Chapter 12

Chapter 12 SHEET OF CHEEKS. STRONG OF SPIRIT. INJURED OF PAL. Jodi was so nervous in the waiting room of the vet, she thought she would shake apart into a million tiny bits. Morgan held her hand, and Ms. Minerva promised that everything would be okay. But Jodi felt sick to know that Baron Sweetcheeks had been injured. And it had happened when she was supposed to be taking care of him!

"Your hamster will be fine," promised the veterinarian. She was a young woman with a kind voice. "It's only a sprained paw."

"I didn't know hamsters could get sprains," said Ms. Minerva. "It's actually very common," said the vet. "I love hamsters, but they tend to get underfoot." "What's the treatment?" Morgan asked. "He just needs rest," said the vet. "The injury will heal on its own. In a few weeks, he'll be as good as new." A few weeks? Jodi wanted to sink into her seat. It was good news, mostly. But she felt bad that he would need so long to recover. "I gave him a little medicine to calm him down," said the vet. "So he's sleeping now, if you'd like to see him?" The veterinarian led Jodi and Morgan into the back room, where Baron Sweetcheeks lay sleeping on a pillow. His adorable, super-pinchable cheeks puffed in and out with each little breath. "It's all my fault," Jodi said. "You were right all along, Morgan. I…I'm not ready for a pet of my own." Morgan shook his head. His nose twitched. "That's not what I—I—"

He covered his nose and mouth just before letting out a tremendous sneeze. "Bless you!" said the vet. "Thanks," said Morgan. "I think I'm getting a cold." "Think again," said the vet. "I can see exactly what's going on. You're highly allergic." "Allergic?" echoed Morgan. The vet nodded. "To dogs and cats, yes." She smiled. "I'm assuming you don't have any at home." Jodi swallowed hard. "No, we don't," she said. She looked at her brother as he wiped his nose. "And now…we never will."