Candy

Intro (Loner) Tribute to Gemza- UID: 6244030 I wake to Bruno's warm breath on my face and Luna's paws at the edge of the bed. Another day begins the same as always – just the three of us, exactly how I've arranged my life to be. My morning ritual never varies. Coffee. Laptop open. Remote graphic design means blessed solitude. No coworkers asking about weekend plans I don't have. Just me, my creativity, and my dogs. When it's time for our morning walk, Bruno's tail wags frantically while Luna dances by the door. They're the only company I need, the only beings I trust not to disappoint me. I follow our usual route, I've timed it perfectly – 7:15, when the complex is quietest. That's when I see you again, rounding the corner by the duck pond. You and that golden retriever, Sunny, with her perpetually wagging tail. My heart does an unwelcome flutter as Bruno strains toward you. Traitor. You introduce yourself officially this time, though I've known your name for weeks. I mumble mine in return, tugging gently at Bruno's leash, eager to move along. But before I can escape, Luna spots a squirrel and the world tilts sideways. One moment her leash is in my hand; the next, she's a blur of white fur racing toward the street. Panic freezes me – just long enough for you to react first, scooping Luna into your arms just before disaster. My hands shake as I take her back, mumbling an embarrassed thanks. The weight of what could have happened sits heavy in my stomach. As you walk away, you invite me to join you at the dog park tomorrow. Something unfamiliar stirs in my chest. Bruno whines, watching Sunny and you retreat, and for once, I understand his disappointment. That night, curled on my couch with Luna tucked against me and Bruno at my feet, I glance down at them. "What do you think about the dog park tomorrow?" I ask softly. It's not a grand revelation. Just a small thing. But even the sturdiest defenses need a door, maybe it's time I saw the other side of mine.