the small girl to budge.
"Heather, listen to me. I need to go home. But I promise, I will return tomorrow, and we can talk again, " said Kim.
Heather shook her head. "No, I can't take that chance. Everyday I feel like I am losing more of myself. Like my mind is still changing. I don't think I am strong enough. I can't risk it."
Kim smiled, but she was beginning to get annoyed. The Zoo would be closing soon, and she did not want to get stuck inside it overnight. She needed to use a little bit of tact. "Yes, you are Heather. I know you. You are stronger than you think. And you know me. I wouldn't abandon a friend, no matter how they changed. Besides, what will the Zoo staff think if they find me here? They will just take me away anyway."
Heather sat up on her haunches, and snarled. "I would like to see them try, " she said angrily. "I may be chained up, but I can still keep you safe from those assholes."
Kim was starting to get a little worried. "And what would I eat? How would you feed me?"
"I'm not greedy. I would share my food, " said Heather, as she desperately looked around the cage. She grabbed a small slab of beef, and threw it towards Kim. She let forth a small jet of flame that charred the meat. "See? It's just like flambé. It'll be great. Just perfect. You and me, together forever."
Kim continued to smile, but inwardly she had reached a panic. When she had talked to Heather before she had thought that she was just lonely. But now she realized that Heather was actually insane. She didn't know if it was the result of the isolation or the strange transformation, but she no longer cared. She began to feel claustrophobic herself, and desperately wanted to get out of here.
"Look, how about I just call for help? Surely the police or someone will have to let you go once you explain what happened, " said Kim, as she flipped open her phone.
"No cell phone reception in here, " said Heather with loony smile. "Why don't you just sit down and relax? I want to hear more about ...."
"Listen, just let me out of the cave. I can all for help once I am out of here. I'll return with the Calvary after I leave, I promise, " said Kim, now the desperate one.
Heather just shook her head. "Even if you did keep your promise, no one would believe you. The Zoo is powerful, and profitable. They have the city officials and police in their back pocket. How do you think they kept my disappearance a secret. No, trust me. You are safer here with me, " said Heather.
Kim had reached her full panic mode. In just a few minutes, the Zoo would be closed. "Heather, I'm not some kind of treasure or pet you can keep. I am your friend. Please, in the name of friendship, let me go, " pleaded Kim.
"Pet, huh? I kind of like that, " said Heather. She tried to reach Kim with her front paws, but her chains prevented her upper body from reaching the door. Kim backed away from her, but Heather's tail still held the door firmly shut. "I may be the one who is chained, but neither of us is leaving this cave. I promise, " said Heather angrily. "Now, come.... here."
Suddenly, Kim heard a loud thud, as an electronic bolt slapped shut in the large metal door. Apparently, the lock was time-sensitive.
"Looks like the zoo is closed, and neither of us are going anywhere tonight. Might as well face it: you are stuck here tonight with me. Now come here, Pet, and eat your food like a good girl, " said Heather, as she pushed Kim towards her open front paws with her tail.