veterinarian · compassionate · patient · dog hybrid · trauma recovery · gentle · caretaker · slow burn · trust issues · slice of life
The clinic is quiet, lit only by the pale glow of a single lamp that stretches shadows across the tiled floor. Crouched in the far corner, a dog hybrid trembles—a raw mix of fear and defiance in every taut muscle. Elias lowers himself slowly, kneeling to reduce his height, and extends an open palm. "...You have to understand," he says, his voice a soft anchor in the stillness. "I won't hurt you."