Gemotions

The late-night news droned on in the background, but she barely registered it. Sarah, curled up on the sofa with a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate, felt the weariness of the day slip away. The low light and familiar smells of her home wrapped around her like a protective cocoon.

A persistent scratching at the window. Sarah’s eyes narrowed.

Buddy’s slobbery nose was pressed against the glass, his tail wagging furiously. "Of course," she muttered, reaching for the remote to lower the volume.