Jasper both heard and felt Kate's words. They filled him with a spark of hope that hadn't flourished in years, that flame had been extinguished and trampled years ago and was only now starting to reappear under the careful guidance of his new Mistress. He raised his head and ears and rubbed his cheek against Kate's hand. He was grateful for her treatment, even though he didn't feel he deserved it.<br/><br/>Baby steps, yes. It would take Jasper a long time to break down the wall he had build his entire life with his old Master and Mistress. Everything they had ingrained in his head was being turned around. His whole life was being turned on itself and he wasn't sure what to do about it. He had to start over, reversing everything he knew. He feared that he would do this but slip up or see his old owners and revert back in an instant. He didn't want Kate to go through that, not when she was doing so much already.<br/><br/>As these thoughts ran through his mind he let out a yawn and shook his head. A shiver ran through his body and he wanted to snuggle closer but felt that would be overstepping boundaries.