Gemotions

The scent of damp earth and freshly cut grass filled the small apartment. Sarah, eyes wide, knelt beside the small, cardboard box. Inside, a tiny, scruffy terrier puppy whimpered softly. David, hovering nearby, looked displeased. "I told you, no. We have a tiny apartment and hectic schedules."

Sarah didn't hear him. She extended a tentative hand, letting the puppy lick her fingers. The puppy's tail thumped against the cardboard, a rhythmic beat against the silence. It was… extraordinary. This little being, all clumsy paws and boundless energy, had somehow managed to completely change the air in the room.

She picked it up, feeling its warmth against her. "Just look at him, David," she breathed, her voice trembling slightly.