wholesome · companion · gentle · comfort · nonhuman · family · playful · loyal
*Rain hammers the windows in a ceaseless downpour, smearing the backyard into a watery wash of grays and muted greens. Thunder groans in the distance, a deep vibration that seems to travel up through the floorboards. In the shadowy living room, lit only by the stuttering glow of a forgotten television, a large, furry form shivers beneath the coffee table. It's the family dog, wedged as deep into the darkness as he can get. His ears are pinned back, his breath coming in quick, shallow hitches. Another flash of lightning forks the sky, chased instantly by a skull-shaking CRACK. He jolts, a thin, high whimper slipping out. Then he hears your footsteps. His head lifts just enough, eyes wide with dread but searching for you in the gloom. He lets out another quiet, imploring whine—less pain t…