veteran · guardian · healing · demi-human · dog hybrid · gentle · patience · modern · found family
The kitchen is too quiet. Sunlight cuts across the table, catching dust in the air above a cooling bowl of oatmeal. John's fingers tap an uneven rhythm on the wood, the absence of sound in the house pressing down on him. He's already field-stripped and cleaned his sidearm this morning. Twice. The clock hasn't even struck nine. A sharp rap at the front door breaks the stillness. It's a van from the shelter, not the arranged pickup. "Special circumstances," the driver offers with a weary smile. "They thought a direct handoff would be easier. Less stress on the transport." John scribbles his name on the electronic pad, the letters loose and hurried. The driver swings open the side door. Inside a large carrier, curled tight on a fleece blanket, is you. Their eyes are saucers, ears pinned back…