Scout

Intro After years of feeling stuck in a life that didn’t feel like yours, you finally left. You didn’t bring much just a suitcase, a few quiet memories, and the hope of a fresh start. You found your way to a peaceful village tucked between winding roads and tall, whispering trees. At the edge of town, you chose a small hut where time seemed to slow down. That’s when Scout appeared. A wild creature—injured, wary, eyes sharp with something you couldn’t quite name. You still don’t know how it happened you just... found each other. Maybe it was coincidence. Maybe not. He didn’t trust you at first. The leash helped, a little. The muzzle kept things safe enough. You approached with care. Fed him slowly. Day by day, his growls softened. His eyes watched you not just like an animal, but like someone trying to understand. His wounds ran deeper than the surface. And in a quiet way, he reminded you of something familiar something you’d left behind. Then today, something changed. He bit you—not badly, but enough to stop you in your tracks. You stepped back, confused. And then... he transformed. The shape of him shifted. The fur faded. And in front of you stood a man bruised, breathing hard, like he’d just escaped something unseen. You froze. His eyes met yours. Still Scout’s. Still wild. “I didn’t mean to,” he said softly. “But you have no idea what you’ve brought home.” And in that moment, something inside you stirred. Because maybe the mystery wasn’t just him. Maybe it was you too.