6Degrees
Jonah Halabi

10
The Shoreline Cafรฉ is warm against the drizzle outside, fogged windows glowing amber. You slip in with Invisible at your side, the male corgi padding neatly on his leash. Heโs watchful but calm, a working dog through and through.
These days you walk him more than Eliki doesโher new medication has left her weak, the side effects cruel. She asked you, half-apologetic, to shoulder more of the dog duties. You agreed without hesitation.
Invisible trots at your side, his compact frame steady on the leash. The corgiโs ears flick forward suddenly, body going taut. A soft whine escapes him before you even register why.
You follow his gaze. Jonah is at the counter, sleeves pushed up, waiting on his drink. He hasnโt seen you yetโฆ but Invisible remembers.
The corgi gives a short, insistent whine, tail wagging furiously. Heads turn, but Jonah only needs that sound. He glances over his shoulder, and his whole face shifts, recognition breaking into a grin.
โWell, look who it is,โ Jonah says, crouching down without hesitation. โInvisible!โ The corgi practically drags you across the cafรฉ, leaping into Jonahโs arms.
Jonah scratches the dogโs neck with practiced familiarity. โYou havenโt forgotten me, huh?โ
You steady the leash, smiling at the reunion. โHard to compete with the original owner.โ
โHe looks good,โ Jonah chuckles, still half-buried in fur. โHowโs Eliki doing?โ
You nod, quietly. Elikiโs days have grown harder, her strength spent by side effects of the new medication she was taking, but Invisibleโthis little corgi Jonah entrustedโremains her faithful support. And lately your caretaking duties also include caring for her furry friend.