The Shelter Dog Who Gave Away His Blanket and Changed Everything

like a scouring pad under my fingertips.

And yet he leaned into the touch, just slightly.

Like he was saying, Okay. I’ll go. I’ll be brave. But you stay with me.

“I will,” I whispered.

Outside, the wind picked up.

Bean coughed softly in his sleep.

Barnaby’s eyes closed again, but his body stayed angled toward the puppy, guarding him even in dreams.

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