{"sf1_id":1697631,"sf2_id":"WelD220e","title":"Raised by Humans","author":"Sample_Family","words":96209,"posted_at":"2021-03-20T22:20:39.000Z","tags":["Greentext","HMOFA","Hmofa/","Human","Paternal","Wolf","adoption"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/1697631-raised-by-humans","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/WelD220e","image_url":"https://www.sofurryfiles.com/std/thumb?page=1697631\u0026ext=.jpg","description":"Anon takes on the responsibility of sheltering a homeless wolf child.  \n  \nMoved from Pastebin since editing it there forces the story to be set to private.","content":"(Moved from Pastebin.)\n\nHeads up here, there's not going to be anything lewd in this story. It is strictly paternal.\n\n \n\nThis is looking to be a longer greentext\u0026nbsp;(up until a certain point), so you can save your time if that's really not your thing.\n\n \n\n \n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\n \n\n \n\n\\\u003eBe Anon.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou've been living in your new house for a week now.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIts the first time you've owned one yourself.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou got it really cheap too.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAn old lady had been living there for a while until she felt it was too big for her alone. She really wanted to sell before winter struck.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eApparently she had family in a far away neighborhood.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou luckily had started scouting for a house around the same time she put it up for sale.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe house itself wasn't half bad.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eTwo-story,\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWell furnished kitchen and dining room,\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSpacious living room,\n\n \n\n\\\u003eVery spacious overall in fact.\n\n \n\n\\\u003ePartly due to how few of your belongings you had brought with you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOf course you'd be adding more stuff to make your house truly yours, but for now you didn't want to go splurging just yet.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eEven if your parents decided they'd be sending you money every month, despite your multiple refusals.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou knew they just wanted to ensure your financial stability after purchasing a house, but you can't help but feel they don't have enough faith in your responsibility. You already have a budget planned.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour parent's money is going straight towards your savings account or paying bills.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWork at your new job starts in a few days.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's in the city, but still very close to your suburban neighborhood. You could walk there with ease as long as you wake up early, but you still planned to get a car sometime in the future.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eFor now you've stayed within your neighborhood.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBefore you moved in, you were warned that this area was fairly populated with anthros, which concerned your parents.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHuman-Anthro relations haven't been the best.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThings today are definitely better than they used to be, but there are still many people on both sides who aren't comfortable being around the other.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAnd unfortunately, every now and then, there'd be something tragic on the news to reflect that.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eTo be honest, you weren't exactly sure your parents were concerned because of the violence they've seen on the TV...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOr simply that they didn't like anthros.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eEither way they were slightly relieved when you learned that no anthros actually lived in your neighborhood.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOnly apartments in the city.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour parents want you to do your work from home as soon as your manager will allow it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut if you do work at home, it'll be your own decision.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou blink, then rub the sleep from your eyes.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou've been sitting up in bed for a while now, lost in thought.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eToday, you had decided, you were going to try and get more acquainted with your neighbors.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou stand up, feeling the pops in your back as you stretch, and head for your shower.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"And we got married in that very backyard,\" Mrs. Norcott gestures to the sliding glass door leading outside.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's grinning ear to ear.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Really?\" You were trying not to space off in the elderly Norcotts' living room.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhen you knocked on their door to introduce yourself, you hadn't expected them to invite you in.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou also didn't expect them to tell you the story of their development from middle school sweethearts to husband and wife in detail.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIn LOTS of detail.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour tea was finished long ago.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou'd been meaning to sneak a look at the clock just to see how much time has passed, but you refrained. Don't want to be rude during your first visit with your new neighbors.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Fancy marriages are a scam!\" Mr. Norcott adds from kitchen.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Popularized by those who can make a profit off of them!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Huh,\" you respond.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHe emerges from the kitchen with three more glasses of tea.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Our marriage was better than any of those wedding planners could have done anyway,\" he affirms with confidence. His wife nods in agreement.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You see, we put the whole thing together with the help of our family and friends. Oh! Remember what Mrs. Aberdeen prepared for us, Mikey?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThat name rang a bell to you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Mrs. Aberdeen? You mean the lady who sold me her house?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yes, that was her,\" Mrs. Norcott's face turns somber for the first time you've been there.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer husband doesn't seem too cheery either.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"But I'm certain you'll be just as good a neighbor as she was,\" Mrs. Norcott lifts her expression to a weak smile.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Thank you.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"So Anon, what are you doing for a living?\" The husband asks in what you think is an attempt to move on from the subject.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'm going to be working in the city for an advertisement agency. Stuff involving graphic design and even a little bit of website development.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"In the city you say?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMr. Norcott stares at you for a while, lightly nodding.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Watch your back in the city Anon. Things can get a little more...unruly out there,\" he says.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're unnerved slightly at his tone.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"How so?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Well...not the most friendly people live there.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe both of them aren't looking at you anymore, rather their eyes are fixed on their tea.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThey're sitting completely still.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSilence.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAll of the sudden you don't want to be here anymore.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're unsure why, but you feel like you just need to get out of here.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Thanks again for the tea,\" you say as you stand.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I need to get going.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMrs. Norcott looks up at you, trying to offer another smile.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"It was nice meeting you Anon.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You too. Have a good rest of your morning.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThey don't say anything more as you make your way to the door.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou finally get a glance at the clock.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's past noon.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe Norcotts live to the left of your house.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAfter finishing your lunch you decided you'd would would introduce yourself to your neighbors to the right.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou were a little hesitant about it after whatever that was at the Norcotts.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou've been feeling uneasy since then.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut you realized that you didn't have anything to do otherwise.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour newish laptop has been just about been your only source of entertainment.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMight as well knock this out now.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou get to your neighbors' front step and ring the doorbell.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eFrom inside you can hear the excited giggles of a child.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThen a stern, female voice.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou've actually seen the woman who lives here before, stepping outside to get her mail.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou've also seen her with what you assume to be her husband.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThey were much younger than the Norcotts.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe door opens, and you're face to face with the woman.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hello?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe studies you, seemingly wondering if she's supposed to recognize who who you are.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Afternoon, I'm Anon. I just moved into the neighborhood, right next to you actually. I just wanted to introduce myself,\" you say.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Amy McHugh,\" she returns, smiling and extending her arm.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou shake it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Welcome to the neighborhood.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe peers over to your house.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBefore either of you can say anything else, the child's voice calls out from inside.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Moooooom! Can I play outside?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"In a minute!\" Amy calls back before turning to you again.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Saturdays are always a handful,\" she says smiling to herself.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'll get out of your way then. Nice meeting you.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Have a good one,\" she waves as you leave.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou give a small wave back.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOnly when he hear the door click shut do you breathe a sigh of relief.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou were really glad she didn't invite you in\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou didn't want to spend a few hours in another Norcott situation.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eGiving a simple introduction was all you came to do.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe question is what to do now.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou have nothing left to unpack,\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou've introduced yourself to your next door neighbors,\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWork doesn't start till two days,\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMaybe you should explore the city a bit before it gets dark out. Find a good place to eat.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour stockpile of miscellaneous microwaveable foods got tiring long ago.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou can't help but remember what Mr. Norcott said.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMaybe on second thought, it'd be better if you stay home.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNo. You aren't going to be avoiding the city.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThat's stupid. You're going to be working there soon.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're blowing implications way out of proportion for no apparent reason.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIf there really is going to be a problem, it'll be something you see for yourself.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou head home to grab a jacket.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe city sure was something else.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe tall concrete towers were to be expected, but it was still jarring how quickly the suburbs turned urban.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour house's distance from work wasn't going to be a problem.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe next jarring aspect was the sudden appearance of anthros.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMammals, reptiles, avians...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou swear you saw some kind of praying mantis in the distance.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHumans still made up the majority of the population.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut this is still the most anthros in one place you've ever seen.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIn the past, you really only remembered seeing the occasional anthro at supermarkets or school.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou don't think you've ever directly interacted with one.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAfter a while you took notice that even though anthros were still a minority,\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThey were a heavy majority of the homeless population.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt became more and more evident as you traveled downtown.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're unsure what to make of it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're also unsure if you should care.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's not like you haven't seen a homeless person before.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou see even more anthros in the variety of shops and stores you pass.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eA few advertise products specifically tailored to certain types of anthros, particularly clothing stores.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou make mental notes on places you might want to return to.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eFor now you were looking for a place to eat.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou spot a fast food joint at the corner of an intersection.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eProbably not the best this city had to offer, but you were looking for something cheap and quick.\n\n \n\n\\\u003ePushing open the doors, you find the place is completely empty.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eExcept for a wolf in uniform behind the counter.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHe's giving you a real funny look.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSquinting as if he can't quite see you nine feet away.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt makes you a little uncomfortable.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou step inside, trying to look at the menu rather than him.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThey had a few different burger variations,\n\n \n\n\\\u003eA couple sandwiches,\n\n \n\n\\\u003ePlastic-looking salads...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, humie. You new or what?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHe almost startles you. Your eyes snap back down towards him.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHe's still giving you that look.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Huh?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Humans don't usually come here.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou don't know where he's going with this.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHow're you supposed to respond to that?\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Do you not serve humans?\" You guess. You hadn't thought of the possibility that some place might restrict which kind of people they serve.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWere businesses allowed to do that?\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"No, we do. When they come here that is.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAlright...? You're here aren't you?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eA few seconds of uncomfortable silence pass.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou turn back to the menu realizing he's probably waiting for you to make your order.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMaybe you'll try-\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You didn't answer my question.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"What?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I said, are you new here?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're a little taken aback.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMaybe because it was the first time you've ever actually spoken to an anthro.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOr possibly there was something about this wolf that told you he wants you out.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah... Just got here last week.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe wolf ponders this for a second, eyes still fixated on you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"The apartments across the street?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"No, I got a house in the surburbs nearby.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hm.\" The wolf nods at that.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Figures. Why would a humie want to move in here? God knows-\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHe's interrupted as the entrance doors are forcibly opened by an older weasel man in the same uniform as the wolf.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Larry! Are you harassing my customers again?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe wolf, Larry apparently, finally breaks eye contact with you, giving fearful attention to the newcomer.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"No boss!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I know what I heard!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe weasel anthro turns to you for a second, giving a bashful smile.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"My apologies sir, I assure you we have no qualms with humans. Please wait here.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHis expression performs a 180 as he faces Larry again.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Kitchen, now!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eLarry grits his teeth as his boss steers him to the back of the building.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBefore they're completely out of sight, you catch Larry trying to whisper to the weasel's ear.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Come on man... I don't want to have to move back in with my parents....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou could tell that was louder than he wanted to sound.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNow alone, you're left a little dumbstruck.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou aren't sure you want to stay after that interaction.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eLeaving would probably seal the fate of that wolf's job.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou also aren't sure if that's a good or bad thing.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eA new anthro emerges from the kitchen.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSome kind of white-feathered bird.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'll take your order when you're ready, sir,\" she speaks with recited politeness.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Uh, yeah. I'll take a number 3.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou hadn't looked over the whole menu yet,\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut you didn't want to stay here longer than you needed to.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou reach for your wallet, but the bird stops you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"No no, it's on the house. Would you like a drink with that?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWell that's nice.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Sure. Thanks.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe offers you a cup.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, uh, could I have my order to-go?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Of course.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe retreats back to the kitchen.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou don't see Larry again.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eJust his boss handing you your order and apologizing on his behalf.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou tell him you didn't mind.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou were glad to get out of there.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhen you were waiting, two sheep anthros had walked in.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThey were giving you more curious looks.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou think you understood why once you stepped outside.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOnly anthros seemed to have been entering and exiting the apartment complex Larry mentioned.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAlmost the same for the buildings around it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eApparently this part of town was more anthro-oriented.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eDinner in hand, you begin your trip back home.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour burger is bland and mediocre.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eTypical of fast food, you guess.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eStill better than whatever you could throw into the microwave though.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eGod you were getting sick of that stuff.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou'd go grocery shopping if you had a car.\n\n \n\n\\\u003ePretty sure you remember a dealership in the city's outer rim.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut you weren't sure if you wanted to start facing car payments just yet.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eToo late to go there today anyway.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNot that you wanted to go just after getting home.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou put your trash into the to-go bag and throw it away.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou can't stop thinking about how that wolf spoke to you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt shouldn't bother you so much, but it does for some reason.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou try to preoccupy your mind with your laptop.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou search for stores and dealerships near you for future reference, among other things.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut it doesn't take long for you to get bored and turn it off.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou think about calling your parents, but it's later than you thought.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThey'd be sleeping about now. You don't want to risk waking them up just cause you had nothing better to do.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSomeone else?\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou can't think of anyone.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou haven't talked to any of your close friends in years.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThose ties just sort of deteriorated over time.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou don't have their numbers anyway.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou've just noticed how quiet it is.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAbsolutely silent.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNo wind blowing,\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNo insects chirping,\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNo cars driving by,\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNothing.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou peer out the window.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's dark.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNo houses have their lights on, at least from where you're looking.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt must be a new moon out as well.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou sit back in your chair.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAnd for a minute, that's the only thing you do.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAlone with nothing to do in this big empty house.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou wonder if this was how Mrs. Aberdeen felt.\n\n \n\n \n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\n \n\n \n\n\\\u003eSunday isn't too different.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou spend most of the morning in bed.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOnly getting up once you were hungry for breakfast.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAfterwords you bide your time by organizing the house.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt doesn't take long, there's barely anything TO organize.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou make sure the clothes you're going to wear to work tomorrow aren't dirty or crinkled.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're startled by the loud ringing of your phone.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt really is too quiet here.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou look at your phone.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's Mom.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hey Mom.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Anon honey, how're you holding up?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Fine, fine. Just getting ready for work tomorrow.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Ah, that's good. Any problems with the house?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"No, it's a really nice house. I really was lucky to get it so cheap.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You know, we were worried there'd be something wrong with that house with how cheap that lady was selling it for.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Well I haven't run into any problems with it so far. The neighbors seem friendly, and being so close to the city is a plus.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe doesn't respond right away.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...You are being careful around the city, aren't you?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Come on Mom. Stop worrying about it, I'll be fine. Tell that to Dad too.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"We can't help it Anon. With so many anthros there...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou get an urge to change the subject.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"So how are you and Dad doing? Is Dad there?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh! Hold on.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer voice becomes distant.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Danny! Come take the phone, it's Anon!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou hear your dad call back something the receiver can't pick up entirely.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThen some shuffling.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Anon! How'ya doing?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hey Dad. What've I been missing out on over there?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Nothing interesting, that's for sure. Well, some idiot teenager almost rear-ended the car.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"What? How fast was he going?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Too fast on ice.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Ice? Did it snow over there?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Friday night, yeah. Came down hard. I'm getting too old to shovel the driveway. Next time you're coming back down here and helping your old man out, I don't care how far away you live from us now.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eA joke, obviously. You live more than a day away from them.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Heh... Sure Dad.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"But seriously, you oughta be prepared for cold weather over there. The weatherman keeps saying its gonna be a harsh winter.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThen your mom's voice,\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Anon, have you gotten a car yet? I know you're close enough to your job to walk, but I don't want you walking when it's so cold out.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Soon, I promise.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Are you running low on cash? If you want, we can-\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"No, stop right there. I've barely spent a thing since I got here. I'm fine.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Are you sure?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yes.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour mom doesn't say anything to respond.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour dad breaks the silence.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Are you being careful around the city?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou love your parents, but they can really get overbearing at times.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou can guess why.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhen you were young, your grandmother told you that your parents always talked about wanting a lot of children before you were born.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe accidentally let slip to you that your parents were trying for more.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're an only child.\n\n \n\n \n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\n \n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou awaken to an alarm for the first time in a while,\n\n \n\n\\\u003eTake a shower,\n\n \n\n\\\u003eGet dressed,\n\n \n\n\\\u003eEat breakfast,\n\n \n\n\\\u003eGrab a jacket,\n\n \n\n\\\u003eStep outside,\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAnd lock the door.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eTime for your first day at work.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's barely dawn out.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eA downside of walking to work means getting up even earlier than usual.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe early morning suburbs are desolate.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou don't see a sign of life until you get to the city.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMostly cars and the homeless.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou arrive without any problems.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour branch is smaller than one would expect, especially for a well populated city.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eFor an advertising agency, it ironically isn't very distinct.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou push through the glass doors to find a human receptionist.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou walk up to the desk.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hello sir, can I help you?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hi, I'm Anon Mous. I just got a job here.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"How is that spelled?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"M-O-U-S.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Just a second...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe receptionist types something into his computer and clicks on whatever his search yielded.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yes, you'll need to head to the second floor. I'll phone the manager to meet you there.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Uh, Thanks.\" You give an awkward nod and turn to the elevator.\n\n \n\n\\\u003ePressing the up button, you hear the receptionist dial a number in.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Ms. Ceight? Mr. Mous has arrived...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe elevator doors open.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eCeight? That was one person you had sent your resume to for this job.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"He'll be waiting on the second floor.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIf there's more to that conversation, you don't hear it. The elevator doors block out his voice when they close.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou never actually had a face-to-face interview with your future employers. Not even any type of video chat. Just back and forth emails.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe job was suspiciously easy to get now that you think about it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAll you really needed to do was verify your qualifications.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe elevator dings and the doors open.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou step out into a short hallway.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eDistant voices and computer keys clacking can be heard from where you stand.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBefore you ask yourself if you should wait by the elevator or not, the problem answers itself.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eA tall woman appears from the end of the hallway.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eVery tall.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAs in, she's a giraffe.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Anon Mous?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Y-Yeah, that's me.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou walk over and shake her hand.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Rubia Ceight. Manager and Art Director of this branch.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Nice to meet you.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou need to crane your neck to keep eye contact.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's wearing dark boardroom attire and a pair of thin, circular glasses.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou release your grip.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Why don't you follow me?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eRubia leads you into an open office space.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's mostly what you expected.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eRectangular desks and computers.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere are already a few people strewn about, seemingly in groups.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAmong the multiple humans, you only spot a few anthros.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour and Rubia's arrival turn a few heads.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"This is where you'll be doing most of your work. Your computer is over there, by McHugh, Morrison, and Kohlburry.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMcHugh?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe gestures to a lone computer at the far edge of a table.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere's a human male and female across from your monitor.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNext to it, a doe lady.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"They're working with a client about a new toy store in the area. They can help you get situated. I need to prepare for a meeting if that's not a problem.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"No problem. Thank you, Ms. Ceight.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou hold out your hand to shake hers again.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWas that excessive?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eRegardless, she shakes it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Welcome to the team, Anon.\" She gives you a warm smile.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou do your best to give one back.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhen you let go, she retreats to a room with her name on the door.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou turn to your desk.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe three people are staring curiously at you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou clear your throat and walk over.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBefore you can introduce yourself, the man speaks.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You're Anon Mous, aren't you? Ceight told us to be ready to show you the ropes.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe human woman speaks up.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'm Jane Morrison.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThen the doe.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Reita Kohlburry.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAnd finally the man.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Gregory McHugh.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Is Amy your wife?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, do you know her?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Not really, no. I just moved in next to you.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Really? What are the chances?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou shrug and take your seat next to the doe.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe looks you over for a second, but says nothing.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eGreg and Jane do most of the explaining.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe day is long, but it wasn't bad.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're taught the basic ins and outs of the functions for the company.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWork is smooth, if not a little uneventful.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's late when you clock out.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eGreg offers you a ride home, but you politely refused.\n\n \n\n\\\u003ePerhaps that wasn't a good idea, as you find yourself walking in a fairly empty area of the city, alone and in the dark.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour paranoia prompts you to peer into every alleyway you pass.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou have your wallet on you, with quite a bit of money.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eEmpty...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eEmpty...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eEmpty...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Spare some change, sir?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou jump.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAn anthro, a wolf by the looks of it, holds out a grimy plastic cup.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere's nothing in it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHe's wearing a ripped up coat a size too small.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eStrangely, although the coat is torn, it looks...clean?\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Please sir. My daughter and I need money.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHe gestures further into the alley.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere's a little wolf girl sitting on a blanket, staring at you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's in terrible shape.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer gray fur is all ruffled and pointed in every direction.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's stained, similarly to her long purple dress.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt doesn't look like she's had a filling meal in forever.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe doesn't even have a coat like her father.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe looks absolutely miserable staring blankly at you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou turn your attention back to the father.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou don't entirely know how to respond to this...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut you're not going to deny them money. The girl looks no older than eleven.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Uh...yeah, here.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou reach for your wallet, and sift through your bills.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAs you do, you notice the father is now avoiding your gaze.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHe looks familiar...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHe sounded familiar too, actually...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou focus on him instead of the bills.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Larry?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHe flinches.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Who's that?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHe's trying to make his voice sound deeper.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSomething's up.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou tuck your wallet back into your pocket.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, you mentioned something about moving back with your parents, didn't you?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHe doesn't respond.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You don't need this money, do you?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eLarry turns his back to you, facing the young wolf.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIn an assertive, almost hostile voice,\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Get off.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe scrambles off the blanket.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eLarry peels it up, revealing a cheap looking tote bag.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSlowly, he lifts it up to himself and peers in.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou notice the girl is also a little unnerved at whatever is happening.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt looks like she wants to ask him something, but can't quite get the courage to do so.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eLarry keeps the opening of the bag folded shut with his hands.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHe looks at you for a second.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAnd fucking books it out of there, pushing you aside so hard you nearly fall over.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eTrying to regain your balance before you get a face full of concrete, you hear the wolf girl speak for the first time.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"H-Hey! Mister! Come back!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe tries running after him, but only makes it one step before tripping over the discarded blanket.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe probably scraped something.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBy an instinct you weren't aware you had, you hurry over to help her sit up.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, are you okay?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eObviously not, but it's all you can think to say.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe sniffles.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer eyes are wet with tears.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe stares at the ground.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"That man. Is he really your dad?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe shakes her head.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt looks like she's hesitant to speak.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"H-He said we'd get m-more money if we pretended he was... B-but he took it all...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou know all of this is absolutely none of your business, nor should you be involved, but you can't help yourself.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe looks so helpless.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Where is your dad?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe gives a weak shrug.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Your mom?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAnother shrug.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Who takes care of you?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Nobody.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAnother sniffle.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"What? Have you been to a foster center?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"They don't have enough money anymore.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Why weren't you moved to a new one?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Humans only.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's trying hard to fight back tears.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's not working.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou don't know what to say.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThis homeless child is living by herself in the city...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThen the realization finally hits you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhat the hell are you doing?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eA grown man,\n\n \n\n\\\u003eTalking to a little girl,\n\n \n\n\\\u003eObviously not related,\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAlone in an alleyway.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou can't stay here. You're lucky nobody's passed by the two of you yet.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut you can't just leave her like this.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou take off your jacket and place it over her back.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe freezes at this.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou bring out your wallet again, and pull out a few twenties.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer eyes widen at the amount of money you're offering her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're surprised she can see the value of the bills through her tears.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe grips it with a shaking hand.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Keep that money hidden, alright? It's only for you.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's still in awe, but nods.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eTime to get out of here before someone mistakes you for a predator.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou stand up and take your leave.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou can't help but feel you should have done more.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou were overcome with some emotion you aren't familiar with.\n\n \n\n\\\u003ePity? No, it was more than that.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBefore you're out of hearing distance, she whispers something.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Thank you.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou step into your house, relieved to finally get out of the cold.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhat a difference one jacket can make.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou hope it's helping that wolf girl.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe has fur too, but can it really block out weather this cold?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou can't stop thinking about her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's just a little girl...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNo relatives to help guide and protect her from whatever homelessness has in store for her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's out of your control though.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhat could you even do? Take her to your place?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHope you don't mind moving to a prison cell and having your reputation ruined forever.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eCreep.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou kick off your shoes and scan the pantry for something to eat.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhat if there ARE creeps out there? Ones who'd...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNo.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNo, you're not going to think about that.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThis isn't your problem.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou shouldn't be thinking about the \"what if\"s, you should be moving on.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere's nothing you can do.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou can't just take her in.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"No officer, I brought her to my house so she could be SAFE from those kinds of people! Please believe me!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's not like you're equipped to take care of her anyway.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou find a can of soup.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's tomato.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou get out a pot to heat it up in.\n\n \n\n\\\u003ePlacing it on a burner, you stare at the red paste as it begins to heat up.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe trusted Larry, a complete stranger to her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHe never intended to hurt her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut what if it was someone else?\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe soup starts to bubble, so you stir it a little.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThat money you gave her...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIs it going to help her?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOr is it just putting a target on her back?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eObviously there are other homeless out there, people with incentive to steal it from her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMaybe with force.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWho's to say they'll hold back just because she's a kid?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIf anything, that-\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNo, stop thinking about it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThis isn't your problem.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eChild Protective Services or something will find and help her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThen why hasn't that already happened?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe was at a foster center before. Where were they there when it went broke?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour soup's done.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou turn off the burner and grab a bowl.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's still out on the streets.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAnd it looked like she'd been there for a while.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWith the sheer number of people who live in the city, you can't deny some of them could be dangerous.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou fear that one day you'll peer into an alleyway, and find her...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou shiver.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou look at your tomato soup,\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAnd dump it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou've lost your appetite.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou decide to just go to bed.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eUnsurprisingly, sleep doesn't come easy.\n\n \n\n \n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\n \n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe alarm sounds much more obnoxious today than yesterday.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eProbably because it took hours for you to actually fall asleep.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhy was that again?\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOh yeah. Her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eGreat, now she's going to be stuck on your mind again.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou get out of bed and prepare to take a shower.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eUnfortunately, said shower not only wakes you up, but amplifies your worries.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhere did she go to sleep?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eCould she have gotten hurt during the night?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eDoes she still have the money you gave her?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou try your best to push them out of your head, but your thoughts always loop back around.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eRegardless, you aren't going to be late for work.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou make yourself a quick breakfast and brush your teeth.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou have a spare jacket your mother insisted you take.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eApparently she was right, you do need it now that you gave away your old one.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou slip it on and step outside.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's gotten colder out.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe wind chill certainly isn't helping.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut you begin on your route to work just like yesterday.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou can't help but keep your eyes peeled for the wolf girl.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou really want some sort of confirmation that she's okay.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNo luck though, by the time you get to the agency you still hadn't seen her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe receptionist is at the desk once again.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHe checks you in, and you head toward the elevator.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eTime for day number two of your job.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, I forgot to ask. Anon,\" Greg peers over his computer.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're pulled out of your thoughts when you hear your name.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWas he talking before?\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Did you make it home okay?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Huh? Oh, yeah.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eGreg opens his mouth to speak again, but instead eyes Reita for a second.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhatever he was going to say, he decided against it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eJane speaks instead.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Must've gotten cold out there.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"A little, yeah. It wasn't really a problem.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"It could be today. Did you check the weather?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"No. What does it say?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Snowstorm's moving in sometime soon.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eFor some reason your stomach drops when you hear that.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou can brave the cold from the distance to your house, so why did that make you so uneasy.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"What? When?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Sometime late tonight apparently. Ceight will probably send us home an hour early anyway though, just so we can start driving before the snow piles up.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThat's fine then. You'll probably be home before it even starts.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSo why do you still feel so nervous?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt doesn't take you long to realize.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's still out there.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's going to freeze.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNo, you don't know that for sure.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eStop worrying.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThat's not your business, nor is it your duty to do anything about it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe'll find someplace to stay.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSomeone else will help her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut what if they take advantage of her trust?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhat if they...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eStop.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're doing it again.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere's nothing you can reasonably-\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Anon? Hello?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour thoughts are interrupted once more.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour eyes shift to Jane.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe looks a little concerned.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eActually, so does Greg and Reita.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You look a little out of it,\" Jane says.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou blink.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"It's nothing. Don't worry about it.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou don't sound very convincing, but they don't press.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eInstead the three of you somewhat awkwardly place your attention back to work.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOr at least, they did.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou tried to, but the miserable image of that wolf girl in your memory makes it hard.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhy can't you just move on with your life?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNo matter how many times you tell yourself you aren't responsible for whatever could happen to her, your subconscious ignores it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou give it some thought.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're so concerned about that wolf, yet you never learned her name.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWith that in mind, what would you think if you learned she died out there?\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt'd never leave your conscious, would it?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThat realization terrifies you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou could have done something.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut you didn't.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe would still be alive if you didn't turn your head and look the other way.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe was so young.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou can't undue death.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's your fault.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou didn't help her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's all your fault.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAll. Your. Fault.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou don't want to live with that regret.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou know yourself. Even if it's not really your fault, it's going to feel like it is for a long time.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eQuite possibly for the rest of your life.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAlthough ill advised, you still have time to do something about the situation.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eFind and take her to your house.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eUnfortunately, said solution will give people the wrong idea.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eVERY wrong ideas.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt'd have to be a secret.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhich makes you seem even more like a creep...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhy are you even beginning to consider going through with this?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAnd why can't you stop?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou must have inhaled some bad fumes in the city or something, because right now a decision that could easily ruin your life is starting to win you over.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNo matter how good your intentions, consequences will hit just as hard.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut on the other hand...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHow much longer can she survive on the street?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's so young, with nobody to rely on.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMaybe not today, but eventually...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe will die out there.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour monitor shuts off from inactivity.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou stare at yourself in the reflection.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt looks so tired, like all it wants is to sleep off a bad day.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eJust like her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou can't believe what you're thinking, but...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're going to help her.\n\n \n\n \n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\n \n\n \n\n\\\u003eJust like Jane predicted, Rubia allowed the office the leave early if anyone thought the snowfall would become a problem driving home.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou hoped it didn't look unprofessional with how fast you got out of there, but you were in a hurry.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou spent your entire lunch break today finding a place to rent a car and working out the details.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eFound a place within walking distance and called them ahead of time.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAlthough hastily, you managed to reserve a car for yourself.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe walk there was uneventful, but those puffy clouds rolling in were much more ominous than they had any right to be.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eGetting the car wasn't hard.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAfter showing your license and an upfront payment, it's yours for a week.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSmall and slim with a black paint job.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThat's as discrete as a rental car can be, right?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAs you start the car, you try to think of the most likely places you could possibly find her in the city.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere's that one row of alleyways you saw her at. And...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShit. This part is going to be more tedious than you anticipated.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIn retrospect, you should have expected that finding one particular stranger somewhere in a city with almost nothing to go off of would be time consuming.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWith a low success rate too.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIf you don't end up finding her, you'll have wasted money for the car as well as a whole lot of your time.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou question why such obvious deterrents were only brought to your attention now.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe only answer you can come up with was that you were too worried to think logically when you made this decision.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhatever the reason, you aren't going to get a refund.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou lift the parking break and begin your search.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe longer you drive, the more you realize what a bad idea this is.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAnd you've been driving for a while.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSnow's been falling moderately hard, and apparently it's only supposed to get worse.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou can't tell if the sun has set yet over the thick canvas of clouds.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're just wasting your time.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMaybe it's for the better if you don't find her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhat would your parents think if you were caught?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou'd no doubt lose your job, and struggle to find any other decent one.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIf you go to prison, you won't be able to pay your mortgage and bills on time.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIf not, your neighbors will make certain that you move away anyway, especially since the McHughs have a kid.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou really don't know what'll happen, but it won't be good.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's so easy to turn the car around and drive home.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIn theory at least.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNo matter what you think, it feels as though your brain is detached from your body, because you never make any sort of effort to commit giving up the search.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSo for now, part of you hopes you don't find her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut the other doesn't want to imagine her suffering out there.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOr dead.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou've noticed there's a lot less traffic in anthro-populated areas.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eLess people in general even.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere was absolutely nobody around the backstreet you were cruising in.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNot from your point of view at least.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eJust trash, bottles, and chain link fences at the backs of faded, unlabeled buildings.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNot exactly a place you want to spend a lot of time at alone.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour brain tells you to leave and go home again.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSounds just as tempting as the last ten times, but like before, your better judgement is ignored.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou haven't been feeling like yourself these past 24 hours. You've never tried anything close to this before.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's not hard to imagine what kinds of miscreants lurk these corners, and how they could place your life in danger in the blink of an eye.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAnd yet you're still here.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMaybe at this point you're just too tired to completely process the situation well.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt feels like you've been on autopilot for a while.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAll this time looking though shadows and snow is really taking its toll.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou imagine how good it would feel to just be in your warm bed as the snow builds up.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou don't remember your mattress being anything special, but if it didn't sound appealing right now...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe coincidental sight of a ragged blanket behind a fence puts a stop to your thoughts that would have caused you to completely overlook the whole area.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMentally, you remark how fitting the blanket is in relation to your daydreaming.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou almost turn your head and give it no second thought...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut there was something about that blanket.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWasn't that the same one Larry used to hide the money?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe one the little girl tripped over?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt looks similar, at least from what you can remember.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSomething stirs underneath it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eA little gray snout, and a pair of glossy eyes, peek out from the cloth.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOh shit.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's actually her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou actually found her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're immensely relieved and terrified at the same time.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOn one hand, you now know she's okay.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOn the other, you have to go through with your plan.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's hard to see in the dark, but you can tell she's watching you from the other side of the fence.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou put the car into park and turn off the lights.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThis probably looks sketchy as fuck right now.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou roll down the passenger side window so she can see you better, and you gesture for her to come over.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eScratch \"probably\", this could not look any more misleading.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAlthough you try to keep a calm resolve, your heart is thudding rapidly in your chest.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIf anybody sees this, you're done for.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe stares at you, unmoving.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou actually thought that would work? Of course she wouldn't approach some random stranger in their car at night, especially when there's nobody else arou-\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe wolf stands up, draping the blanket over her shoulder.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eVery cautiously, she trudges through the snow and approaches the fence.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere's no way...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eDespite every possible red flag presented to her, she ducks down and crawls under an opening shredded at the bottom of the fence to get to you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThank god that you found her before anyone with less savory ideas.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSuddenly you feel a bit more assured about what you're doing.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe stands at the side of your car, peering in at you through the open window.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's wearing a puffy white coat with the tag still on.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer curious but miserable eyes lock with yours.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe stands still with an awkward silence.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, uh, why don't you get in? Just for a second.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou hate how much of a creep you must sound.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt takes her a second to place her attention on the door handle.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt almost seems like she's worried she could break it with how softly she pulled on it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe scooches in the seat and gently closes the door, almost failing to click it shut.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou don't like how easy that was.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's completely silent.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're still very nervous that this is actually happening, and you struggle to think of what to say.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWith how bad this looks, you need to set something straight.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"So... Before I get to it, I want you to understand that if at any point you feel at all threatened or uncomfortable, you can get out and leave. Alright?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe expression she gives you is only that of confusion, like she doesn't grasp the possible implications at all.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMaybe you really are doing the right thing...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Er... What's your name? I'm Anon.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe stares at her folded hands in her lap.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Sophia,\" her voice is subtle and timid.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNow for the next part... How exactly to you ask if she'll be okay with you taking her in?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAs you plan it out, she speaks again.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Thank you for helping me, I haven't spent all of the money, if you want it back....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"No no, that's fine. I see you bought a new coat with some of it. Did you know it was going to snow?\" Maybe breaking the ice a bit first would be a good idea?\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"No, I just don't like being cold....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou feel your heart sink a little.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe turns her eyes to you for a second before focusing back at her lap.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHaving a limited experience with anthros, it's sometimes hard to read their facial expressions.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAt first you thought she appeared worryingly apathetic, like she's been used to living like this for a long time.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut looking closer, you now find traces of nervousness and haggard depression.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou clear your throat.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Do you have anybody that takes care of you? After the foster center was shut down?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe shakes her head.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"N-No.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou almost don't notice her eyes beginning to water.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eFuck, maybe now's the time to pop the question.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHere goes nothing.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Sophia, listen. If you're okay with it, I can take care of you. Is that something you'd want?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe jolts a bit in her seat, and her eyes widen. Her attention shifts completely to you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"W... What?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Only if you want to. I'll give you food and shelter, but you can leave whenever you want. I can't promise that I'll be an exceptional host, but I try my best. I know you hardly know me, but if there's nobody else who can take care of you....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou trail off. Listing off what could happen to her... You don't want to scare her into making a decision. It needs to be her own.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia stares at you, wordless. But eventually, she speaks.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I don't understand.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Huh?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Why... Wh....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's shaking in her seat.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Why would you want to help me?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer tone sounds guilty, almost shameful. Her ears flatten against her head.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Well, you're too young to be living out there. Especially when it's not your fault you have nowhere to go.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe turns away from you again.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...I don't want to bother you.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBothering you? Is that really her main concern?\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You won't, I promise.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eCan you really? You know her about as much as she knows you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe wolf stays silent. You can't see her face turned away from you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I only want to help if you're okay with it. If you're uncomfortable with the idea, you can leave. I won't stop you.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMore silence.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You can take your time.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're surprised how well composed you've been so far. Sophia's decision isn't only going to impact her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIf she doesn't want your help, things will go back to normal... Hopefully. You can't feel guilty if she herself refused your aid, right?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAnd if she does decide to go with you...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou'd be taking on a whole lot of risk and responsibility.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNot only will you be taking care of a child, something you've only partially done in babysitting, you're fairly certain that this is illegal.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhy you're so intent on doing this then, you still aren't sure.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eTo get her off the streets, obviously. But resorting to this? What's gotten into you?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou look out into the dark street, your heartbeat beginning to pick up again in paranoia.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You mean it?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou nearly dent the roof of the car as you jump in your seat. Luckily Sophia didn't notice, still looking away from you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You don't think I'll be a burden?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Not at all,\" the quickness and confidence of your reply surprises you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut maybe that assurance was just what she needed.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Okay,\" while still meek, her voice sounds a bit less fearful.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You'll go with me?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"If it's alright....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWell, there's your answer.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIllegal babysitting, here you come.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Okay then, I'll take you to my place. Remember, you can change your mind at anytime.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe gives a gentle nod of acknowledgment.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Go ahead and put in your seatbelt and we'll get going.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eLifting the parking break, you notice Sophia struggling to locate the belt in the corner of your eye.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Here, I got it,\" you say as you reach over the wolf and, as delicately as you can, buckle her into the seat.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer ears flatten to her head again.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I-I'm sorry,\" the shame of her voice has returned, \"I didn't know what you meant, I've never ridden in a car before... I'm sorry....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer expression falls even more so to embarrassment and fear, although it's a little hard to see when she ducks her head down like that.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'm sorry for being annoying....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAnnoying? Because she didn't know what a seatbelt was?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's actually trembling in her seat. The sight it gives you the impulse to remedy it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSo... How do you go about it?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou get an idea, although you're worried how she might react to it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAfter awkwardly hovering your hand over her shoulder for a second, you gently lay it down.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe flinches at the touch, immediately turning to you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's unnerving how tiny her pupils shrank.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour words are spoken wholeheartedly.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You're not annoying. It's not your fault this is new to you,\" you try your damnedest to look reassuring. The terror in her eyes scares you as well.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eLuckily though, you seem to have had an effect.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia's trembling wavers and her pupils begin to dilate back to their normal size.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou lift your hand and put it back on the wheel.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's calming down.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eGiving you a weak nod, she adjusts herself to sit up straight in her seat.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThat... Actually kinda worked.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou actually feel really good about that. You haven't felt pride like this in a long time.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOkay, calm down now. You didn't cure cancer.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eRight now you need to get out of here before anyone shows up.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou realize that driving back, having Sophia next to you would look conspicuous.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe blanket she brought in with her rests at her feet. Maybe you could cover her up with it?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNo. You want to look like you're smuggling a corpse? Plus you don't think Sophia would appreciate it very much.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eInstead, you drape it over her lap. She doesn't say anything as you do.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hey... Sophia? Could you do me a favor and put your hood up?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe complies almost immediately. Wordless, but with another nod.\n\n \n\n\\\u003ePerfect. As long as she sat like that, blankly staring at the glove compartment, just about no one would be able to tell that she was an anthro.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAt last, you turn your on lights and step off the brake.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou've succeeded in finding Sophia and can now bring her home to safety.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOnly now you're terrified about what could happen to you.\n\n \n\n \n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\n \n\n \n\n\\\u003eAt last, you make it to your driveway.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour chest feels ready to burst. Simply seeing Sophia looking out the window in the corner of your eye was enough to mortify you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhat an idiot you are for doing this.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eLuckily, nobody seemed to notice the difference in species.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eDoesn't stop you form being on edge. For Sophia's sake, you keep your fear internal.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou ask if she could stay in the car once you realized the only way to open the garage was from the inside.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAgain, she only gives a small nod in response.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAs quick as you can, you unlock the front door and hurry to open the garage.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou swiftly pull in, shutting off the car and closing the garage door.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOnce it's shut, you breathe a sigh of relief.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAgain, why the hell have you come this far? Or considered it in the first place?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eEven if you manage never to get caught, you don't think your heart can take much more of this.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou know you shouldn't be doing this, no matter how moral it sounded on paper.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut mentally you know you'd blame yourself for whatever happened if you didn't go looking for her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere really was no winning choice, was there? You're fucked either way.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou take a deep breath.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAny sort of relaxation is welcome. Hopefully clear your head a bit.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWait.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia's still in the car.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe hasn't moved from her seat, just sitting patiently.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWatching you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou gesture for her to get out.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe notices, and begins tugging on her seatbelt, apparently not realizing she needs to press the button to click it off.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOh boy.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWell, you can't really blame her. She's never been in a car before.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHonestly it's a little cute.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou walk around the car to the passenger side seat to help.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt surprises you when the door suddenly bursts open just before you get there, and Sophia tumbles out. The blanket spills onto the floor.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Woah-! You okay?\" You ask as you run over and help her regain her balance.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe nearly fell onto her back before you helped reorient her. Despite this, she nods profusely, albeit avoiding your gaze.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe fur on her face seems to have shifted a shade pinker.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou peer into the car.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe seatbelt is still buckled in. She must've weaseled her way through the straps.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou turn back to her, and kneel to get eye level with her... Even though she's avoiding eye contact.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou barely notice her slight tremoring through her puffy jacket.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Are you alright? Did you hurt yourself?\" You try, calm yet concerned.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer eyes dart to you, but only for a second before they retreat. Her trembling appears to fade away.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eA quick head shake tells you \"no\".\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Are you sure?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eA quick nod.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNeither of you say anything for a while. You aren't sure whether you should press it or not. It looks like a small amount of her fur snagged on the belt and was pulled off.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOr is it just shedding? Something similar?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou really need to learn more about anthros if you're to continue this plan.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eStanding up, you simply press on the seat belt's release and shut the door.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhen you look back at her, you notice she looks even more flustered than before. Probably embarrassed.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou try giving her a gentle smile.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Come on. Let's go inside.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Okay.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou pick up the blanket before you start heading inside.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAs you lead her around the car, you notice that she's both trying to keep pace with you and stay at a distance.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe can't decide how close she wants to get to you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou keep your friendly demeanor in hopes to make her more comfortable.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt feels strangely forced and genuine at the same time.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhat is wrong with you and these indescribable feelings? Some sort of side effect of the anxiety?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAll in all, this just feels so...weird. You can be certain about that at least.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou hold open the door for Sophia, who eyes you cautiously.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIn soft trudges, she moves past you and into the laundry room. You step in after her and set the blanket on top of the washing machine.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou notice one again just how unkempt her gray fur is.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe makes it about three feet before stopping and looking back at you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou close the door and unzip your jacket, hanging it on a mounted hook on the wall.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You wanna take your jacket off?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe looks down at her coat. While you get no verbal response, she unzips it and shakes it off into her arms.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou see she was wearing your old jacket underneath.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's much hastier to get that one off, only this time she walks over to hand you it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's still wearing her long and raggedy purple dress.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Thank you...for the jacket. I tried not to get it dirty.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eFrom what you can tell, it looks exactly like it did when you gave it to her. Well, minus the fur.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"It looks just fine. Here, I'll hang up your coat too,\" you extend a hand to her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWith a slight hesitation, she drapes her puffy coat on your arm.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou can't help but smirk a little at how carefully she did so.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You can kick off your shoes and leave them right there,\" you point to two pairs of shoes tucked in the corner of the room.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eTaking off your current pair and hanging up the jackets, you notice Sophia isn't moving.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe looks a bit befuddled.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAny remanence of your smirk fades as you piece together what this means.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Do you...not have any?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...No.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou really can't find it in you to respond to that.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThis child has been roaming the streets for days without a pair of shoes.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eRough concrete, trash, pebbles, shards of glass...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You... Have you gotten cut because of that?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe shakes her head.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're slightly relieved at this. Hopefully, this means you won't have to deal with any sort of possible infections.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut still, just because she got lucky like that doesn't mean it was a pleasant aspect of her life on the streets.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou take a good look at her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eRuffled hair, ragged dress, tired eyes...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer presence greatly contrasted with the tidiness of your new house. Hell, it wasn't even very organized at that.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's just a kid. She didn't deserve the whatever circumstances happened to make you feel it was necessary to intervene.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eRegardless, she's here and is your responsibility. Hopefully you can make her life a little less shit.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eLets start with the obvious.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Are you hungry?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia ponders your question for longer than you'd expect, apparently having some sort of mental debate to what should be a simple answer.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Mm-hm,\" you almost couldn't hear her response.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Have anything in mind? Do you like soup?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Anything is fine,\" you could've swore you heard traces of guilt from that.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eEither way, you make your way to the pantry and look for some more soup.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou find another can of tomato. That'll be okay for a wolf, right?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAs you bring out the can, you notice Sophia isn't in the kitchen.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAfter a brief search, you find her still standing in the laundry room, watching you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou motion for her to come into the kitchen.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe does so immediately, only to plant herself just past the threshold of the kitchen.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou keep her in the corner of your eye as you heat up the burner.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe doesn't move an inch, attentively watching as you dump the soup in a pot and place it onto the burner.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMore awkward silence ensues as you wait for the soup to heat up.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou clear your throat.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"So, uh, do you wanna take a seat?\" You ask.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Do you want me to?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Do you want to?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe two of you share a tone of uneasy uncertainty. Apparently, neither of you completely grasped the other's respective question.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBubbling soup fills in the silence.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...There's a few chairs at the table. Go ahead and sit down,\" you say after a few seconds of mindlessly staring at each other.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Okay,\" her response is more concrete this time, and she doesn't hesitate to sit at the table.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia doesn't say anything as you stir the soup.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou want to break the silence, but for whatever reason can't muster up something to say.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSo you stay quiet as well.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOnce you feel that the soup is ready, your pour it into a bowl and grab a spoon.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou notice that Sophia's focus has shifted from you to the bowl.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eActually, she seems to switch between the two.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou place the bowl in front of her, and the spoon next to the bowl.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer hand immediately reaches for the spoon, but she stops herself.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe looks you right in the eyes.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Thank you....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAnd, with more finesse this time, takes the spoon.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou walk over and have a seat directly across from her while she attacks her meal.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe recoils a bit from the heat from the first sip, but it doesn't slow her down.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're about to suggest waiting until it cools, but something about her stops you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's so desperate...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou wait until she's finished, which doesn't take very long.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAfter she finishes the last of it, her attention reverts immediately back to you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Thank you....\" she mumbles once again.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You're very welcome.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou smile at her, getting up and taking the bowl and spoon from her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou rinse them in the sink and leave them there.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia sits in the chair, silent and seeming expectant of you to do or say something.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou look at her for a bit.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe undeniably appears tired. You suppose you did just find her late at night.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou don't have a guest bed, but there is the couch in the living room.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere's some spare blankets somewhere in your room, you're pretty sure.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eStanding up, you head to the living room.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eClosing the blinds is probably a good idea. The sun won't shine on her face in the morning, and more importantly, it'll decrease the chance someone sees an anthro in a human neighborhood.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAgain, you get a slight feeling of nausea as you imagine what could happen if someone finds out...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou take a deep breath in before heading back to the kitchen.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia hasn't moved, eyes on you just as always.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Are you tired?\" You ask.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAs expected, she affirms with a weak nod.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Come over here.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou turn back, and she follows you to the couch. You rest your hand on it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You can sleep on this for the night,\" you state simply. Tiredness is beginning to override your anxiety.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I-I can?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah... You can.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer eyes, usually droopy, stare widely at the couch.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Are you sure?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Yeah.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia takes a step closer, only to step back again.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"M-My fur could make a mess.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"It won't. It'll be fine.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Okay.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAt last, she moves in front of the couch. Very delicately, she sits in the center, and slowly leans onto her side so that her head lies on the armrest.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou realize she still doesn't have any blankets or pillows.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'll be right back,\" you tell her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Okay.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou leave her for a moment to head to your room, grabbing two spare blankets and a pillow and bringing them back to the living room.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia watches as you place them on the floor by the couch.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You can use these for now. At least until I can, er, work out something better,\" you say.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe doesn't respond, at least not verbally. Subtle nods indicate she's listening.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe hasn't reached for the pillow or blankets yet. Should you...tuck her in?\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Ahem,\" you clear your throat. \"If you need me, I'll be in my room upstairs. I'll keep the door open... And don't be afraid to wake me up.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou step away from her and to the light switch.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Uh, goodnight.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou flick off the lights and begin to make your way upstairs.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBefore she's out of earshot, you hear her say something.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Goodnight.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOnce you've navigated through the darkness and into your room, you collapse onto your bed.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAll your energy had seemed to just drain away within those past few minutes.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOnce again, your conscious reminds you that you are actually going through with this.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAnd that you're probably going to pay for it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eReally going to pay for it...\n\n \n\n \n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\n \n\n \n\n\\\u003eLast night wasn't too great.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou were up so late looking for Sophia, yet no matter how heavy your eyelids felt, you couldn't for the life of you drift to sleep.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou've really grown to hate your alarm.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAt least it wasn't as loud this time. Don't want to startle Sophia.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eGetting up, you start your morning routine, same as usual.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShowering, putting on work clothes, all that.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOnce you've gotten downstairs, you take a peek into the dark living room.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eLooks like she put on the blankets. You can just barely see her head and ears poke out.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAsleep probably. It's still very early in the morning.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou leave her be for now. Instead you make your way to the kitchen for breakfast.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou find some really bland cereal you didn't know you had. That'll be something new.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eGrabbing a bowl and some milk, breakfast is prepared within seconds.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt doesn't take much longer to eat.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eInstead of putting the cereal box away, you leave it and a new bowl on the counter for Sophia later.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSpeaking of which, checking on her would be a good idea.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBack at the living room, you find her still asleep.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou think about waking her up so you can tell her you'll be gone at work for a while, but then realize you could leave a note instead.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNow you don't have to disturb her slumber. You're a genius.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt doesn't take long to find a pen and a sheet of paper.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Sophia, I'll be at work for a few hours, but I'll be back during my lunch break. There's some cereal you can have in the kitchen and some milk in the fridge. Don't go outside, and stay away from the windows.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAfter some thought, you add...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Please.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou leave the note on the table next to the couch.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt makes you a little--no, very nervous leaving her in your house without your supervision, but you were the one who decided to do this.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou hope that somehow, in the end, everything will turn out alright.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMaybe you could find her a good family?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMaybe her real family is still out there somewhere.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou'll have to think about this later. For now, you quietly make your way to the garage.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMaybe work can distract you from this.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hey... Hey Anon. You seem a little distracted,\" Jane says from across the table.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou blink.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'm fine.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe gives a weak shrug.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Well, if you say so,\" Jane puts her attention back to her monitor.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eJust like yesterday, you're finding it hard to focus on your work.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eExcept instead of worrying about what kind of trouble Sophia could get into alone in the city, you're worried about the trouble that both of you could get into if she's found in your house.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou told her she could leave anytime, so should you have specified that you needed to be there to escort her? Someone could see her step right outside your front door.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt doesn't help you live in an entirely human populated neighborhood.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou did tell her not to go outside on the note.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...Did you?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhy do you need to be second guessing yourself?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere's no way you didn't write that on the note.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMost likely.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWill she even see the note? Did you put in a good spot?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhat if she-\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Anon?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Y-Yeah?\" You look up.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eJane, Greg and Reita all stare at you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Planning on working at all today?\" Greg asks.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're too unfocused and tired to tell if that was asked jokingly or sarcastically.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Sorry guys, just thinking of some problems back at home.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Problems?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah, uh... Family problems...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSure, let's go with that.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, sorry. I hope you get that figured out then,\" Greg turns his head away from you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou try to be more cooperative from then on.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou hurry out for your lunch break, wanting time to buy a few necessities for Sophia.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAfter some driving, you eye a general store that heavily advertises \"Quality Items for Both Humans AND Anthros!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou step inside to find it completely empty, bar one apathetic-looking lizard anthro reading a newspaper behind a counter.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIguana? Newt? You honestly have no idea.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhatever he is, he doesn't pay you much attention.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou try to do the same as you pass through what's essentially one large room crammed with shelves of miscellaneous items.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThough, it is at least organized.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou stumble into a section full of hair products.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're surprised to find many different types of shampoo and conditioner specifically for anthros. They come in bigger bottles than the ones for humans too.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou grab some bottles conveniently labeled \"Canine\".\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNext, clothes that aren't stained and torn up should be a good idea.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAs you approach a clothing rack, you realize that you're very uncertain about the size you should be getting.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eDoes the fact she's an anthro factor into what dimensions she needs? Does she need more room for her fur to breath?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eTo be safe, you'll get her another dress, and one size bigger than your current estimate.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHopefully she won't be tripping over it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAlmost every single article of clothing has a unique color or design, not dissimilar to a bargain bin.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou find only one of the size you're looking for.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIts white on the top, and orange with white polka dots on the actual dress.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's going to look like a carton of orange juice, but you don't think she'll mind too much. It's not in horrible condition.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThis'll be good for now. Might as well save some time to talk with her and not need to rush back to work.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAs you approach the lizard, you notice a mini freezer with pints of ice cream on the counter.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's very limited in its the amount of flavors. You grab a vanilla flavored one.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHopefully Sophia will like it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou bring everything up to the lizard man.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHe inspects the price tag on the dress first.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You got a daughter?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're heart skips a beat at the realization that you'll need to lie about why you're getting it. But the panic is short lived, since you also realize he gave you the perfect excuse.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah... She likes orange.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hm.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHe brings the label of the shampoo to his vision. He squints at it, and then at you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Canine hair products?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShit.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hey... Don't judge. That's the only brand that works for me. You're getting money for it either way.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Yeah, okay pal.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHe doesn't inquire about your purchases after that.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Sophia? I'm home!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou place everything you bought on the kitchen counter.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIn doing so, you notice the cereal box and bowl exactly where you left them.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIs...she really still asleep?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eQuietly, you make your way over to the couch.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia's still there, but she's not asleep. She's staring right at you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIn fact, she looks the complete opposite of tired.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eLucid and alert.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt makes you a little uneasy honestly.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Uh, Sophia? Have you been there all day?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Mm-hm.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Did you see the note?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe looks down, quick to break eye contact.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer ears and tail droop down.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I-I'm sorry. I can't read...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOh. You hadn't thought about that.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's shivering again.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'm sorry...\" She repeats.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"No, it's my fault.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe looks back up at you, expression shifting slightly towards confusion.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I guess I hadn't considered that. You must be really hungry right now.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Y-You're not...?\" She trails off.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Not what?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe opens her mouth, but stops herself, and resigns to weakly shaking her head.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou decide it's better to not try and force anything from her. Instead you change the subject.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I got some stuff for you. Follow me to the kitchen.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"She gets off the couch quicker than you'd expect.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yes sir.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Sir?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou look back at her just in time to see her eyes widen.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"D-do you not want me to call you that? I'm sorry, I th-thought you expected it and it was respectful and-and--\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Woah, calm down,\" you cut her off from the verge of panic. \"You're fine. You've done nothing wrong. Just caught me off guard a little.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'm sorry...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You apologize too much.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'm... Oh.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou watch her shift around nervously, and hatch a thought that makes you sadder than you thought it would.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Are you afraid of me, Sophia?\" you ask.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"What?\" she freezes.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Do you want to leave?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I...\" She stands there, completely flustered.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMaybe you shouldn't have asked that.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eJust before you can fill the silence, you hear her meek voice.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I don't know.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt could have easily been a throwaway answer, but she sounded so genuine. Confused and genuine.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe stares at her feet.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou don't like seeing her like this.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I, uh...\" You clear your throat. \"I want to find a good family for you. People that'll take good care of you. Would you like that?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia looks back up at you, and affirms with a subtle nod.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSeems like you said the right thing. Sophia looks slightly less dejected now.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eStill, something about that exchange didn't sit right with you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I hope it isn't too big for you. Didn't quite know what size to get,\" you hold up the new dress so Sophia can see it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe stares without speaking, and for a moment you're concerned.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Do you not like it? I'm sorry about the color, I can get another one sometime soon.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...It's new?\" She asks.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah. I bought it on the way here.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"And it's for me?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Are you surprised?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe looks down at her own, raggedy dress, and fidgits with the cloth.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"A little....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou realize the dress she's wearing must be a hand-me-down. Probably an attempt by her foster center to save money.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt makes you wonder if there are any other cut corners that Sophia has grown to be used to...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou lay the dress onto a counter.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I also got you some of these....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eFrom a plastic bag, you pull out the canine hair products.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You know what they're for, right?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe nods.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"And how to use them?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe nods again. Good.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"And one more thing... Are you still hungry?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eObviously you know she is. She hasn't eaten anything today yet.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eInstead of waiting for her to reluctantly confirm it, you pull out the final item of the bag.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAs you do, you notice her attention shift right towards it. Her ears droop.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Do you like ice cream?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I don't know...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're sensing a pattern here involving anything that isn't a necessity.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You've never had ice cream before?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia stares down at her feet.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"No....\" She sounds very...defeated? That's the best way you can describe it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIs she lactose intolerant or something? Is that possible for wolves? The norm even?\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Would you like some?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAll the sudden, she looks back up at you, seemingly taken aback by your offer.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"W-What? I... What did I do?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOh no, did you say the wrong thing? You don't want her to start panicking again.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hey hey hey! You aren't in trouble! I'm not trying to punish you!\" you try reassuringly.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour words seem to be working; her perked ears and tail begin to relax... But now she's looking at you weirdly?\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Ice cream is not for punishment...\" she says softly, almost as if she's trying to be reassuring to you instead.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Ah... Yes,\" you really have no idea what to say. This whole interaction about ice cream has just been confusing to you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer pupils drift downward; and her ears and tail appear to completely succumb to gravity.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Ice cream is for good kids.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's almost completely motionless.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're getting that feeling again. The one you felt seeing her scrape her knees in the alleyway.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt feels like pity, but with a strong sense of duty attached.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt makes you nervous for some reason.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou need to be doing better.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Ah, hey, you've been good...\" you try, \"Go ahead and take it.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eFor some reason, that jerked a quick response, and she wordlessly takes the pint from your outstretched arm, surprising you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe doesn't try opening it though, she just...holds it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"What did I do?\" her eyes stare past the pint and settle cautiously on you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I... Sophia....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eTaking a short pause, you clear your throat.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eA tone of confidence is something you'll likely need to get your point across to her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You don't need to feel obligated to earn it. I'm giving it to you because I want you to feel better here. You don't need to do anything for it. You're not a bad kid.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe remains unmoving, unblinking, and unresponsive.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eDid it not work?\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Are you sure?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAt last, she blinks, briefly turning her attention to the cold pint in her hands, before staring back at you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWithout much hesitation, you try to regain your confidence that had fleeted during the silence.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Of course,\" and then, a little less stalwart, \"Eh, aren't your hands getting cold?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe peeks down at the container.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Mm-hm.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's been in her grip for a while, and her palms are wet from thawing the frost.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Aren't they getting numb?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Mm-hm.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eStill, Sophia doesn't move.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Here, I'll put this on the table.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWith one hand, you gently grasp the top of the pint.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe little wolf offers no resistance whatsoever as you slide it out of her grip.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eCracking the lid open and grabbing a spoon, you place the ice cream at the table for her. She lingers behind you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOnce that's done, you motion for her to take a seat, and she promptly does so.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe appears to contemplate the treat, as if it were forbidden from being eaten.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAfter some intense inaction, she grips the spoon.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe turns her head to face you, wordlessly seeking confirmation.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou simply respond with an approving nod.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIts enough for her to scoop a small sample of ice cream, contemplate it some more, and finally eat it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAnd for a very brief moment, you witness something that catches you off guard.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer eyelids droop, and the edges of her mouth shift upward into a smile.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe looks happy.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eExperiencing something she's never had the chance to take for granted...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eUnfortunately somethings seems to click within her, and instead of scooping some more, she turns to you once more.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe appears nervous and regretful...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut before you can do anything, her somber expression quickly melts away.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou have no idea why, but you aren't complaining.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Thank you Anon,\" she speaks the most confident you've ever heard her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer next spoonful is a much bigger one.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt takes a little while for you to realize that you had been smiling.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\n\n \n\n\\\u003eDuring the remainder of work, and the drive home, your thoughts are once again fixated on Sophia. However, they're much less paranoid this time.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eLike usual, you don't want to think about the authorities finding out you're taking care of an anthro without any sort of paperwork done.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut this time it's not because you're scared of the consequences. It's because such thoughts just feel like a nuisance at the moment.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou've been feeling...optimistic lately. Almost, you shamefully admit to yourself, giddy.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThis good mood has been lasting much longer than you thought it would.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt makes you think about why you're feeling the way you are.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBecause you made her happy, that part is obvious.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut why does that make YOU so happy?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's not that you're an edgy, cold-hearted bastard. But you're also not a super sunshine-y fellow that feeds off of the positive vibes of others.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt just made you feel...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere it is again. That alien impulse you're starting to become so familiar with.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNo time to decipher it now. You're home.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'm back, Sophia! Could you come here for a sec?\" you announce once inside the house, holding a freshly bought purchased pajama set among other things.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou had quickly gone to get a few more articles of clothing for her, though you realized you still hadn't figured out her size. Estimations were made.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe pajamas are a dark blue with a pattern of yellow moons, both full and crescent variants.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIs that insensitive for a wolf?\n\n \n\n\\\u003ePit pat! Pit pat! Pit pat!\n\n \n\n\\\u003eRushed footsteps, starting from the living room, find themselves stopping two feet from you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yes s... Yes Anon,\" the young wolf speaks, posture as if she were about to salute a military superior.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt'd be cute if she was jokingly acting so stoic, but she doesn't loosen up.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou take a moment to recollect your thoughts.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Were you okay while I was gone?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Mm-hm,\" she nods her head.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Good. Did you have anything for dinner?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAnother nod, \"You told me to have the cereal,\" she says less matter-of-factly and more as a confirmation that she had understood your recommendation.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAnyway, cereal was more like a quick suggestion before you had to leave for work.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThough thinking back, you didn't have too much stuff she could prepare on her own.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNothing for breakfast, ice cream for lunch, and cereal for dinner...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou really need to get your game together.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Anyway,\" you change the subject, \"I got you these.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou present the pajama set to her, which she studies intently.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"For...?\" she stops herself from finishing her question, as if some new thought had invalidated it. Instead, she looks back at you. \"Thank you, Anon.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You're welcome,\" you smile. You want to make sure you smile a lot.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou don't want her to be afraid of you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHopefully it doesn't seem creepy.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia herself isn't smiling, but she doesn't look tense either.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer eyes scan the pajamas, and her mouth is ever so slightly open. Tail perked up, but still.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou suppose that she looks curious, or inquisitive.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"But first, you need to get cleaned up. Could you follow me upstairs?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhatever kind of trance she was in looking at the pajamas is broken. \"Okay,\" is all she says as she waits for you to lead the way.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou grab the canine shampoo and conditioner before making your way up to the second floor, Sophia trailing behind you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBefore long you've made it to the bathroom.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'll run a bath for you,\" you say, placing her new clothes on the counter and the hair products on the rim of the tub, \"You, uh, you'll know what to do if I leave you to it?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe nods her head without hesitation.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Good.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eTurning the lever, you get some hot water flowing. Once the tub is about three quarters full, you stop it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"When you're finished, just flick this thing down; it'll drain the water,\" you inform, drawing her attention to the drain trigger.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Okay.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Alright... I'll give you some privacy.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Okay.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou close the door behind you as you leave.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt can't be overstated how glad you are that she doesn't need help bathing.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAs you wait for her to finish her bath, you grab your laptop and head to your bed to pass the time.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eInstinctually you begin typing...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"teaching someone how to read\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou blink.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWere you even consciously thinking when you typed that?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhy do you need to know how...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOh yeah...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou had forgotten Sophia couldn't read, even though she had been notably scared to admit that to you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eDoesn't really matter, you aren't a teacher.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou highlight your question, ready to press delete.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...Though, it couldn't be that hard, could it?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMaybe you'll just look at the first few tips that pop up, for curiosity's sake.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou press enter.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe results are semi-predictable: go through the alphabet in its entirety, apply sounds to recognizable things, start with single syllable words...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAgain, you ask yourself why you're looking into this.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're not obligated, much less qualified, to teach a child how to read.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou'll find her a nice family that will get her enrolled in school.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...Though, her getting a head start on it would undeniably be a big help.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut what if she doesn't even want to be taught by you? How many conversations have the two of you shared that weren't awkward during any point?\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...Though, you could just ASK if she'd be okay with it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut her willingness wouldn't make you any better a teacher...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour thoughts on the matter continue to go back and forth as you sit there.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHowever, they're interrupted at the sound of a door opening.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's done already?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou close your laptop and head to the bathroom door.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe stands at the threshold, wearing her new pajamas, and holding her dirty purple dress.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe bath really went a long way for her fur.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe inconsistent coloring caused by its dirtiness is gone, replaced with a clean, solid gray.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe raggedness is absent as well. Each strand of hair appears uniformly down, shining like silk all together.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou also notice just how skinny she is.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt was hard to tell before with her dress, but now it really shows just how few full meals she's gotten to experience...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSo frail... But at least clean now.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Did everything go well?\" you ask.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe nods.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"That's good. How do the pajamas feel?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Warm.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"So... You like them?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe gives a more vigorous nodding for that question.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'm glad,\" you smile at her again.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia stares at you, as if she needs to say something.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I-I... Um. You...\" she mumbles, pauses, and then with more finality, \"Th-thank you,\" her voice sounds genuine, but still uneasy.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIn fact, you notice her tense up a little bit.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You're welcome.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut just like that, and to your relief, she loosens up again.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eTurning slightly away from you, Sophia tries to hide a yawn with the back of her hand.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThis doesn't slip past you of course, she's mere feet away from you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Are you tired?\" you ask.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...A little.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Do you want to go to bed?\" couch technically. You find that you really wish you had a guest bed or something.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe ponders your question for a little while.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Okay.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Here, I'll take that to get washed,\" you extend a hand towards the dress she's holding.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWithout missing a beat, but still cautiously, she drapes it over your arm.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWith the dress in hand, the two of you make your way downstairs.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour paths split at the bottom. You to the laundry room, and her to the living room.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou place her clothes into the washing machine and start a cycle.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSuch mundane things feel as if they have more weight now. More purpose. The reason is obvious, but it still surprises you how different it all feels.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWalking back toward the living room, you find Sophia as you saw her this morning: lying on the couch with blankets and pillows.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Are you comfortable?\"\n\n \n\n\"Mm-hm.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Good,\" that could have easily been the end of such an engaging conversation, but then you remembered, \"Sophia? Do you...wish you could read?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe gives it a moment. A familiar silence builds its way between the two of you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Yes.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNow for the tougher question, \"Would you like it if I tried to teach you?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAnother period of silence, this one longer than the last.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...If you're okay with it....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'm okay with it as long as you are.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Alright then... I'll, uh, let you get some shuteye. I'll be in my room.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Okay.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Goodnight.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Goodnight.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou flick the light switch off and leave her be.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOnce you've turned all the lights off downstairs, you retire to your room.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou let out a sigh.\n\n \n\n\\\u003ePart of you is glad that your conversations with her have only been in short bursts.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eFor whatever reason, speaking with her drains your energy.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's not that you dislike her or anything, just that all your conversations feel a little one-sided.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThough you can't...aren't...going to blame her for that. You understand she's probably unused to this situation.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHopefully things will get better as you attempt to tutor her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou really are going to try and teach her, huh?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're realizing just now how much of a whim that idea was.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut you can't take it back now.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNo matter how bad of an instructor you'll be, you at least promised her you'd give it a shot.\n\n \n\n \n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\n \n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia's orange dress was, in fact, a little too long for her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut as far as you can tell, she doesn't care at all.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eInstead of complaining, she opts to pinch the fabric and feel it between her fingers.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou watch as she trots around the living room, feeling out the new outfit.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt makes you glad that she's enjoying it so much, though slightly concerned that she may trip on it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eLuckily that never happens.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia stops to look expectantly at you every now and again.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou smile each time, and she goes back on her way.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere's a strange sense of...rhythm? Familiarity? You can't quite place it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMeanwhile, you shuffle through some papers that you had printed out.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou find one that has every letter of the alphabet, capital and lowercase versions adjacent to each other.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eEach pair of letters has a design representing something that starts with that letter.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe \"Tt\"s are trees,\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe \"Ss\"s are snakes,\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe \"Oo\"s are oranges, and so forth.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOverall, a very colorful and happy looking sheet of paper.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eTaking a deep breath, you set aside the other sheets for now.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Sophia, could you come over here?\" you gently call.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe freezes for half a second at the mention of her name, but other than that, you quickly find her in front of you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe stands up straight and eyes you attentively.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Careful running in that dress,\" you say, \"You could easily trip.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe breaks eye contact.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh... I'm sorry.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"It's okay. I just don't want you getting hurt. Remember when you scraped your knee?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eInstinctively, Sophia placed her hand on where the mentioned injury occurred. You realize there's probably still a scab.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"It hurt....\" she recalls.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Has it been hurting recently?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe shakes her head.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"That's good,\" you say.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShould you...check the injury?\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Well, uh, how about we let you get your mind off of that...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou hold out the alphabet sheet to her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia stares curiously at your offering before slowly taking it from your grasp.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Is this the alphabet?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah,\" you try to add a slight amount of enthusiasm to your voice, \"do you recognize any of the letters?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Um...\" you noticed a slight droop of her ears at the question.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"That one...\" she points at the \"A\".\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"That one...\" the \"B\".\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"That one...\" the \"C\".\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"And...um...\" she scans the page, and it takes her a moment before she can point at another.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, that one!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe points at the \"S\".\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"My name starts with that one.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia herself had also expressed a little bit of enthusiasm with her remark. It makes you smile a bit.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hm... That one too,\" she says, pointing to crossbones \"X\", displayed through an x-ray.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"X?\" you question.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Mm-hm. It means 'No' or 'Gone',\" Sophia states matter-of-factly.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Well, I suppose it could, but uh, do you know what sounds it makes?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe doesn't have an answer for that, head lowering a bit in shame.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Never mind. Sorry....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, don't be sorry. This is why we're doing this.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe doesn't respond.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"So,\" you break the silence. \"Do you know the song Twinkle Twinkle Little Star?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I think...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Well, kids use the beat of that song to help memorize the alphabet. Why don't we give it a try? Repeat after me...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOh God, are you really doing this?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou clear your throat and hope this won't sound too bad.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"A B C D E F G...\" you don't attempt to stretch your voice very far in either direction. You're no singer. With every letter, you point at the sheet where said letter is located.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...A B C D E F G...\" Sophia repeats quietly, matching your own vocal range. You aren't setting too good an example it seems.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe two of you make your way through the alphabet. Despite what your semi-monotone singing voice would imply, you really are trying to get her into it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Y and Z.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Y and Z.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Good!\" you praise, \"Just like that.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"O-Oh... Okay,\" she mutters, \"But I don't know if I can remember all of them.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"That's okay, I just wanted to introduce you into it. We'll practice it some more later,\" you point at the sheet, \"Let's look at this for now. What is this?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia focuses where you're pointing.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"A?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yes, but what's crawling over it?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...An ant.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yep. Since the ant is on the 'A', can you guess what 'ant' starts with?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe gives it a little bit of thought.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"A?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Good! Do you see where I'm going with this?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I think so.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou point at the \"N\", which is encased within a transparent butterfly net.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"This is an 'N'. Do you see what the 'N' is inside of?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"A...net?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yes, good! So the sound it makes is...?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Neh?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Er, yeah. Nnh. How about the 'T' over here?\" You point at the tree-formed letter, \"What sounds to you think it makes?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Um,\" the wolf stares for a moment, \"Tch?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou realize the flaw of your method too late.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Ah, no. That's not quite it,\" you say, partly to yourself.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh....\" Sophia ducks her head in a dejected manner once again.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou realize the other mistake you just made.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Ah, hey! That wasn't your fault!\" She looks back up at you. \"It was my bad. That letter, 'T', makes a 'tuh' sound. The word 'Tree' starts with 'T', but doesn't quite follow the rules.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe wolf's eyes scan you, as if she's trying to decipher a clue from whatever you just said.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eExplaining the phonetic inconsistencies of the English language is going to be fun time...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"So anyway, let's try putting that all together.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou take out a pencil and write \"A N T\" in the free space at the bottom of the page. You set your pointer finger on \"A\".\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia watches intently, ready to absorb the secret skill of literacy.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"What sound does this letter make?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Ah.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou slide your finger to the \"N\".\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou manage to spot her taking a glance at the net.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Nnn.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou nod and smile. Now for the \"T\".\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Tuh?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You've got it! Now, can you say every sound together?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Antuh?\" Upon hearing her voice, Sophia's wrinkled confusion suddenly transforms to wide-eyed awe, \"Ant! Like right there!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eA small tingle of accomplishment wavers in your chest as Sophia points to the ants around the \"A\".\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour lesson was godawful, obviously, but the end result was fulfilling nonetheless.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Great job Sophia!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe sound of her name triggered some kind of realization for Sophia.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe tries to turn her head at an angle as to obscure her grin from you, but you can still make it out.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"T-Thank you,\" she bashfully makes out.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Of course,\" you smile. \"Let's try another. How about this?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou write \"C A T\" on the paper.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Do you remember what sound 'C' makes?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIn a moment, Sophia's pride was exchanged for intense concentration.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Cuh...Cuh-at? Cat!\" she beams.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Aren't you a fast learner?\" with your pencil, you write down a few more words to form a sentence.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"A \u0026nbsp; C A T \u0026nbsp; S A T \u0026nbsp; A T \u0026nbsp; A \u0026nbsp; M A T\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe change of your pupil's expression would have implied that you just wrote something obscene.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"U-Um....\" she stutters.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I know this looks difficult at a glance, but you've already have most of it down,\" you tell her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I do?\" she sounds unconvinced.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Of course. Just look at each word by itself, and ignore the others. Start here,\" you cover the entire sentence, minus the beginning \"A\", with your palm.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Ah....\" she utters, and you slide your palm to unveil the next word as she goes along.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Ah...cat...s-at...at...ah....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia appears to be stumped on the last word, so you decide to drop a hint.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Mmm.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Mmm-at,\" she finishes. \"A cat...sat at a...mat?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Perfect!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I got it?\" she turns wide-eyed to you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You've just read your first sentence,\" you confirm her achievements, with another warm smile of course.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia's eyes glisten, appearing utterly awestruck.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSpeechless, she can't take her eyes off of the sentence she read.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSomething about her glee must be rubbing off on you, as you wouldn't be able to wipe the genuine smile off your face if you tried.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's not just her achievement that's making you feel good, but her just how...happy she looks.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWell, more so surprised, and maybe a little unsure, but there's no doubt that she's reveling in this moment.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut you know that your teaching methods need to spend a bit more time in the planning phase.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"How about we take a break, and continue this another time?\" you suggest.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere's a twinge of disappointment on her face for a millisecond, but it immediately reverts back.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh... Okay,\" she speaks with a nod.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia looks from the paper to her twiddling fingers.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"It was fun,\" she puts in.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Fun, hm?\" there's another small taste of pride in your chest. \"You'd make a great student, Sophia.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's doesn't respond right away, and for a second, you worry you may have said something wrong.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...D-Do you really think so?\" she says softly.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I know so,\" you admit, that response was a little corny.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Thank you, Anon.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eCorny, but effecti-\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour mind froze for a second, after having realized she said your name.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThat shouldn't have surprised you so much, but it did.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIn an epiphany emphasizing the obvious, you realize that YOU are the one who's been taking care of her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYOU are the one who's providing food and shelter for her. You're even attempting to start an education for her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIn realizing all of this, you begin to feel...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...Afraid?\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMaybe this is all a big mistake, the consequences just haven't come into fruition yet.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIs it too late to-\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNo, stop.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou mentally slap yourself.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAre are NOT going to just dump her back in the streets.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhat the hell are you getting so scared all of the sudden?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eEverything has been going fine. In fact, you dare think that things are going better than fine.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eLet's just...shake this feeling.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou stand up. Sophia simply watches.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe appears expectant, as if waiting for an order.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"How about I make us some dinner?\" you ask.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Okay,\" she nods.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAs you collect the papers, you realize you could have easily put on some sort of educational program on your laptop.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIn retrospect, it probably would have been much more effective than you were.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhy hadn't that crossed your mind?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThough, that seems a little...impersonal?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMaybe you can still guide her through it. No reason not to try.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAfter rinsing the plates, you set them down in the sink.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eDinner was nothing to write home about.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia had been quick to clean her plate, and left nothing wasted.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe had thanked you for the meal, and sauntered back towards the living room.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou find her sitting on the couch, sweeping at her dress as if trying to wipe off dust.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's a bit cute how fascinating she finds her dress... But a little sad too.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSuch an experience appears to be alien to her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou, for sure as hell, know that this is an alien experience to yourself.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou just look at her and realize that this wolf is under your roof.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eUnder your custody.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eUnder your protection.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eUnder your...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eUnder your care.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAnd that's terrifying.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut you need to be brave. This is your responsibility. SHE is your responsibility.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThat is, until you can find her a good home...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eDid you just wince?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eGod, you really hope this anxiety isn't straining your mental health too hard.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou take a deep breath to prepare you for the daunting interaction that lies ahead...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hey Sophia, I think it's time you brush your teeth.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Okay.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWithout skipping a beat, Sophia dismounts the couch and heads to the upstairs bathroom.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou follow close behind, making sure her dress doesn't cause her to tumble down. No such misfortune occurs.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWith the new toothbrush you bought for her, and a dollop of toothpaste, Sophia gets to work.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou wonder for a second how different it is for carnivorous anthros, such as wolves like Sophia, to brush their teeth.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhatever the differences, the toothbrush appears to be completely undamaged once she's done.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Is it bed time now?\" She asks out of the blue.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, uh, do you want to go to bed now?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer response is staring at you without an answer.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Why don't you get your pajamas on? You can decide after that.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Okay.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou watch as she leaves to get her pajamas.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSure enough, after a few moments, she meets you back at the couch in her comfy nightwear.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Are you tired, Sophia?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe nods.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Do you want to go to bed?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Should I?\" she inquires.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"It's up to you.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou wait as she ponders her decisions...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...What do you want?\" she asks after some thought.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Whatever you want,\" you affirm.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eApparently you've stumped her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou wait a little for a response.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eEvery now and then, it looks like Sophia may actually say something...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut she always stops herself.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You said you were tired, right?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe nods again.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"So maybe you should get some shuteye...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Okay.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Unless you want to stay up a little.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'm fine.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWithout further input, the wolf readjusts the pillow on the arm of the couch.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe slides her feet under the blankets and pulls them up.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eFrom the way the blankets shift, you can tell she's curling up slightly.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Well, if you say so,\" you mumble. \"I'll get the lights.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWith the flick of a switch, the room is enveloped in darkness.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Goodnight, Sophia.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Goodnight, Anon.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWith that, you take your leave.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOnce you find yourself on your own bed—or the only bed in the house, you suppose—you snag your laptop.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou flip it open, but quickly find yourself struggling for ideas.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere's really nothing more you can work on for your work projects.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAnd in terms of entertainment, you're drawing a blank.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut you can't shake this feeling that there's something you need to look into.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSomething very important...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...Something with Sophia, perhaps?\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt hits you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHow the hell have you forgotten this long?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou were supposed to be looking into places that could house Sophia.\n\n \n\n\\\u003ePlaces that can ACTUALLY take care of her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003ePlaces that wouldn't give people the wrong idea about her wellbeing.\n\n \n\n\\\u003ePlaces that would take her off your hands so you can get back to your life, and unafraid that at any moment, somehow word gets out, and you get in big trouble.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhy has it taken you this long to realize you should be, at the very least, doing some research?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThat reason is beyond you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBetter late than never, you suppose...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\n\n \n\n\\\u003eUnfortunately, valuable information in dealing with your...let's not say problem...situation, is sparse.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere is one group home in the city, but there were heavy implications that only humans are accepted.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThrough old images and outdated directions, there are few hints that there had been one in the anthro-populated section of town. Though it's seemingly just rental property now.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe closest home that accepts anthros is a plane ride away. At least, one with a website to verify it exists, that is.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour heart sinks.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIs there really nothing you can do? How're you supposed to do this without outside help?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThis really was all a big mistake, wasn't it? Maybe-\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhat is that?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSomeone talking?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou hear...Sophia's voice from downstairs.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIs there someone else down there?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour blood runs cold at the thought, but you don't waste time.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eGetting out of bed, you try to quietly make your way downstairs.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's dark, of course, but you can still make out enough to navigate.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia's voice gets louder, but you still can't make out anything she's saying. It comes and goes at infrequent intervals.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHowever, it does sound...repetitive?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAs if she's saying the same thing over and over.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt gives you a bad vibe, and a chill runs through your back.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut you keep going, reaching the bottom of the stairs and heading to the living room...\n\n \n\n\\\u003ePeeking around the corner, you find...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia, still lying on the couch. Tucked in with the blankets you had given her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's hard to tell, what with still being in the dark, but you think you see her ears folded against her head.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I sor....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eDid she say something?\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Sophia...?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'm s... I'm sorry... I-I'm sorry-y-y....\" her voice becomes more and more clear as you get closer.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eUpon closer inspection, she appears to be shaking like a leaf.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer eyes are shut tight, but...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThat couldn't stop the stream of tears you find on her face.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I-I-I-I'm s-sorry-y-y....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou panic a little inside.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's having a nightmare?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhat do you do? What should you do?\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"S...Sophia,\" you awkwardly whisper as you tap her shoulder.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe instantly recoils at your touch, wriggling as if trapped by the blanket. Her breathing hastens.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer struggles quickly increase.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSimply witnessing it sets in a myriad of largely unfamiliar emotions. None of them positive.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Sophia, wake up,\" you say, louder than before. \"It's just a dream... Sophia... Sophie...!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour voice further causes a stir within her sleep.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer sleep-murmurs begin to sound less like words and more like fearful whines.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Sophie!\" you nearly shout.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWith a heavy gasp she sits up. Her eyes snap open, pupils the size of pinpricks.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'll be a good girl! I'll be a good girl! I'm sorry-y-y-y!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eTerror shoots through your body.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhat are you supposed to do?!\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia's eyes peer straight through you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAwake, yet not present.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWithout thinking, you try to steady her by grabbing her shoulders.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Sophie, it's me, Anon! Anon! You're alright! You're safe! Nobody's trying to hurt you!\" you spout, desperately trying to avoid reflecting her own terrified expression. You probably aren't succeeding very much. \"You're safe here! You're safe!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt takes a few seconds before Sophia is able to notice you, directly in front of her. She never stops shaking though.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer crazed mumbles die down as she slowly returns to reality.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe sniffles.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThen sobs.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere's only one thing going on in your head right now.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhat\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe\n\n \n\n\\\u003eFuck.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAfter some inaction, you try to get a good look at Sophia.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHowever, you only get a look at the top of her head as she peers down at he ground, tears rolling off her snout.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSomething burns within you. A drive telling you this needs to be fixed.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou think back to when you were a child, crying over a broken toy or a skinned knee.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou think about Mom and Dad...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt feels like your subconscious takes over as you gently guide her towards you, and you embrace her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"It's okay Sophia... I'm here for you,\" you softly tell her. \"Everything is alright....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe doesn't resist, nor pull away.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe wolf continues her weak sobs and sniffles.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's subtle, but you can tell she's leaning into you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWith her chin on your shoulder, you can eventually hear a quaking voice...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I-I-I'm sorry, Anon....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You've done nothing wrong.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"S-sorry for being a-annoying....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You're not annoying.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe doesn't respond after that, limply resting over your shoulder.\n\n \n\n\\\u003ePart of you wants to ask what exactly she was dreaming about. But at the same time, you don't want to reignite...whatever that was.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eInstead, the both of you stay as you are for a while.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia's sobs eventually die down, and you two finally break the hug. She wipes her tears with the back of her hand.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'm okay now....\" she meeks out unconvincingly.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eJust one look at her messy, tear-stained fur and you knew you had an obligation to do...something.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"If you want, Sophia, I'll stay here for you,\" you offer. \"Would you like that?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe doesn't respond immediately, but eventually...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...I don't want to bother you.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I don't mind at all. If it'll prevent you from having another nightmare, I'd rather be here.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe alternates between staring at the floor and staring at you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Okay,\" she caves.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWith that, she somberly repositions herself on the couch.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eInstinctively, you neatly drape the blankets over her and tuck the crying wolf in.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Remember, I'll be here for you,\" you tell her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe stares at you with wet eyes and a defeated visage.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe looks sick.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut nonetheless, she speaks...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...T-Thank you, Anon.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Of course.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eGetting up and stepping back, you realize there really isn't another good place to lay down. You resign yourself to finding the most comfortable spot sitting on an armchair.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eEven though it's dark, you can tell Sophia watches as you do. You give her a reassuring smile and hope she can see it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe seems to accept it as she closes her eyes.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAttempting to do so quietly, you let out a heavy exhale.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhat the fuck just happened? She just had a panic attack.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou wipe the sweat from your brow... Wait, when did you start sweating?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour heart still feels restless.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhat the fuck did you get yourself into?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAs certain as your name is Anon, you aren't qualified to deal with this.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut...you remember you're the only one she's got right now.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou'll call in sick tomorrow. You can't leave Sophia alone after something like that.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou aren't able to fall asleep.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia may be having the same problem.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhether she can or can't, you stay dutiful in your promise.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSitting silently with jumbled thoughts.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAfter some time of retrospection, it's a little surprising when you finally realized you had called her \"Sophie.\"\n\n \n\n \n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\n \n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Again, I'm so sorry.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Don't worry about it, Anon. You're doing everyone a favor not coming in,\" Ceight says over the phone.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou give a weak chuckle.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Just get better for tomorrow if you can, will you?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Of course... Thank you,\" you may not be sick, but the lack of sleep certainly helps you sound like you are.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Goodbye.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Bye.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe hangs up.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou breathe another sigh.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eUsing one of your sick days this early was not something you wanted to do.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut you feel it had to be done.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou kept your promise to Sophia.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere when she fell asleep, and still there when she woke up.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe armchair did your back no favors though.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eEither way, you've got the entire day to ensure Sophia is doing all right.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShould you ask her about the nightmare?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOr maybe it'd be better if you took a casual approach, without making her feel like she's pressured to tell you about something she's not comfortable with.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia's still on the couch, unsurprisingly.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's as if she's claimed it. Not intentionally, rather she's just too nervous to venture out any farther without your permission.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou pour two bowls of cereal since you have practically nothing else at the moment.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Sophia, come have some breakfast,\" you call to her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's quick to respond, making her way towards you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou hand her a bowl and spoon.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Thank you,\" she says before walking to the table.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer vocabulary hasn't been too diverse, you think.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Thank you,\" \"Okay,\" and most prominently \"Sorry,\" seem to make up the majority of what she says.\n\n \n\n\\\u003ePerhaps that in itself could be a conversation starter?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou join her at the dinner table.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"So Sophia...\" you awkwardly start, her attention snaps to you. \"You don't seem to like to talk very much.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I don't want to do something wrong....\" she returns.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Something wrong?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I...don't want to be annoying.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Why do you think that'd be annoying?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe doesn't have an answer, giving a weak shrug.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou remember last night, Sophia waking up from a nightmare in a panic and promising she'd be a \"good girl.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt unsettles you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Sophia, you shouldn't be scared to speak your mind.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I want to make sure you're comfortable here, but I can't help unless I know you have a problem. If there's something you need to say, it's not going to annoy me. I promise.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eStill no response. Just wordless attentiveness.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere's really nothing else you can say on that matter.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou communicated your point, but Sophia actually needs to initiate for your point to be proven.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIn the silence, you go back to eating.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIf she really doesn't want to talk, then you won't try to force it out of her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...I-I was wondering...\" she stutters to your surprise. \"Can I...ask something?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou jump at this opportunity.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Of course. Anything.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"W-Well... I... Thank you so much for helping me, but...\" she breaks eye contact, seemingly unsure of how to finish her inquiry. \"Why...?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhy? Why did you decide to take her in?\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Why help me?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThat...was a harder question to answer than you anticipated.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Well, I thought about when we first met,\" you start, pausing to mull over your thought process at the time. \"I thought about how you were just a child, homeless, without anyone to help you.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou give it some more thought.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"If something were to happen to you, it wouldn't have been easy on my conscious.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Your what?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Er, I'd feel really awful.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...For me?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Well, yeah. You didn't deserve that. You're a good kid.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You think I'm a...a good kid?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Why is that surprising to you?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I... I'm always bothering people.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou may not have known Sophia for very long, but it's not hard to get a good idea why she's the way she is.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"There were people who took care of you before me, right?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe nods.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Do you think you were always bothering them?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAnother nod, not as weak as the last.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Do you know why?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNo nod this time. Rather she looks aimlessly downward.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou take a deep breath.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, listen,\" her gaze shifts to you. \"It doesn't sound to me that you were with good people.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"But it's my fault.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"No, Sophia, they just wanted you to feel that way.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I don't know who they were, but I've seen how you act. However they treated you, I want you to know that things are different here.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You shouldn't be scared. I'm not going to get angry when you have something you want to say or do.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia looks back at you as if she has no idea what you're saying.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt takes a few attempts before she's able to find her voice.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Really?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Really.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe has nothing to say after that, but you feel there's been a subtle change in her expression. One more...thoughtful, perhaps?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe two of you finish breakfast in silence.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAfterwards, and as usual, Sophia spends her time quietly at the couch.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThis time however, she appears less nervous, at the expense of being even more distant and aloof.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eLost in her own thoughts, blankly staring rather than studying the room.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThough, you realize that there's not really much she is able to do anyway.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMaybe you could buy her some toys. Give her something else to do than watch the hours scrape by.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThanks to work, you know there's a humble toy store minutes away. You could easily make a quick trip.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut before you leave, you approach Sophia, who snaps out of her thoughts so to give you her undivided attention.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, Sophia, I'm going to head out for a little bit. Will you be all right while I'm gone?\" you ask earnestly.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAfter last night, you want to be sure she's okay with being home alone for a little while.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yes,\" she responds, quite taciturn.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Are you sure?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'll be okay.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer responses are still brief, yet the subtle change in demeanor is slightly jarring.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"All right then. I'll be back soon.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe nods.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWith a bag of new toys in one hand, you use your other to open the door to your house.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAs per usual, you announce you are home.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou make your way over to the couch, knowing that Sophia probably hasn't even moved from there since you've been gone.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...Except, you're surprised to find her absent from her usual spot.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou turn to the sound of rushing, padded feet making their way towards you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe stops near you, posture as straight and stiff as can be.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"There you are,\" you say. \"I didn't expect to see you anywhere away from here.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Is that okay?\" She makes out meekly. \"I just wanted to look around.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"There's nothing wrong with that. I don't want you thinking this is the only room you're allowed in.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh. Thank you,\" she nods.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThanking you for what? Not getting mad she moved from one room to another?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMoving on from that, you catch her eyes peering at the bag you're holding.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"So anyway, I was worried you were getting bored here with nothing to do,\" you begin. \"So I picked up a few things....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou reach into the bag, pulling out a stuffed rabbit like a magic trick. It definitely had Sophia's attention.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I thought you could use a little pal to keep you company when I can't. Someone who'll protect you when you're scared at night.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia accepts it as you offer it to her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe takes a moment to feel the fur against her own, and flicks the floppy ears a few times, getting familiar with her new friend.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe looks back at you, but before she can ask anything, you pull out some more items.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eColoring materials, building blocks, miniature cars...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I didn't really know what you might've wanted, so I made sure to pick out a good variety.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...It's all for me?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You think I bought this for myself?\" you chuckle lightly, though Sophia's serious demeanor doesn't let up. \"Er, yes. It's all for you.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia takes a moment to study the new gifts.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Thank you, Anon...\" she stares into the beady eyes of her rabbit. \"You're always so nice to me... You don't need to be.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eA small sigh escapes you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I meant what I said, Sophia. You're a good kid.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAlthough nothing more is said, you could've sworn that you saw the wolf's typically immovable frown lift a tiny bit.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia had been much more adventurous today than ever, no longer restraining herself to the living room.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNot that she does too much in these new territories. She just takes in the sights, experiencing some kind of freshness in something once thought prohibited of her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAt least, that's what you surmise.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's hard to image exactly what she's thinking at any moment, clutching her rabbit in a tight hug.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNot that the house is particularly dirty, but her wanderings have made you a little self-conscious of your abode.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAnd since you don't have to worry about work today, you decide to do a bit of cleaning.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're in the middle of sweeping the kitchen when you hear a soft voice behind you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"E-Excuse me? Anon?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yes, Sophia?\" You turn to face her, a little taken by surprise. She has a sheet of paper in her hands. Her eyes land on your broom.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh... Are you busy?\" she's says, already taking a step back.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Not at all.\" you tell her. Sophia being the one to initiate conversation is definitely something you want to encourage. \"Something on your mind?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Ah, um... Did I...\" after some apparent mental debate, Sophia flips the paper around and presents it to you. \"Did I do this right?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOn the paper, entirely in black crayon, is a very simplistic representation of a cat.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe head consists of a circle, two triangles, dotted eyes, straight-line whiskers, and an upside-down \"Y\" for the mouth.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe rest of the body, conversely drawn from a sideways perspective, is shaped like a teardrop with limbs and a tail.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAbove the artwork, the word \"C\u0026nbsp; A\u0026nbsp; T\" was carefully scribbled. The word specifically was what Sophia pointed to.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Does it say....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Cat?\" You finish for her, to which she nods. You smile. \"I'm happy you remembered our lesson.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"So I got it right?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Absolutely.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia flips the paper back over to review the her craft.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Thank you,\" then, after a short pause. \"...Will we do that again sometime?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"The lessons? Of course, as long as you want to keep doing them.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yes, please.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere's a sense of pride and overall joy residing within you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe feeling is stronger than you would've anticipated.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou may be stuck with her for an unknown amount of time, but do you really mind?\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hey,\" you grab her attention. \"I'm really proud of you.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eI might've been just your imagination, but you could've sworn the gray fur on her face shifted to a slightly redder hue.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou present your palm for a high-five.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe studies it for a bit, but eventually she carefully brings her hand up...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...and grabs your own.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou stifle a snicker at her misinterpretation, closing your hand.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Are we going somewhere?\" she asks, hand in yours.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"No,\" you let go of her hand. \"Thanks for sharing that with me. I'm very happy you've learned from our lesson.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh... You're welcome,\" she says bashfully.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWith nothing more to ask, Sophia turns the corner, out of sight.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou go back to sweeping.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt feels like you've found a piece of yourself you didn't realize you were missing...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOnce Sophia's dinner was ready, she thanked you before the two of you sat down at the table.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour sick day was coming to a close.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Sophia,\" you start. \"Have you been feeling all right today?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe tilts her head at the question. \"All right?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I mean, after last night.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh.\" Rather than answer verbally, she nods her head.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Good. But you'll still tell me if you're worried about anything, will you?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNo response.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou don't like what the silence implies.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Is there something you're worried about?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Remember, nothing's gonna make me mad.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Um... H-How long am I staying here?\" She pipes up.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eDoes she... Does she want to leave?\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I don't like being outside....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Outside?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"It's cold. And I don't know anyone. A-And...\" she doesn't finish the thought, but you catch her glancing at her food.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou realize what she meant.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Listen, Sophia. I promise you, that's not going to happen to you again. You can stay as long as you need.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003ePerhaps you hadn't phrased that right.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe'll stay here until you can figure out how to get her into a caring family.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWithout, of course, allowing the authorities to find out you've been housing her without whatever qualifications are needed to do so.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Thank you,\" she says simply. For a second it seemed like she was going to say more, but she doesn't.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Of course,\" you smile.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou decide to go to bed earlier today. Partly for work, and partly to make up for lost sleep last night.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNaturally, that meant Sophia had to go to bed earlier too. She didn't seem to mind.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou tuck her in as she hugs the rabbit tight.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou've told her to wake you up if she needed anything before, but it doesn't hurt to reinforce the statement.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAs you walk to bed, you think about the picture she drew.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHow she came to talk to you, rather than the inverse.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAnd how she had actually applied what you had taught her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSomething about it just makes you smile.\n\n \n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou wake up early next morning to prepare for work.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt was pleasant to get up from your bed rather than an armchair.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour back certainly thanks you for it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThough, you hope Sophia slept well too.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHopefully she didn't have any nightmares.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThough if that was the case, she probably would have woken you up, just like what you told her she could do.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThen again, that isn't really something you can count on, is it?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhile she seems to have grown a lot less hesitant to do pretty much anything, Sophia still isn't too outward.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eQuietly, you make your way down to perform a quick check on her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eLooking around the corner, you see her asleep on the couch.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eUnderneath the blankets, she's cuddled up on her side.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNo sleep talking this time.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhile she slumbers, you do your usual morning routine, just a bit quieter and avoiding turning on lights where you can.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOnce everything is all set, you return to the couch and lower yourself to your knees.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eVery gently, you nudge her shoulder.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe stirs slightly, and one of her eyes squints open.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eLuckily, you're met with a sleepy groan rather than fearful hyperventilation.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Mmn...?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Sophia.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Yes...?\" she groggily utters.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I just want to let you know I'm going to work,\" you explain.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You're...leaving?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'll be back in a couple hours.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Oh.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I put your breakfast on the counter when you're ready, but you can sleep in a little longer if you want.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Mmn...okay.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Goodbye, Sophia. I'll see you later,\" you say as you stand back up.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou turn to leave, but before you can, she utters something.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"P... Promise?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I promise.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou wait a bit just in case she wants to say anything else.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut it's not until you're about to walk out the door when you hear her sleepy voice again.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Good...bye...Anon.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You feeling better, Anon?\" Jane asks.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah, are you?\" Greg joins in. \"Not too worried about myself, but I got a kid at home, so it'd be nice to know.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'm fine,\" you assure them. \"I guarantee you, I'm all better.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Heh,\" Reita awkwardly chuckles. \"Good news for me as your desk partner.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou return a friendly-awkward chuckle of your own.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eA smile from Reita indicated she appreciated the gesture.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Can you even catch the same diseases as us?\" Greg asks out of the blue.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eReita's subtle grin flattens out again.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Yes.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Ah.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eApparently, that's where the conversation will end.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eReita's the first to get back to work, breaking the silence with her keyboard.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe rest of you follow suit.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eGreg and Jane casually begin another conversation amongst themselves.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eReita, and the other hand, sits in silence.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer posture seems to have slumped a bit.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou decide to make an effort...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"So... Anything interesting happen yesterday?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh?\" She turns to you. \"Not really. Nothing exciting ever really happens here, unfortunately.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Maybe that's not a bad thing, everything being so...normal.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Maybe not. I don't know, it's more of the same outside work.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I can't say the same.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Why not?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShit.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, uh... I'm helping with watching over my niece this week,\" you say.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou probably could've come up with a better lie with more time, that was just the first thing that came to your head for some reason.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I have a baby nephew,\" she puts in. \"Is your niece giving you any trouble?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Not really. She's very shy, it's just that I don't have much experience with this sort of thing.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Well, as long as you give it your best effort, I'm sure nobody will fault you.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I suppose that is true.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere's a pause in the conversation, and for a second, you assume it's over.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...It's good to see you back today, Anon.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, you too.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou return home during your lunch break, but not before picking up a couple of sandwiches.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou still aren't 100% sure about anthro diets.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAccording to the internet, anthros are omnivores like humans, but they still tend to have general preferences\u0026nbsp; befitting of their species.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIs it true? Guess you'll be finding out now, when you give Sophia her chicken sandwich.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou spent some extra money so she could have a larger sized sandwich.\n\n \n\n\\\u003ePartly to test the theory, but mostly because you feel she'd appreciate having too much to eat rather than too little.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's experienced too much of the latter.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBefore you can call for her, you hear her making her way over to you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBy the sound of it, she was upstairs.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's comforting to know she stopped restricting herself to the living room.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe makes it to your side before you know it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hi, Anon....\" she greets.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, Sophia,\" you smile. \"I told you I'd be back. And I brought something you might like.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou hold out her sandwich. I'm doing so, you realized she was already staring at it before you presented it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"It smells good,\" she puts simply.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThat's a good sign.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIn a couple small steps, she gently takes the meal as you offer it, sniffing the wrapper.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Come on, let's eat at the table,\" you offer.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe nods without taking her eyes off her lunch.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOnce the two of you have settled at the table, you begin unwrapping your sandwich.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou notice Sophia mimicking your movements in the corner of your eye.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOnce unwrapped, you take a bite out of yours.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eDecent. One of the better meals you've had since you got here.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're more concerned about how much Sophia will enjoy it. You turn just in time to see–\n\n \n\n\\\u003eCHOMP!\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe force of Sophia digging her teeth into her meal causes you to flinch.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe rears her head back, ferally tearing off a large chunk.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBefore you can get over your surprise, she takes another huge bite.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eA few more, and it's gone.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eDumbfounded, you look from where Sophia's sandwich once existed to your own, missing just one small piece.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe way she devoured it was yet another reiteration that you haven't taken on the responsible for a human child, but a wolf.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"U-Um, could I have a napkin, please? If that's okay?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou snap out of your thoughts.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, of course,\" you reach into the sandwich bag and pull one out. \"Here.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Thank you.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You, uh, ate that pretty fast,\" you say as she gently wipes her mouth. \"Did you like it, or were you just hungry?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Both,\" she answers, folding the napkin in half and setting it down. \"...It was really good. Thank you, Anon.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'm glad you liked it. Are you still hungry?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...No.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You sure?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...A little.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou take your sandwich and split it in two, offering her the side without your bite mark.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Here, have some more.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Y-You don't have to....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I don't mind. Really.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Won't you get hungry?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I can grab a quick snack if I do,\" you assure her. \"Go ahead.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Okay,\" she decides after some hesitation, accepting your half. \"Thank you.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Maybe you should take smaller bites this time. Savor the flavor,\" and not choke.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Okay.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou watch as Sophia, as delicately as can be, brings the sandwich to her mouth, and takes the smallest possible nibble.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAn onlooker could've perceived that as snarky and rude.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut you know it was completely genuine on her part, and you stifle a snicker.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"So, Sophia,\" you start. \"How are you doing here? When I'm gone?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'm good,\" she responds astutely and bluntly. \"I don't do anything I'm not supposed to.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I meant more like... How're you feeling here when you're alone? Do you get bored, or nervous, or anything like that?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"N-Not at all! I like it here. There aren't any problems....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Remember, Sophia, you can be honest with me.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere's a pause as she shifts all of her focus to you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe stares a bit before her eyes look down to the table.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e \"I... I get a little lonely when you leave....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAll of the sudden, guilt hits your chest like a sledgehammer.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're not sure why that initial reaction felt so strong, but like hell it did.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Lonely? I'm sorry. That hadn't occurred to me,\" you say. \"Would you...rather I stayed here?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Y-you don't have to....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"But would you like that?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAfter some apparent hesitation, she nods.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou ponder the situation for a bit.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'm not sure I'll be able to spend a lot of time at home,\" you tell her. \"But I'll see if I can find a way to be here more often.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's still staring down.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I...\" she begins. \"I-I'm sorry if I don't look happy ever. I really, really like it here. I promise. I'm j-just so confused....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Confused?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"This place is so different. You're so different....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"It was a quick change, wasn't it?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Mm-hm.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Well, this is a new experience for me, too,\" you tell her. \"It's okay to feel confused. I don't know what I should be doing a lot of the time. But I don't regret what I did, and I'm happy you're here.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Me too.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'm glad. We're in this together, so I don't want you feeling lonely.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...Maybe now you realize why you felt so guilty earlier.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...C-Can I...\" she turns to you, but doesn't finish her sentence.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hm?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe looks away again.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"N-Never mind.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"What is it?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"It's n-nothing. Please forget it.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe goes back to taking small nibbles of her sandwich.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou can't help but feel slightly disappointed.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe was opening up a little to you, but stopped herself.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou won't pry, though. She'll tell you if she wants to.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"All right, Sophie,\" you say. \"Just remember that I won't get mad at you if there's something you want to say.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer eyes turn to you for a second.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe stares for a bit, and nods.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou give a friendly smile before getting in another bite of your own meal.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou had been itching to get back home today. The reason wasn't unclear.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e \"I... I get a little lonely when you leave....\" kept echoing in your mind.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSaying goodbye to Sophia after lunch didn't leave you with the best feeling.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere wasn't a moment when you weren't wondering what Sophia was doing at any given moment.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eProbably not much, honestly.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eStill, there was a newfound guilt associated with leaving her by herself.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou hope to make it up to her a little bit as you step into your house.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hey Sophia, I'm back,\" you say.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSure enough, you hear her start to approach.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBy the direction Sophia came from, you guess she must've been in the living room.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe isn't as hasty as she usually is, but she isn't sluggish either.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hi, Anon,\" she greets, stopping three steps in front of you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You know, you don't have to run over here every time I get home, if you don't want to.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh,\" she says. \"...But, I can if I want?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"If you want? Of course,\" you answer. \"So you're...happy to see me, then?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Mm-hm,\" she nods.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou get a warm feeling in your chest from hearing that, and you can't help but grin.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'm glad to see you too,\" you tell her, reaching out to gently ruffle the top of her head.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...Wait, why are you-\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hehe...!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...Was that a giggle? From her?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia seems as surprised as you are, putting a palm to her mouth.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe looks up to you, and slowly lowers her hand.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"W-was that...annoying?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Annoying?\" you question. \"Of course not. I'd love to hear your laughter more often. I've never heard it before.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Me neither.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...She hasn't? Not once in her life?\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"That's... Sophia....\" you aren't sure what to say.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe doesn't seem to either, and the two of you hang in an awkward silence.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWell, at the very least, that means her laugh right then was a pretty big milestone.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAnd it was you who made her laugh.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhich reminded you of your interrupted thought...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou just decided to ruffle her hair without thinking about it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour dad did that a lot to you when you were young.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt gives an idea that...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...No.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThat wouldn't work out. You're not someone who could fill that role, or at least, you wouldn't fill it well.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...It's strange that you'd even casually consider-\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\\*Achoo!\\*\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're brought out of your thoughts as Sophia uses her elbow to cover a sneeze.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's not sick is she?\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Are you feeling okay? Have you been sneezing a lot?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"No. I think a little bit of hair fell on my nose,\" she answers.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You're sure?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I think so.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Here, look up at me for a second.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe does so without a word or hesitation, lifting her head to get a better look at you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'm gonna feel for a fever, all right?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh...okay.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou lift your hand and cup it over her forehead.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt doesn't feel particularly hot... You don't think...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt is covered in fur though, so your judgements are likely thrown off.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou really hope she's not sick. You'd probably take her to a doctor, though given the current circumstances...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWell, you'll have a lot of explaining to do.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eRegardless, you wouldn't want her to go without adequate medical care.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Well, let me know if you ever feel unwell, Okay?\" you say, removing your hand.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe nods.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Okay.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou look around the room, at nothing in particular.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"So, I was thinking about this evening, about what you said about feeling lonely,\" you start. \"And I thought it might be good if we did something together. Like a game, or something.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Together?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer ears seem to perk up slightly.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah, if you'd like,\" you say, guiding her to the living room.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou find that she neatly organized the toys you bought her on the couch.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMaybe you should try something simple?\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I don't know, maybe...\" you scan the selection before taking a purple, medium-sized ball. \"...Maybe you'd like to play catch?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNormally it would be a bad idea to do so indoors. But you don't have anything expensive hanging around.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"S-Sure! I've seen other kids play before, but....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You haven't played yourself?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Not with anybody else.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou take a moment to appreciate that your childhood was nothing like her's.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Well, why don't we try together?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Y-Yeah!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe eagerness in her attitude caught your attention. It was something you hadn't seen in her before.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"All right. I'll stand over here,\" you shift to a more open place in the room. \"And how about you stand over there?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe got to where you were pointing before you even finished your sentence. Her pace looked to be more out of interest than obligation.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Ready?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Mm-hm,\" she nods.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou start off with a gentle underhanded pass, allowing for an easy catch.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia has no problems catching it. She uses both hands to snatch it out of the air.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe peers at the ball, and then at you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Nice catch,\" you praise. \"Now-\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBefore you realize it, the ball has already left her hands.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour sentence is cut short when it collides into your chest with more force than you expected it to have.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eDespite that, you managed to catch it between your hands and body.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour weak grunt is quickly overshadowed by Sophia's sharp gasp.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'm sorry!\" She cries. \"I didn't mean...! I-I didn't mean–\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Sophia.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"–to h-hit you! W-When I throw it at a wall–\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Sophie.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"–if I didn't throw hard e-enough, it wouldn't bounce back to–\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Sophia!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe freezes up entirely at that.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'm not hurt,\" you assure her. \"It's just a ball. I'm not mad.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh...\" she stares down. From embarrassment or sadness, you couldn't really tell.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eProbably both.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Come on, Sophia. How are you going to catch the ball if you keep looking down like that?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe peers back up as you give an encouraging smile.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou toss it again, and she catches it just as easily as before.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia looks at the ball, then at you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Are... Are you ready?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah, go ahead and throw it to me.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Okay....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe holds up the ball, taking a moment to rotate it in her grip, as if she's expecting to find anything more than a solid purple.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWith careful, unconfident consideration, she brings her arm back before throwing the ball at you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWell, less like a throw. More like a weak push through the air.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe ball hits the ground halfway between the two of you and bounces to your feet.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'm not good at this...\" Sophia remarks. \"Maybe we should stop.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Don't beat yourself up, Sophia. You just need to find a good medium,\" you say as you pick up the ball. \"Just...watch what I do.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBefore tossing it back, you take some extra time to better demonstrate another simple underhanded toss.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOnce again, Sophia has an easy time catching it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Now you try.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Okay....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe grips the ball as you did, and attempts to imitate the motion you had shown her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe repeats a few practice movements, getting a feeling for the heft of the ball and the force she'll release it with.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhen she lets go, the ball sails a leisurely arc in your direction.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eStill, it hits the ground before it reaches you. However it made it much farther that go.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"That's better! You've almost got it,\" you tell her before you toss the ball back again.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAs you watch her try again, you notice she seems to have regained a bit of her enthusiasm.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe throws with more force, and the ball perfectly makes its way from her hands to yours.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"See? You've got it,\" you smile. \"You still want to stop?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe shakes her head. \"No, please.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"That's good. Would've been a shame to stop it there.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe two of you begin a steady back-and-forth.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt was a very simple game, of course, but Sophia became less and less rigid as you went along.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer energy also appeared to increase with every successful catch and throw, especially after you acknowledged them.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAs you happily noted to yourself, her usually stoic muzzle eventually rested into a subtle grin.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou also noticed...some sort of noise? Something like a soft sweeping sound.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAs you try to listen for it, the sound stops.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Anon...?\" Sophia says bashfully, holding on to the ball. Again, she begins to study it from all angles.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou've been around her long enough to guess she's trying to avoid eye-contact.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yes? Is something wrong?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"C-Could I...?\" She stops herself. \"...You said that I shouldn't be scared if...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"If you have something you wanted to say?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah... I, um... Could I ask for something?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAsk for something? You ponder what that could be.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Well, of course,\" you tell her. \"What is it you want?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"C-Can I get...\" her shoulders begin to tense, as if she's preparing for rejection. \"Can I h-have....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...A h-hug?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eA hug?\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I-I always saw other kids getting hugged by their m-mom or d...dad,\" she stutters. \"Y-you hugged me after I had a b-bad dream, and made me feel better. But I d-don't want it to be the only time....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHearing Sophia's quivering voice... You're feeling that strong sense of responsibility again.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Sophia...\" you say, starting to approach her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe stands completely locked in place. She's not even rotating the ball anymore, just staring at one spot.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou get down to her level, about two feet apart...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...and you hold your arms open.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia finally peers away from the ball, looking at your invitation.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe gently lies the ball on the ground, and then turns fully to you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You... You're okay with that...?\" She timidly asks.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"What do you think I'm doing this for?\" You say with your arms still out and a welcoming smile.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...It's really okay?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Of course. Now are you going to leave me hanging, or–Oouf!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour sentence is cut short as Sophia runs into your arms like a crash test dummy.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThat...definitely hurt more than the ball. But frankly, you don't really care. You're glad she was able to muster up the courage.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia's holding you tight, wrapping her arms around your torso.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer head finds its place over your shoulder and half nuzzled into your neck. Her fur tickles a little.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou hug her back tightly in turn, being as reciprocal as appropriate.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Thank you, Anon,\" you hear. \"You... You're always so nice to me....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You deserve kindness,\" you tell her. \"I'll be happy to give you a hug anytime you want.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Th-Tha... Thank you...so much...\" you feel a drop of water trickle onto your neck.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe really needed this.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe poor kid.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou don't think of yourself as a heavenly saint or anything.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut at this moment, as the young wolf clings to you like the world would end if she let go, you realize just how big of an impact you've had on her life.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou never thought you could be that kind of person to anyone.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's a weird feeling.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eNo, it's a lot of feelings.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut all-in-all, you're so happy you decided to help her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThough, it all becomes bittersweet when you imagine that once everything gets sorted out, you'll be seeing her a lot less, if at all.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou hope she'll be just as happy with her new family when the time comes.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou realize that sweeping sound from before started up again. It sounds very close this time.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's...coming from Sophia?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou notice the back her dress moving slightly.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's wagging her tail.\n\n \n\n \n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\n \n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou really don't have any idea how long Sophia is going to be staying with you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's a thought that's been crossing your mind a lot lately.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAs far as you can tell, it's going to be a while before you can figure something out.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBecause of that, you feel it's even more important that she's comfortable in your home.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe clothes and toys you've gifted her, as well as your interactions with her in general, have been a testament towards your efforts to keep her as comfortable here as you can.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHowever, there was one exception that became increasingly more obvious with every passing day.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOr rather, every passing night...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe still slept on your couch.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt was an arrangement you hadn't put too much thought into at first. You brought her in to your home suddenly, and you didn't have a guest bed, so the couch was the next comfiest thing.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWell, other than your own bed.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt makes you feel a bit guilty. Maybe you should have slept on the couch while she got the bed.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eRegardless, you're fixing that issue today, bringing in a flat, wide bag of a yet-to-be-assembled bed frame.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere's a room upstairs that you were using for storage. You don't have too much to store, so it didn't take long to clear out.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"What's that?\" You hear as you get to the base of the staircase. You turn to see Sophia, her eyes focusing on the bag you're holding.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, Sophia. It's... It's a surprise,\" you decide.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"A surprise?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yep. You don't mind staying downstairs for a little while, do you?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"No.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Alright, I'll tell you when it's ready.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe nods, and manages to pry her curious eyes from the bag.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe steps out of sight, and you continue upstairs.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOnce in the empty room, you open up the bag and lay out its contents as neatly as you can.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's mostly a metal frame, which'll be pieced together through nuts and bolts. The mattress will also rest upon wooden planks.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAssembly shouldn't be hard. It looks easy enough to understand at a glance. Each piece is numbered and listed on a small pamphlet.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou get to work, not wanting to leave Sophia in suspense for too long.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAs you go down the numbers, assembling the frame piece by piece, you think about how far this is escalating.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou went out on basically a whim to find her, and somehow you did.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou hadn't imagined she'd have stayed here long, but here you are building a bed for her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe two of you have learned more about each other as the days progress.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt was obvious she hasn't had an ideal life just based on how you found her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut actually seeing how she acts and reacts to being in your home has given you even more perspective.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe deserves better, and you hope you can get her there.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOnce you've gotten the final piece screwed on, you move the frame to the corner of the room.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAll right, time to get the mattress.\n\n \n\n\u0026nbsp;\\\u003eIt's gonna be a bitch to carry in alone.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou opted to take it through the front door, as that route had least corners to turn.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut first, you peek into the living room, finding Sophia on the couch, playing with her stuffed rabbit. Though she shifted her attention to you as you came from around the corner.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAs long as she stayed here, nobody would be able to see her while you left the front door open.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou don't like having to keep her hidden in your house, but you're still scared someone might misread your good intentions in providing housing for a homeless little girl until you can find her a permanent home.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIf anyone saw a young anthro in your house, that'd certainly draw some attention. You don't know what would happen next, but you aren't convinced it'd be good for you or Sophia.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, Sophie,\" you say, \"I'm going to leave the front door open for a minute or two, so do you mind staying here for a little while?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Okay,\" she nods. \"...Is something wrong outside?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWould it be a good idea to tell her your worries?\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...No, don't worry about it. It's...to not spoil the surprise,\" you tell her. \"So you can play around here, but just don't go near the front door for a bit. Until I say so.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I won't,\" she affirms. \"I promise.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Thank you,\" you smile, before ducking out of the room.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIn the trunk of the car, laying on top of the folded backseats, is the mattress.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's a little smaller than most, but Sophia isn't exactly huge (Though you briefly wonder how big wolf anthros normally get).\n\n \n\n\\\u003eStill, it's not going to be an easy carry alone.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou do your best to tuck it under your arm, using your other to support it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWith a strained grunt, you managed to lift the mattress and keep an awkward-but-sufficient hold.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWith the mattress in hand, you begin your walk through the front door.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia did as she was told, and wasn't there to see you bring in the vital part of her new bed.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eGetting upstairs makes you slightly nervous of dropping it, or even falling backwards yourself.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou reach the top just fine, however.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou set the mattress down at the top of the staircase to quickly head back down and shut the front door.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eGetting the mattress on the bed is as simple as lying on the frame.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eFrom there, all you need to do is make the bed with blankets and pillows.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou try to do so as neatly as possible. When you're done, there's not a crease to be found.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eTaking a step back, you evaluate your work.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's a modest bed, and it looks a little strange being the only object of interest of the room, but it'll definitely be better than the couch.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe covers are a deep blue, with a yellow crescent pattern. They'll match her pajamas.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eTime for the big reveal, you suppose.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou find Sophia, still in the living room.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's quicker to notice you compared to last time.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"All right, the surprise is ready,\" you say.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIn a moment's notice, she's at your side like a duck that just hatched.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"What kind of surprise is it?\" She asks.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Wouldn't be much of a surprise if I told you, wouldn't it?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh... Yeah.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Follow me so I can show you it instead.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe nods, and the two of you make your way upstairs.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou stand by the door to the room with her new bed.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia watches as you grab hold of the handle.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWith a little presentational flair, you push the door open and gesture for Sophia to enter.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Thank you,\" she says to you politely as she walks in. You step in after her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOnce inside, you stand by Sophia's side, getting roughly the same view as her's to the big surprise.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...It sure is a bed all right.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThinking about it, you hope you weren't setting Sophia's expectations too high.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I was thinking that you'd be tired of sleeping on the couch by now,\" you tell her. \"So I got this set up for you.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou turn your eyes from the bed to Sophia.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe's staring, wide-eyed, at it. As if she were looking over the view atop Mount Everest.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe opens her mouth to say something, but stops herself.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eInstead, she turns to you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Can I...have another hug?\" She asks.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh? Of course,\" you answer, turning to her and opening your arms.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're much more prepared this time, as Sophia dashes into your embrace.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia holds onto you tightly, likely giving the strongest hug she could muster.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Thank you, Anon,\" she says as she lets go.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Of course. Why don't you get a feel for it?\" You suggest.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia nods and walks over to the bed.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe gently places one paw on top of the covers, then the other.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou watch as she pushes down against the mattress a few times, feeling how her paws press into it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia then twists her body and sits on the bed, legs hanging off of the side.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"How does it feel?\" You ask, getting closer so you could press your fingers against the mattress. \"If you think it's too hard, I could get a better one. It wouldn't be a problem.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"It's really comfy,\" she answers as she rotates and leans back to lie down.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Is it better than the couch?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Mm-hm.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"That's good. I'm sorry I didn't do this sooner.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia sits up and looks at you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"No, it's okay,\" she tells you. \"The couch wasn't bad. It was better than...I mean...\" she stops herself.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Better than?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer eyes drift down.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...T-Than before.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh,\" you think you understand. \"You don't have to talk about that if you don't want to.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia doesn't say anything, just starting wordlessly at the floor as she sits on the bed.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThis was supposed to be a happy moment for her...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou turn around and take a seat next to her, nearly sitting shoulder to shoulder.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eStill, her gaze doesn't move.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I know that things were difficult for you before. If at any point you want someone to talk to about it, I'll be here,\" you say. \"If not, that's fine too. Whatever you're comfortable with.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia stays silent for a few seconds.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...You're so different from them. I... I can be the one who speaks first, and you won't yell at me,\" she says.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYour heart sinks a little.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"And I never will. That's not a reason to get mad at all. It's not normal,\" you assure her. \"I know I've said this a lot, but I really want you to understand that you're not a bad kid.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eEven still, Sophia stares downward. She drags a finger across the sheets.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"T-They didn't have very many beds. Good kids got to take turns...for who got one,\" she reminisced. \"...I always slept on the floor.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eDeep inside, you feel a flash of anger for the people who made Sophia feel worthless.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut you quickly stuff it out. Getting angry isn't going to help her feel better.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBefore you've realized it, you're gently rubbing her back in a comforting manner.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Those days are over. You won't have to sleep on the ground again.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...I-It's just so weird...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Weird?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Everything here is so nice. You're so nice. I don't know what I should be doing here.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"What you should be doing? Sophia, you don't need to do anything for me. I'm not going to kick you out.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I don't want you to think I'm...u-useless,\" she quivers. \"I can do chores.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I don't think you're useless. You don't need to do any work around here.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe pauses for a second, thinking.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I... I want to,\" she affirms. \"Because you helped me, I want to h-help you too. S-So you know I'm thankful.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Aw, Sophia...\" you're a little unsure what to say, but you are sure her sentiment touched you. \"Really, you don't need to prove that to me. But, if it will make you feel better to help around the house, I suppose I could come up with something for you.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Really?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Only if you really want to.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe nods.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I promise I'll do a good job...!\" She says with a fresh hint of enthusiasm.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou smile at her slight burst of confidence. Maybe this will be good for her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou can't help but ruffle her hair.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I know you will,\" you say as you manage to get a soft giggle out of her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe sound of her laughter is definitely something you hope to hear more often.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Thank you, Anon,\" she says, now smiling herself. It was a weak smile, but a smile nonetheless.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Of course,\" you say as you stand up from the bed.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBriefly, you look around the mostly empty room.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I suppose this will be your room while you stay here. We could move your stuff here,\" you begin.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHowever, you're interrupted by the sound of your ringing phone.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, sorry Sophia. I need to take this,\" you tell her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Okay,\" she nods. Her gaze holds a twinkle of curiosity as you step out of the room.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's your dad.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhen was the last time you spoke with your parents?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou've been so focused on Sophia...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou answer the phone as you walk downstairs.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, Dad.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, Anon! Did I help you find your phone?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I know, I'm sorry. I've just been a little busy. I promise I'll call more often.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'm just pulling your leg. Not that I wouldn't want you to call more often....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I hear you. I hear you.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"So how are things? You doing all right over there?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah, I'm doing well. Like I said, things have been a little busy, but I'm getting into the swing of things,\" you tell him. \"Oh, could I ask you something?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"No,\" he answers, before chuckling. \"Of course you can! You're my son, why do you need to ask for permission?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, well, uh...\" you aren't too sure how you should phrase this. In the brief time you take to get your thoughts started, you take a few more steps away from Sophia's room. \"I never really met any anthros growing up. Neither you or Mom seemed to talk about them very much.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"But on the occasions you did, I kind of got the impression that you two didn't... Uh, that you weren't very comfortable speaking about them.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Do you work with some?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Yeah. That's why I wanted to ask and...set the record straight. Do you... How do you feel about them?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere's a brief pause before he responds.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Anon, listen,\" he starts. \"There's a lot of differences between anthros and you and I. Anthros are part animal, obviously. But it's not only the looks. They've got animal instincts too, you know? They're a little more, let's say, unruly than us.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I'm not necessarily telling you to avoid them, that's probably impossible where you are. Just to...keep an eye out. You know? Be cautious.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Oh.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBefore either of you could get another word in, a new voice butts in.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's Mom.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Danny! Did you call Anon and not tell me?!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Because you'd take over and talk his ear off until he's too tired to talk to me again.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, I don't do that!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hey Mom.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hi Anon! Oh, there's so much I want to ask you!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I promise I'll call you soon,\" you tell them after an hour of them asking you about how things are where you are.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Buh-bye Anon! Please don't hesitate!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Good luck out there, Anon. Remember, be careful!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Love you, bye.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou hang up.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThat conversation took a lot out of you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's not like you're unused to long conversations with your parents like that.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut hearing your dad talk about anthros made you a little uncomfortable, and that sat in the back of your mind for the entire call.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhat would they say if they knew about Sophia? Should you have told them?\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWell, they don't really need to know, do they? Sophia will be gone after you find her a home.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThough, under current circumstances, that still could take a while. You still have no idea how to go about it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou know your parents are going to want to visit sometime. Will Sophia be gone by then?\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere's something about these thoughts that doesn't sit well with you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt's probably not the best idea, but you decide to just not think about the potential problems with your parents for now.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eInstead you make your way back up to Sophia's room.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhat you find inside makes you smile.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia, having tucked herself into her new bed, with the covers rising and falling in tandem to her breathing.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe must've wanted to test out the bed with a nap.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou don't see what your dad meant about animalistic tendencies.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia couldn't hurt a fly.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...Well, thinking back to how hard she tore into that sandwich you bought for her, she probably could hurt a lot more than flies....\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia couldn't bring herself to hurt a fly. There, that's better.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou take the time to head downstairs and grab an unused bin.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAfter you've made your way to the living room, you pack up all her toys as neatly as you can.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eTrying to do so quietly, you make your way back into the room, and set the toy-filled bin in the corner.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou take another look at Sophia, curled up on her side, before flicking off the light.\n\n \n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hey Sophia. Did you have a good nap?\" You ask as you see the slightly drowsy wolf approach you. Her fur now a little messy.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're in the kitchen, sweeping the floor again.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Mm-hm,\" she responds, rubbing an eye with the back of her hand.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"That's good. So the bed was comfortable then?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yes. I didn't mean to fall asleep, but it was so soft...\" Her eyes focus on your broom. \"...Can I help?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Help?\" Oh yeah, she did say she wanted to help around the house. \"Yeah. There's a dust pan and sweeper underneath the sink. If you could get the piles I've swept up, I'd be very thankful. Be careful where you step.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Okay,\" Sophia nods, dutifully making her way to the sink, while also being cautious not to step in any piles of dust, crumbs, and fur.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSweeping the kitchen isn't going to take long. You haven't really prepared anything messy recently.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia gets right to work, go from pile to pile.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer sweeping is incredibly thorough, perhaps unnecessarily so. It's as if she wants to make sure she doesn't miss a single speck.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're basically leading her through the kitchen, as she follows the trail of dust piles you sweep. She often seems to be just a step or two behind you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBefore long, the two of you had scoured the entire kitchen floor.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Looks like we're done,\" you say as Sophia finishes up the last pile.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAfter the broom, sweeper, and dustpan are put away, you walk over to Sophia.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Nice work, Sophie. Thank you for the help,\" you tell her, bending down slightly and holding your palm out.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I did good? I didn't miss a spot, or anything?\" she asks, peering at your hand before putting a paw on it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou give her hand a gentle squeeze. Her fur is comfortingly warm.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You did great.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Thank you,\" she says a slight bit timidly.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou let go of her hand.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"So, now that that's done, what do you want to do?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Um...\" she ponders. \"...I don't know.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"We could play another game together. Or we could start another reading lesson,\" you suggest.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Reading lessons? I...I'd really like that,\" she answers with hints of both excitement and nervousness.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"All right. I'll need to set some things up first,\" you tell her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Okay. ...Thank you.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Of course. I'm happy you're eager to learn,\" you say. \"Why don't you go play while I get it ready?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe gently nods, and the two of you part.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhile Sophia heads to her new room, you head to your own.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou open a drawer and take out some papers you used for the previous lesson.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou also retrieve your laptop.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt probably wouldn't be too hard to just find some educational video online and sit her down in front of it, and you could do whatever.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt had crossed your mind a few times before, but ultimately you decided against it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOr at least, decided against relying exclusively on that.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou wanted to be with her as she learned.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou can't be certain how effective any video is without being there.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThat, and it was surprisingly difficult to find suitable material.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMost of the results assumed the child was at the earliest age it'd be reasonable to start. Extremely kiddie stuff.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHonestly you still aren't sure exactly how old Sophia is, but she's probably over twice the age those videos are intended for.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou don't know if she'd be embarrassed by them or not, so you'll just continue teaching her yourself for now.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHowever, you did manage to find a site that could be of some use.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt was an interactive page of the alphabet, where clicking on or typing any of the letters plays their respective sounds.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou've read from multiple sources that prioritizing phonetics is the best way to go about teaching a child how to read.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWith that in mind, you've got a better lesson planned than last time. Hopefully.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWith some empty sheets of paper and a marker, you write out letter combinations as clearly and organized as you can.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAfter you feel you've written enough material, you're suddenly struck with a new idea.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eGetting our a completely blank sheet of paper, you write down an entire sentence with a number of different letters, and a few words that exceeded three letters.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia's probably not going to be able to read the whole thing after just this lesson. The sentence will act as a marker for her progress.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eOnce everything is set, you head to Sophia's room.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eEntering, you see her by the toy bin.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe had been playing with a toy truck, having placed her stuffed rabbit on top of it as she \"drove\" it around.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut as soon as you arrived, she jolts up and looks at you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Is it time?\" She asks with quiet excitement. You can just make out the sound of her tail sweeping back and forth against her big orange dress.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"It is,\" you answer with a smile, making your way over to the bed. \"How about it we take the lesson here?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Okay...!\" Sophia nods before skittering over and taking a seat on the bed.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou appreciate her enthusiasm, even if you can tell she's trying to mask it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou wonder if she thinks being to eager would annoy you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"So, I've written out a few things,\" you explain, taking a seat by Sophia's side, and setting your laptop on the other. \"Now don't worry, I'm not expecting you to read this whole thing today...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou take out the paper with the sentence that's above her reading level.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...but I'm hoping that someday, you'll be able to read it by yourself.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou show it to her, and she leans in to take a look.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Sophia is a good kid who deserves to be happy.\" It reads.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Is that... Is that my name?\" She asks, pointing to the first word. \"I think that's what my name looks like.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, I didn't think you'd recognize it.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"So... It's saying something about me?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMaybe you shouldn't have used her name. You want her curiosity to incentivize her learning, but...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIf she knows it's about her, but she can't read WHAT it's saying about her, you're worried she'll be much more anxious than curious.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe probably doesn't have the highest opinion of herself...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Well, if you really can't wait to know what it says, I can tell you,\" you offer. It'd be easy to come up with another.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...It's okay. I'd like to learn how to read it on my own,\" she says softly.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"That's good. I was thinking about keeping it in this room for you to look at every now and then.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou set the paper aside, and grab another.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"So, let's get on with the lesson. Do you remember what this says?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou show her the first sentence she ever read.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Um... It's...\" she spends some time looking over it. \"...A cat sat at a mat...?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Perfect! So, that sentence has these letters in it,\" you show her A, C, S, T, and M. \"Can you tell me what each letter makes individually?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou point to the A.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Ah.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou nod and shift to the C.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Cuh?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eTo the S.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Sss.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe T.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Tuh?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAnd finally, the M.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Mmm?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Good! You remembered them all correctly. I've put together a few combinations to help get it ingrained in your head.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou move your hand down the sheet, leading her eyes to the new words.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"So, with what you know, can you tell me what these words are? Sound out each letter if you get stuck.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou point to the first word in the new section,\u0026nbsp; and one she should already by familiar with: \"AT\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"At,\" she answers quickly.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Good! But what happens when we add a 'C' in the middle?\" You ask, pointing to the next word: \"ACT\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"U-Um...\" Sophia's not as quick with this one.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Remember, you can sound each letter if you need to,\" you put in.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Ah...cuh...tuh,\" you can almost see the lightbulb that shines over her head. \"Act!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"That's it! Now, how about this?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer next word is \"TACT.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Tuh...act,\" she tries. \"...Tact?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"That's correct,\" you confirm.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Is that a word?\" She asks.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Tact? Yeah. It means...being considerate in a tough situation. ...Or something along those lines.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBy the way Sophia stares at you, you can tell she doesn't understand completely.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Well, the important thing is, you were able to read the word, even if you didn't know what it meant. Let's keep going.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou point to the first word in a new column: \"MAT\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...That's mat.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Good. And this?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer next word is \"MASS.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Mah...sss...\" she gives it some thought. \"Massssss?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou lightly chuckle. Maybe she's got some snake in the family, you jokingly think.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You're not wrong, but you don't need to draw out the 'S' so much. 'Mass' works just fine.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, it's okay. Some words are just like that. If you see two of the same letter together, usually you can just act like there's only one,\" you explain. \"Now, since this one is 'mass,' can you get this one?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou point to \"MAST.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Mast?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You got that one fast,\" you remark.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I...think I'm starting to get it,\" she says with the tiniest bit of confidence.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I think so too. But you won't be able to read many words if you only know five or six letters. So I'm going to start adding new ones in the mix.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia's eyes widen slightly.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Don't worry,\" you reassure her. \"We'll take it slow. I'll add more letters gradually, once I feel you've got a good grasp on the current ones.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh... Okay...\" she nods.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Let's try adding this letter...\" you say, beginning to write it down.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"B\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, that's the second letter,\" she says. \"I think it's called 'B'...?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"That's right,\" you say as you reach for your laptop. \"Here, I've got a little tool that could help as we start adding letters.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou open it up to the alphabet site you found.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt definitely catches Sophia's eye.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Look, you were right,\" you tell her, pointing at the 'B' on screen. The second of the alphabet. \"Go ahead and click on it.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou extend your laptop to her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You...want me to use your computer...?\" She says, eyeing it as you hold it to her. \"I-I don't want to break it....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"It's all right,\" you say. You're confident you could catch it if you noticed it slipping. Plus, the bed isn't very high off the ground, and the floor below is carpeted. \"I'll catch it if it falls.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"But I don't know how to use it. What if I break it because of that?\" She asks, obviously nervous.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I know you won't break it. Here, let me show you all you need to do.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou place the laptop on top of your lap,\u0026nbsp; and skootch slightly closer to her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou turn the laptop to face her slightly, and push it close to your knees.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Do you see this arrow?\" You ask, pointing at the cursor on screen.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Mm-hm,\" she nods.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Now, place your finger here like this,\" you instruct as you point to and set your finger on the touchpad.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAfter you lift your finger, Sophia replaces it with her own, though with an unnecessary amount of care and caution.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou hover your hand over Sophia's.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Now keep an eye on that arrow. I'm going to guide your hand to show you how it moves.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe gives a gentle nod, eyes focused on the cursor.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou put your hand over Sophia's, once again feeling the warmth of her fur, and move it so that her finger slides upward across the touchpad.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"See how it works?\" You ask as you slide her hand downward, left and right.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...I-I think so.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"All right, now try to move the arrow on the 'B' without my help,\" you tell her as you lift your hand off of hers.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer hand stays frozen for a second, but surely enough, she begins to move it up and left.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe cursor inches forward towards the \"B\".\n\n \n\n\\\u003eDespite its speed, it somehow manages to pass by it, so it comes to a stop, and then starts backing up even slower than before.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eStill, in the end, the cursor rested upon the \"B\".\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Good! Now, all you need to do...\" you put your hand back over Sophia's again, \"...is\u0026nbsp; to lightly press down on the touchpad.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eGently, you press her hand downward.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere's a barely audible click from it as enough force is supplied, and the pad gives slightly.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eUnfortunately, Sophia interpreted that as something more than a simple click, flinching at it and sliding her finger off the pad.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe cursor was far off the \"B\" before the press was released, resulting in no sound.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"I-I'm sorry! Did I b-break something...?!\" She sputters, eyes wildly scanning the laptop for any sign of damage.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"No no! Sophia, it's all right!\" You try to calm her down. \"That's supposed to happen.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"It is...?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah, look.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou reach for the laptop and move the cursor around. You click empty space a couple of times.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"See? Nothing's broken.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"O-Oh,\" she remarks, the fur on her face shifting a shade pinker... Or maybe it was the skin beneath. You couldn't really tell. \"...I'm sorry. I shouldn't have freaked out....\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Don't sweat it. It's not a bad thing you want to be careful,\" you tell her. \"Try clicking on the 'B' again.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou watch as Sophia musters up the confidence to try again.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eVery delicately, she lies her finger on the touchpad, and slides to cursor back on the \"B\".\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAfter a slight hesitation, she presses down on the pad. It takes a second or two before she realizes she needs to release it too.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Buh.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThe sound from the laptop makes her flinch yet again.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Th...That's the sound 'B' makes, right?\" She asks.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"It is. The idea is that as we add more letters, you can use this site if you don't know, or don't remember, the sound a letter makes,\" you explain.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Oh. I see.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"So now that you know what sound 'B' makes, let's practice some words with it,\" you\u0026nbsp; shift your laptop closer to your body and reach for the next sheet of paper. \"You'll start at the top.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou hand the sheet to her, and point to the \"AT\" once it's in her grasp.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"At,\" she answers.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eTo the right, there was \"BAT.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"So that would be...\" she ponders. \"Buh...at. Bat.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You're making good progress,\" you tell her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Really? Thank you,\" she bashfully responds before looking to the next word. \"...Tuh ah...buh. ...Tab?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAfter an hour or so, Sophia's just about memorized B-G.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"E\" had given her a little bit of trouble. It makes you wonder if you should dedicate the next lesson entirely to vowels.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eStill, after help from you, the laptop, and sounding the letters out, you know a great amount of progress was made.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou take the laptop and set it aside, then grab the papers and stack them together.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"This seems like a good place to stop for now,\" you say. \"Don't want to overload your brain or anything.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Aww... Okay.\" Even though she's disappointed you're ending it here, you can also tell she's a little burnt out.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"You did very well, Sophie,\" you tell her as you stand up from the bed, stretching to her the cracks out of your back. \"I really am proud of you.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Do you mean it? You're proud...of me?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Very.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe doesn't do or say anything for a moment.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eFinally, she stands up from the bed, and peers at you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"C...Can I have a hug?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Another one?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eHer head dipped at your response, and you immediately regretted asking.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"S-Sorry...\" she utters, inching back slightly.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"No no! It doesn't bother me!\" You assure her. \"It just surprised me a little.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou're telling the truth. It's the second time today she's asked for one, and yet take you back a week and you'd never imagine she'd ask you for such a thing.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eTo ask you for anything, for that matter.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMaybe...she's starting to move past that phase defined by nothing but careful, silenced obedience.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIf she is, you want to be there to help.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhat didn't help was making her feel uncertain about wanting to reach out.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe went from subtly eager to extremely hesitant all from one misunderstanding.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe just stands there, looking as if she's lost.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou need to fix this.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eTaking a step up to her, you lower yourself to her level.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia's still unsure if it's really okay to go in for a hug. So, you take care it for her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou reach over, and pull her into a gentle embrace.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe accepts it, but doesn't return it.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...You don't have to do this if you don't want to...\" she tells you.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eAll of the sudden, an idea pops in your head. You go with it without thinking.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou readjust your arms, and...\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Hup...!\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e...lift her up.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Woah...!\" Sophia spouts, caught off guard as she's lifted up to your height.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIn her surprise, she reaches around your back and holds on tight.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere's no way you'd let her fall though.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe sits on one arm, and the other on her back helps keep her in place.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eStill, she squeezes you as if her grip is the only thing keeping her from falling.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eIt takes her a little bit, but eventually she unburies her muzzle from the side of your neck and cautiously looks around.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Believe me, Sophia,\" you start, \"I'm never going to get annoyed if you want a hug.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"In fact, you don't even need to ask. ...Just make sure it's not on the stairs.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia still seems a little speechless from the lift, but you've gotten her full focus at this point.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Are...Are you really okay with that?\" She manages after a moment.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Does it make you happy when I give you a hug?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...Yes. A lot.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Well, it makes me happy too. So of course I'll be okay with it.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...I make you happy?\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eThere's something about hearing that from her which makes you really stop and reflect.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWhen you took her off the streets, you were only thinking about her safety. You hadn't put much thought at all about how the two of you'd interact.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eBut now, you can hardly imagine how dull your time was without her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Yes. You really, really do.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"...\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eSophia's response is to hug you tighter.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou hug her back, as well as you can with her up in your arms.\n\n \n\n \n\n\\\u003eAs you tuck Sophia in for the night, you can't help but notice how comfortably snug she is, curling up within the blankets.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou definitely should have gotten her a bed sooner.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"All good?\" You ask.\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Mm-hm.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003e\"Good. Remember, if you need anything, I'll be in the other room. Don't be afraid to wake me up.\"\n\n \n\n\"Good night, Anon.\"\n\n \n\n\"Sweet dreams, Sophie.\"\n\n \n\n\\\u003eWith Sophia comfy in her new bed, you flick off the light switch, and leave her door just a crack open.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eEver since the two of you had that talk earlier, you couldn't help but think about just how much she's impacted your life, despite the relatively short amount of time you've known her.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eShe really does make you happy.\n\n \n\n\\\u003eYou still have no idea how long she's staying with you, but...\n\n \n\n\\\u003eMaybe that isn't a bad thing.\n\n \n\n \n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\n\\\u003eYou're awoken by your alarm.\n\n\\\u003eYou had set it a little quieter than usual, since Sophia's sleeping upstairs now too.\n\n\\\u003eSpeaking of which, you take a quick peek into her room to make sure things are all right.\n\n\\\u003eShe's sleeping soundly in her new bed.\n\n\\\u003eThe rising and falling of the covers is accompanied with a very light snore.\n\n\\\u003eWitnessing it reminds you how crazy you were to shelter a homeless child in your own house.\n\n\\\u003eBut you don't regret it.\n\n\\\u003eYou want so much for her to have a happy life.\n\n\\\u003eSure as hell, she deserved one after what she's been through.\n\n\\\u003eYou think that, and you probably don't even know the half of it.\n\n\\\u003eYou just know she was treated like a burden until it was ingrained in her head.\n\n\\\u003eShe's just a kid...\n\n\\\u003eYou step away from her door.\n\n\\\u003eYour mind is still in the same place as you prepare to leave for work.\n\n\\\u003eIt's been long enough that you're pretty much used to having her around.\n\n\\\u003eYou remember how nervous you were when you first brought her home.\n\n\\\u003eTo be honest, you still are nervous. That's probably going to stay like that until she's gone.\n\n\\\u003eBut you can deal with that.\n\n\\\u003eAs scared as you are about messing something up, her presence in your life has been surprisingly positive.\n\n\\\u003eIt's all so strange to you. You'd never\u0026nbsp; have imagined you'd enjoy anything like this.\n\n\\\u003eBut here you are, letting her stay in your house.\n\n\\\u003ePaying for her food, clothes, and toys.\n\n\\\u003eTrying to teach her how to read.\n\n\\\u003eAnd just...wanting to make sure she's happy.\n\n\\\u003eMaybe, you'd enjoy being a...\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003e...No.\n\n\\\u003eNo, you're getting ahead of yourself.\n\n\\\u003eYou wouldn't be a good one.\n\n\\\u003e...Well, Sophia did say you make her happy. She might think you're capable of it.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003e...No, that doesn't count.\n\n\\\u003eSophia's had such a shit life that pretty much anyone who'd make an effort could make her happy.\n\n\\\u003eAnd chances are they'd do better than you. You're way out of your element here.\n\n\\\u003eShe'd probably agree if she knew anyone decent to compare with you.\n\n\\\u003eWhy are you even thinking about this?\n\n\\\u003eYou attempt to clear your mind, and focus on more relevant thoughts.\n\n\\\u003eYou decided today was going to be the day to talk with Ceight about working from home.\n\n\\\u003eIt doesn't feel right to leave Sophia all alone for such large amounts of time.\n\n\\\u003eShe's admitted to feeling lonely when you're gone.\n\n\\\u003eYou want to minimize how long she's home alone as much as possible.\n\n\\\u003eThe last thing you do before you leave the house is setting Sophia's breakfast on the table.\n\n\\\u003e\"My kid made this for me,\" Greg answers Jane's inquiry about his new coffee mug.\n\n\\\u003ePainted on with a mix of red, green, and blue letters is the phrase \"BEsT DAD EvER!!!\"\n\n\\\u003eRandom shapes and brush strokes pepper the white ceramic with no decipherable aim.\n\n\\\u003eAt least, nothing you could recognize.\n\n\\\u003e\"Isn't it adorable? Me and Amy took him to a little painting place a nearby. He decided he wanted to make both of us something.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"What an artist,\" Jane responded. \"What's that, a house?\"\n\n\\\u003eYou lean in a little to focus on the small, orange-brown splotch on the mug.\n\n\\\u003e\"No, that's a truck. I think. Or, is the truck on the other side...?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I think that's very cute,\" Reita puts in.\n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah,\" he responds without turning to look at her.\n\n\\\u003eSitting there, watching how mesmerized Greg is with the mug, you feel a strange impulse to ask a few things...\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, uh, this might sound like a weird question, but...\" you preface, \"...do you enjoy being a father?\"\n\n\\\u003eGreg eyes you curiously.\n\n\\\u003eMaybe you could've worded that better.\n\n\\\u003eIt didn't feel that your mind was completely with that question.\n\n\\\u003e\"You thinking about having children, Anon?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"No, no. I'm not good with kids. But...I guess I'm a little curious about what it's like,\" you admit.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hm,\" Greg's gaze relaxes. \"Well yes, I do enjoy being a father. Very much. My kid's a bit of a handful, I'll tell you that, but it's a good handful. Get what I mean?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I...think so.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"It's a whole lot of work. But everything is always worth it,\" Greg's eyes shift back on the coffee mug as he lifts it to eye level.\n\n\\\u003e\"I see.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"My little guy is my entire world.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou take a moment to think about what was said...before Jane cuts in.\n\n\\\u003e\"Well, what about your wife?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"What?\" Greg responds.\n\n\\\u003e\"You said your kid was your 'entire world'. What does that make Amy?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"What kind of question...? She's also my entire world, of course.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Doesn't work that way. You can't have two worlds.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Jane, I know what I said. But I have no idea what you're going on about.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I just found it a little strange you didn't mention your wife with that. That's all.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Because Anon asked me what it's like being a father, not a husband!\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I don't know... Seems like it could've been a Freudian Slip.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"You know that's all pseudoscience, right? Freud was a quack. Secondly, you didn't even use that right. Thirdly, can I ask what you're getting at? Because it sounds to me—\"\n\n\\\u003eYou turn to Reita and pass her a bewildered glance.\n\n\\\u003eShe just looks back and returns a shrug.\n\n\\\u003e\"They do that sometimes,\" she leans in to tell you, though she makes no effort to lower her voice.\n\n\\\u003eIt doesn't matter. Greg and Jane are too preoccupied in their moderately contained back-and-forth to notice Reita's remark.\n\n\\\u003e\"I think Jane just likes to tease him.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Huh. How, uh, how long do they usually do this for?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"It varies. Not too long, usually.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Hm.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"So...\" Reita begins. \"How's taking care of your niece going?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"My niece...?\" You remember as soon as you say that. \"O-Oh, well, she's been doing all right.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Well, that's good to hear.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah,\" you say. Then, after a brief pause, \"She likes hugs a lot. It's really cute. She's super shy, but affectionate nonetheless.\"\n\n\\\u003eWait, why are you continuing on this topic?\n\n\\\u003eIt's a lie based on something you need to keep secret. The less you talk about it, the—\n\n\\\u003e\"Aww,\" Reita fawns, which you briefly note being ironic with her being a deer and all. \"How often did you get to see her before this?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, actually not at all. We were basically strangers at first.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Well, I'm happy she's gotten so attached to her uncle already.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Me too. It was very nerve racking at first, but it's nice. She's such a sweet little girl.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"How old is she?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, uh....\"\n\n\\\u003eCrap. What do you say?\n\n\\\u003e\"Actually, now that you mention it, I don't think my brother ever told me exactly.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Really? That's strange.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah. I'll, uh, have to ask him. Or her.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Well, about how old does she look? Do you know what grade she's in?\"\n\n\\\u003eShit, you desperately need to change the topic, else you'll be piling on lies until you can't keep track of them anymore.\n\n\\\u003eWhy did you let it get this far?\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, before I forget. You got here before me. Do you know if Ceight is here? I need to discuss something with her.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, Ceight? I think she's in her office,\" she says.\n\n\\\u003e\"Thanks, Reita. I'll see her now. Sorry to, uh, leave you with these two,\" you nod your head to Greg and Jane, still in their nonsensical argument.\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, it's fine. I'm used to it.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"See you in a bit,\" you say as you stand up and depart.\n\n\\\u003eAfter a few steps, you find yourself at the door to Ms. Ceight's office.\n\n\\\u003eYou take a second to review the points you want to hit before you knock on the door.\n\n\"Come in.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou open the door and step inside to her office.\n\n\\\u003eThe giraffe lady turns from her computer as you enter.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hello Anon. Why don't you take a seat?\" She gestures to the chair in front of her desk, which you accept. \"Is there something I can do for you?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Yes. I just wanted to...ask something,\" you start. \"How viable is working from home?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Working from home? I hope none of your coworkers are giving you trouble.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"No, no. Not at all. Everyone's great,\" you're quick to clear up. \"It's...stuff at home. Something...big just popped up.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh. Nothing serious, I hope?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"No, nothing like that. And I should have started with this, but if I can't, there's really no problem. It's really not necessary, it'd just make things a little more manageable for me,\" you explain. \"I guess I'm just asking if there're any times I can work from home that wouldn't be a problem. Again, there's no problem if there isn't.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Hmm. Well, I wouldn't want to pry into your business, but are you sure this is the best way to handle it?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I have thought a lot about it, and that's how it seems to me.\"\n\n\\\u003eThere's a short pause before Ceight responds.\n\n\\\u003e\"I'm sure there's something I can work out for it. How much time do you need.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Well... I know this makes it more difficult, but I don't know when this...thing...will be over. I won't lie, it could be a while.\"\n\n\\\u003eCeight gives it some more thought.\n\n\\\u003e\"Well, Anon, if we were to change your\u0026nbsp; usual work schedule like that, I'd have to warn you that it would heavily impact your pay.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"My pay?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"To ensure your productivity at home, most of what you make will have to be commission based. If you were more seasoned, it likely wouldn't be too much of a problem because I could trust you with more jobs. I hope you understand that you'll very likely be making less there than here. And I can't guarantee it will be very consistent either. Are you prepared to deal with that?\"\n\n\\\u003eAre you?\n\n\\\u003eMoney's not a very big problem for you, at least not currently.\n\n\\\u003eBut the prospect definitely makes you nervous.\n\n\\\u003eIs it really necessary that you can be there for Sophia more often...?\n\n\\\u003e\"Yes,\" you answer. \"I'm prepared.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I see. Will you be needing a lot of time at home?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"As much as isn't a problem.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Well if you're sure, I'll check some things and see what I can do. I'll let you know the details, and we can continue from there.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Thank you. I really appreciate this.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Of course. If you have any more questions, feel free to let me know.\"\n\n\\\u003eAfter a quick handshake, you leave her office.\n\n\\\u003eOnce you've closed the door behind you, you take a moment to process what this means.\n\n\\\u003e...This is probably a sign that you need to focus more on finding Sophia a good home.\n\n\\\u003eDespite how important that is, you've definitely been neglecting it.\n\n\\\u003eNot really intentionally. It just...keeps slipping your mind.\n\n\\\u003eSomething about it just makes you feel...off.\n\n\\\u003eRegardless, you make your way back to Reita and the others, ready to continue your work.\n\n\\\u003eYou got sandwiches again.\n\n\\\u003eSophia seemed to really enjoy them last time, and you didn't have any other ideas.\n\n\\\u003eThis time however, you bought an extra one for her.\n\n\\\u003eShe evidentially had quite the appetite.\n\n\\\u003eAs you step inside, you're greeted by familiar footsteps once again.\n\n\\\u003eSure enough, you watch as a little wolf turns the corner and stops in front of you.\n\n\\\u003eShe stares up at you.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hi Anon...!\" She greets.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, Sophia!\" You say back as you ruffle her hair. \"Did you eat your breakfast?\"\n\n\\\u003eShe nods.\n\n\\\u003e\"Mm-hm. Thank you,\" she says, before briefly turning to look in the direction of the kitchen. \"...I washed my plate in the sink, too.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"You did? That's very nice of you,\" you smile. \"Thank you.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"O-Oh. You're welcome...!\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Have you been all right while I was gone?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Yes,\" she answers astutely.\n\n\\\u003e\"Good, good. You hungry from some lunch?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...A little bit,\" Sophia answers with her eyes laser focused on the sandwich bag.\n\n\\\u003e\"All right, then. Let's eat.\"\n\n\\\u003eTogether, the two of you walk through the kitchen and into the dining room.\n\n\\\u003eSophia waits for you to pick a chair and sit down first, and then sits right next to you.\n\n\\\u003eShe gives a quiet \"thank you\" as you hand her her meal.\n\n\\\u003eYou expect her to tear through her sandwich after unwrapping it, but she sets it down instead.\n\n\\\u003e\"Anon?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Hmm? Something wrong?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"No. Nothing's wrong,\" she takes a short pause. \"I want to say...thank you...again. For everything.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh? Of course, Sophie,\" you give her smile. \"I appreciate you telling me that.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...You do?\" Her eyes drift down for a second. \"I-I...like your shirt.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"My shirt...?\" You look down at your plain business casual.\n\n\\\u003eIt's just a gray button down shirt. No pattern or anything. At least, nothing in particular you'd think would catch a child's eye.\n\n\\\u003e\"Uh...thanks.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...Your pants look good too.\"\n\n\\\u003eYour pants too? They're just blue jeans.\n\n\\\u003e\"A-And your shoes.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...You know, if you were any other child, I might think you were trying to butter me up,\" you smirk, trying to express more amusement than confusion.\n\n\\\u003e\"I-Is that bad?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Don't worry. You aren't doing anything bad.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh.\"\n\n\\\u003eShe doesn't say anything after that.\n\n\\\u003eMaybe you should've taken the compliments normally.\n\n\\\u003e\"Uh, Sophia.\"\n\n\\\u003eShe turns back to you.\n\n\\\u003e\"Thanks for the nice words. I'm glad you think I look good in this.\"\n\n\\\u003eThe sides of her mouth lift the slightest amount.\n\n\\\u003eWith that, you get back to your sandwich. However, it's not even half a minute before Sophia speaks again.\n\n\\\u003e\"I've been trying to p-practice reading with the papers you left,\" she informs you.\n\n\\\u003e\"Really? That's great,\" You say. You had left some of the papers you used for her lessons in the living room for her to look over if she wanted. \"Do you remember what I told you about 'E'?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Um...\" she gives it some thought. \"One 'E' makes 'eh', two 'E's make 'eee'.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Exactly right,\" you tell her. Though, you still haven't taught her what an \"E\" tends to do at the end of a word. \"We'll get to the end of the alphabet before you know it.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"You think so...?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"You're a good student, and you're eager to learn. Really, the weight's on me trying to be a good teacher. If anything goes badly, that's my fault.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...I think you're a good teacher.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou smirk.\n\n\\\u003e\"I appreciate it, Sophie. But you don't really have anyone to compare me against, do you?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Do I need to...?\"\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eSomething about that gave you an uneasy feeling.\n\n\\\u003eYou're not sure how to answer her.\n\n\\\u003e\"...Kinda, yeah,\" you say after some hesitation. \"If... If you were tutored by a real teacher, you'd realize how much I've been fumbling around with this.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"But...I still have learned stuff from you. Isn't that good enough?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I... Maybe...\" Now you're feeling more like \"the Sophia\" in this conversation.\n\n\\\u003eWhat's wrong with you? Why is this topic making you feel strange?\n\n\\\u003eShould you change the subject?\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, uh, Sophia. You seem really talkative today.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah... D-Does it make you happy?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Huh?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"You said before that...I make you happy,\" her voice picks up a slight tinge of nervousness. \"I...I thought that i-if I talk to you more, that'd make you more happy....\"\n\n\\\u003eYou forget about whatever that feeling before was.\n\n\\\u003eIt's entire replaced with adoration.\n\n\\\u003eHow could somehow tell her she was a bad kid?\n\n\\\u003eYou reach over and rustle her hair, something that's been feeling more normal each time you've done it, and watch some of her nervousness wash away into a happy grin.\n\n\\\u003e\"You're a real good kid, you know that Sophie?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...Thank you, Anon,\" she says sweetly.\n\n\\\u003e\"I'm always happy to talk with you, Sophie. But I hope you aren't forcing yourself too far out of your comfort zone,\" you tell her. \"Although I do like hearing you talk more, I only want that if you feel all right with it.\"\n\n\\\u003eShe looks down for a bit.\n\n\\\u003e\"...I am,\" she affirms. \"It...feels nice...to speak whenever. I-I want to talk more, and not be so silent all the time....\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I'm glad. I'll always be willing to listen.\"\n\n\\\u003eHer grin widens, and her tail begins to sweep against her dress.\n\n\\\u003eSeeing how happy she's become...\n\n\\\u003eIt's such a far cry from how she was when you first found her.\n\n\\\u003eYou're really glad she wants to try conversing more.\n\n\\\u003ePartly because you'd imagine someone with her background might've picked up issues with social skills that may even persist to adulthood.\n\n\\\u003eSo her desire to talk more is definitely something you want to encourage.\n\n\\\u003eBut the other reason you're glad is that you just like talking with her.\n\n\\\u003eThere's just something about talking with her that brings out a strange happiness in you.\n\n\\\u003eIt feels somewhat like a friendship, but with a key difference that you can't quite describe.\n\n\\\u003eWhatever it is, you're glad it's there.\n\n\\\u003e\"You haven't taken a single bite from your sandwich,\" you notice aloud. \"Not hungry?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh. I forgot,\" she glances at her sandwich, proceeding to pick it up. \"I just...got distracted.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou give her a smile before the two of you continue eating.\n\n\\\u003eDespite the fact Sophia has an extra sandwich, she still finishes before you.\n\n\\\u003eStill, she keeps you company as you finish your lunch.\n\n\\\u003eWhen it's time to head back, Sophia unsurprisingly is there to see you off.\n\n\\\u003e\"I'll be back in a few hours. Is there anything you need before I go?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"No,\" she answers, giving her head a little shake.\n\n\\\u003e\"All right then, I'll see you later Sophie,\" you say as you turn to the door.\n\n\\\u003e\"W-Wait...!\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Hm?\"\n\n\\\u003eYou stop and turn back, seeing Sophia nervously stand with her arms behind her back, gripping one wrist.\n\n\\\u003e\"There is...something,\" she says meekly.\n\n\\\u003eYou wait for her to tell you what that something is, but she doesn't.\n\n\\\u003eInstead, she takes a few careful steps up to you.\n\n\\\u003eHalfway there, she hesitates. But after a deep exhale, she presses on.\n\n\\\u003eYou watch with amusement. You have a good idea on what's coming.\n\n\\\u003eOnce she's within arm's reach, she peers up at you.\n\n\\\u003eFor a moment, it looks like she's going to say something, but decides against it.\n\n\\\u003eShe takes another deep breath, and...\n\n\\\u003e...leans forward into a hug.\n\n\\\u003eYou did tell her she doesn't need to ask for a hug if she wanted one.\n\n\\\u003eThe gesture gets a smile out of you, as you've come to notice many things about her do, and you do your best to lean down and return the hug.\n\n\\\u003e\"Bye Anon....\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Goodbye Sophie.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou give a few gentle pats on the back before the embrace is broken.\n\n\\\u003eWhat a cute kid. She really does like hugs.\n\n\\\u003eDriving back home, you keep replaying your conversation with Ceight in your mind.\n\n\\\u003eAfter considering some current and future goals and assets, she told you that it'd be possible for you to start working at home. Most work at least.\n\n\\\u003eAt least one day a week, you'd need to go back. But even then, a whole lot of time has opened up for you.\n\n\\\u003eIt was definitely relieving to hear.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't like how long you've been leaving Sophia home alone.\n\n\\\u003eYou know she feels lonely, but you've also come to wonder if she gets scared too.\n\n\\\u003eIs it possible she could have another panic attack while you're gone?\n\n\\\u003eYou really don't like the thought of that.\n\n\\\u003eSomeone her age definitely needs someone to lean on.\n\n\\\u003eAs of now, you're the only person who can be that someone.\n\n\\\u003eAnd you want to do the best you possibly can in that regard, even if you're scared of messing something up.\n\n\\\u003e\"I'm home,\" you call out as you step inside.\n\n\\\u003e\"O-Oh...!\" You hear from somewhere further in the house. \"Hi, Anon...!\"\n\n\\\u003eUnlike usual, Sophia doesn't make her way to see you.\n\n\\\u003eOdd, you think. But it's not like she's obligated or anything.\n\n\\\u003eYou hang up your coat and kick off your shoes before heading in the direction of her voice.\n\n\\\u003eFrom the sound of it, it seemed she's currently in the living room.\n\n\\\u003eSure enough, you find her there, on the couch with paper and crayons.\n\n\\\u003eUpon your arrival, she clutches the sheet to her chest.\n\n\\\u003e\"H-Hi, Anon!\" She repeats.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey Sophie. I've got some pretty good news.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Good news?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Yep. I had a talk with my boss. In the future, I should be staying home a lot more often.\"\n\n\\\u003eShe looks up at you, eyes widening slightly in awe.\n\n\\\u003e\"Really...?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Yep. I, uh, I shouldn't have been leaving you all by yourself for so long,\" you tell her. \"You are just a kid, after all.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"B-But... It doesn't... It's not...\" she stammers. \"I-It's not...bad for you?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Bad for me?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I don't want to...w-waste your time.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Sophie, listen,\" you begin. \"It's my decision. I want to be here with you. It's the responsible thing to do in my position.\"\n\n\\\u003eWell, if \"responsible\" doesn't mean taking your chances with the authorities.\n\n\\\u003e\"I-It is?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"It is. Like I said, you're just a kid. You need some kind of adult in your life. ...That cares about you.\"\n\n\\\u003eSome quick thinking made you feel that last part was necessary to add on.\n\n\\\u003eSophia probably doesn't understand that a caring guardian should be the norm over...whatever she had before.\n\n\\\u003eAnd you're the only one on you know who can be that guardian.\n\n\\\u003eCurrently, at least.\n\n\\\u003e\"...What if... D-Don't you have more important stuff?\" She questions softly.\n\n\\\u003eYou think about it, and...\n\n\\\u003e\"No.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"N-No?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Sophie...\" you sit down on the couch with her, preparing to level with her. \"You're a young girl. This isn't throwing out the trash, or sweeping the kitchen, or anything like that. Your needs ARE important. Even work isn't as important.\"\n\n\\\u003eSophia looks down at her sheet of paper.\n\n\\\u003eThere's some faded color bleeding through the other side, though you still can't make out what's drawn on it.\n\n\\\u003eWhatever it is, you can tell she used a lot of different colors.\n\n\\\u003e\"...Y-You always say very nice things to me,\" she utters.\n\n\\\u003e\"What I'm telling you is the truth, Sophia,\" you respond. \"...Could you do me a favor?\"\n\n\\\u003eHer head immediately pops up, and she nods intently.\n\n\\\u003e\"Whoever took care...\" you pause. \"Whoever watched over you before me, forget them.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Forget them?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Whatever they told you about yourself, forget it. They're wrong. Having that stuff in your head is only going to hurt you.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...\"\n\n\\\u003e\"They didn't deserve you.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...\"\n\n\\\u003eSophia looks away with an expression you can't read.\n\n\\\u003eNervous? Hesitant? Thoughtful?\n\n\\\u003eThere's traces of all of these, at least from the angle you see her at.\n\n\\\u003e\"...Y-You think I'm a...good kid,\" despite the stutter, there's little emotion expressed through her tone.\n\n\\\u003e\"You are.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"W-What if... What if that changes...when I get older?\"\n\n\\\u003eThe deadpanned question unnerves you.\n\n\\\u003eWhy she'd ask such a question, you're not sure.\n\n\\\u003eProbably the bastards who \"took care\" of her's fault.\n\n\\\u003e\"Well...Sophie,\" you take some time figuring out how to respond. \"That's...not something that just happens. There'd have to be some sort of...circumstance.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...\"\n\n\\\u003e\"But this is why you need an adult who actually cares about your development and future. Someone who, no matter what happens, is a person you can rely on.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...Like you?\"\n\n\\\u003eAll the sudden, with just those two words, it feels as if you've been placed on a tightrope.\n\n\\\u003e\"Uh, well... I do care about you, Sophia. But...\" you trail off.\n\n\\\u003eSophia stares back at you expectantly.\n\n\\\u003eYou clear your throat.\n\n\\\u003e\"...I want what's in your best interest. Always. And the thing is, I'm not the kind of person who can give you your best future. My...role here...is to find the people who can.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...Oh.\"\n\n\\\u003eSophia turns her head away.\n\n\\\u003e\"...\"\n\n\\\u003eYou don't know if you should say more.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't know if there's anything more you can say.\n\n\\\u003eIt feels like there's something you need to tell her. But that's all that is. A feeling.\n\n\\\u003eAnd it doesn't feel right.\n\n\\\u003e\"I'm...happy we'll get to spend more time together,\" Sophia says out of the blue, going back to the original topic.\n\n\\\u003eShe peers down at the sheet of paper she's holding, before standing up and setting it down on the table.\n\n\\\u003e\"I made that...for you,\" she says stiffly.\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh?\" You take the paper and look at it.\n\n\\\u003eCarefully drawn, evidentially using a plethora crayons, was a scene depicting a human and a little wolf.\n\n\\\u003eThey're facing each other, but spaced a fair amount.\n\n\\\u003eBetween them is a purple circle, with lines indicating it had been thrown by the wolf to the human.\n\n\\\u003eBoth of them have wide smiles.\n\n\\\u003eThe drawing makes you smile yourself.\n\n\\\u003eAnd she drew this for you, she said?\n\n\\\u003e\"Aw, Sophia, this is—\"\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eLooking up, you find her missing from the couch.\n\n\\\u003eYou look around the room, but she seems to have left while you were studying her drawing.\n\n\\\u003eThat's...weird.\n\n\\\u003eAnd how did you miss that?\n\n\\\u003eWith how quiet everything got, you can hear her going up the staircase.\n\n\\\u003eIs she upset?\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eDid YOU make her upset?\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eThat thought really doesn't sit well with you.\n\n\\\u003eJust the possibility of it makes you feel...\n\n\\\u003e...Unwell, to say the least.\n\n\\\u003eThe very least.\n\n\\\u003eYou make your way upstairs, and find Sophia in her room.\n\n\\\u003eShe's tucked into her bed, facing the wall.\n\n\\\u003e\"Sophia?\" You say with a hint of concern. \"Are you doing okay?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...Yes,\" she answers. \"...I got a little tired.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Tired...?\" You question, taking a glance at the light switch that was still on. \"It's not very late. You haven't even had dinner yet. You sure you don't feel sick, or anything?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I'm okay.\"\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eThe awkward silence between the two of you reminds you of your first couple of days with her.\n\n\\\u003e\"Sophie, I loved the picture you drew,\" you tell her. \"Us playing catch? That was a really great moment to recreate with your art.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Thank you,\" she says, tone not changing, still staring at the wall.\n\n\\\u003eSomething definitely is wrong...\n\n\\\u003eYou sigh.\n\n\\\u003e\"Sophia... Is there something you want to tell me?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Did I say something to make you upset? Do you...want me to leave you alone?\"\n\n\\\u003eShe shifts slightly.\n\n\\\u003e\"N-No. It's okay.\"\n\n\\\u003eMore silence.\n\n\\\u003eYou really aren't sure what to do.\n\n\\\u003eBefore you can come up with something else to say, Sophia beats you to it.\n\n\\\u003e\"H-How long will it take to find the people?\" She asks.\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, well... I'll be honest, I'm not sure. It might take a while.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...What if you can't find anybody...?\"\n\n\\\u003eIf you can't find anybody?\n\n\\\u003eThat...does seem to be a very real possibility.\n\n\\\u003eWhat would that mean for you?\n\n\\\u003eYou're not going to be able to keep Sophia a secret forever.\n\n\\\u003eWhat happens to you if you're found out?\n\n\\\u003eWhat happens to Sophia?\n\n\\\u003e\"I...don't know,\" you answer truthfully. \"...But I'll keep trying to find you a good family.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou hope that was reassuring.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003e\\*Sniff\\*\n\n\\\u003e...Was that...?\n\n\\\u003e\"I-I'm going to miss you, Anon,\" she says before another sniffle. Her stoic tone breaking into a meek one.\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, Sophie...\" you step over and kneel by her bedside. \"C'mere.\"\n\n\\\u003eShe adjusts herself and rolls to her other side to face you.\n\n\\\u003eYou can finally see her tears.\n\n\\\u003eYou hold your arms out, inviting her to your embrace. Something that's become a lot more common recently.\n\n\\\u003eSophia slowly sits up on her bed, keeping her body turned towards you.\n\n\\\u003eYou get a good look at her sad expression before she falls into your hug.\n\n\\\u003eShe hugs you back tightly.\n\n\\\u003eAnd the two of you stay like that.\n\n\\\u003eThe only noises coming from you gently rubbing Sophia's back, and her quiet sniffles.\n\n\\\u003e\"You know, Sophie,\" you begin. \"If I find people who can take good care of you, that doesn't mean we'll never see each other again.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...And it's really for the best. Trust me, you'll be even happier with those people. Whoever I find, I'll make sure they're the best for you.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...O-Okay...\" she utters.\n\n\\\u003eThe hug continues for a good few more seconds.\n\n\\\u003eAfter it breaks, you hoped to see Sophia looking a little better.\n\n\\\u003eHer expression has changed...\n\n\\\u003e...but you don't think it qualifies as better.\n\n\\\u003eWhile she does look less sad, she now looks a little more...\n\n\\\u003e...Empty.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, uh, you know... Since I'm going to be staying home much more now, we can play some more games together,\" you suggest, thinking back on her drawing.\n\n\\\u003e\"That sounds fun,\" she responds after a pause, looking down at her blankets.\n\n\\\u003e\"Are you...still feeling tired? Why don't you have dinner first? Or maybe a snack?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...It's okay. I'm not hungry.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...Sure?\"\n\n\\\u003eShe nods lightly.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't know if you should just let her go without dinner. She did have a pretty big lunch, but still...\n\n\\\u003e\"I just want to sleep a little bit,\" she puts in. \"I'll feel better after that.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Well... All right,\" you sigh.\n\n\\\u003eWith that, she slinks back into her bed.\n\n\\\u003eYou help her in straightening out her sheets.\n\n\\\u003eOnce she's all tucked in, you hang by her light switch for a second.\n\n\\\u003e\"...If you change your mind, I'll be here.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Okay,\" she responds. \"...Goodnight, Anon.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Goodnight, Sophie.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou flick off the light.\n\n\\\u003eAs you step out of your room, you can't help but feel you've made some mistake.\n\n\\\u003eIt eats at you, even if you don't understand it.\n\n\\\u003eAnd it doesn't leave for the rest of the day.\n\n\\\u003e\n\n\\\u003eSitting in bed later that night, you've been staring at your laptop.\n\n\\\u003eThe cursor has been blinking on the empty search bar for a few minutes by now.\n\n\\\u003eYou promised Sophia you'd try to find the very best people to take her in.\n\n\\\u003eBut...how?\n\n\\\u003eWhat's the plan? You can't send her to any group homes without running the risk of getting yourself caught.\n\n\\\u003eShould you try finding potential adopters individually?\n\n\\\u003eThat might work, but what would they think of you?\n\n\\\u003eNo doubt they'd question who you are and why she's been with you.\n\n\\\u003eAnd you have no power in making adoptions official.\n\n\\\u003eMaybe with enough communication, you can let them know the truth...?\n\n\\\u003eIf they understand you're housing her because she has no where else to go, maybe they'll sympathize with you and let your contributions to her adoption be unknown?\n\n\\\u003e...It's still so risky.\n\n\\\u003eIf a couple was looking to adopt, why would they go to some stranger without proper qualifications instead of the normal processes?\n\n\\\u003eNot to mention, you'd require that you'd get to know them as well. You're not handing Sophia off to just anybody.\n\n\\\u003e...Plus, that'd hopefully mean you'd get to visit her.\n\n\\\u003eRegardless, finding success with that plan doesn't seem likely either.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003e...Maybe you should just call the authorities?\n\n\\\u003eJust tell them the truth? Tell them you know what it looks like, and that's why you were scared to do so in the first place?\n\n\\\u003eSophia herself would back you up.\n\n\\\u003eThere's no evidence of any...\n\n\\\u003e...inappropriate actions...\n\n\\\u003e...because you're not a fucking creep who'd even think about doing that.\n\n\\\u003eStill, you'd hate that it would probably be one of their first assumptions.\n\n\\\u003eIt'd also be something they'd need to look into thoroughly.\n\n\\\u003eBut, even if everything were to go fine in that regard, could you trust they'd find a good place for Sophia?\n\n\\\u003eWhatever happened to the place she stayed at before ended up having her alone on the streets for days.\n\n\\\u003eYou'd likely lose all control in finding her a good place to stay.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eYour face slumps into your open palm, and you let out a deep sigh.\n\n\\\u003eReally. What are you going to do?\n\n\\\u003eIt feels like you've reached a dead end.\n\n\\\u003eYou're not going to go through with anything until you can be certain that Sophia will end up in the best place for her.\n\n\\\u003eDoes that factor make this search impossible?\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eYou stare at the cursor some more.\n\n\\\u003eBlink. Blink. Blink. Blink...\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eLater.\n\n\\\u003eWith another sigh, you shut your laptop and set it aside.\n\n\\\u003eYou'll figure this out later.\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\n\\\u003eYou couldn't stop thinking about Sophia's little event yesterday.\n\n\\\u003eWhen you explained to\u0026nbsp;her that you're looking for a family to take her in, she teared up at the thought of not seeing you after that.\n\n\\\u003eThat made you feel bad enough itself. But...\n\n\\\u003eYou had thought that a hug would make her feel better, but it only seemed to wipe any emotion from her.\n\n\\\u003eWhich made you feel even worse.\n\n\\\u003eYou can't describe how terrible it feels for even the possibly that you hurt her.\n\n\\\u003eEven though it eats at you, you let her sleep in before you left for work.\n\n\\\u003eOf course, with something like that on your mind, every minute seems to scrape by excruciatingly slow.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, Anon?\" Reita gets your attention, her eyes showing a hint of concern. \"Are you doing okay?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh? ...I'm fine,\" you respond. \"Do I not look it?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Well, you sort of appeared a little...out of it. Like you've got a lot on your mind.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"And you've been as quiet as a mouse,\" Jane puts in.\n\n\\\u003e\"Sorry guys. I guess I do have some stuff on my mind, but I'm fine.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"What kind of stuff?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Jane, come on,\" Greg steps in. \"If he didn't specify it, it's probably personal stuff.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Does that apply to what you mentioned last week?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I don't even remember what you're talking about. And don't have the energy right now to argue about it with you. I swear, the coffee machine broke right before I was able to use it.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, it's all right. No need to worry, okay?\" You say before Jane counters with anything.\n\n\\\u003e\"Well, if you say so,\" she responds casually.\n\n\\\u003eWith that, the bunch of you turn your focus back to work.\n\n\\\u003eWell, in your case, you try to.\n\n\\\u003eAs brief as it was, that conversation did help to mitigate the feeling of drag that came with waiting for your lunch break.\n\n\\\u003eIf only that exchange could have lasted a little longer. Any time you can get to distract your mind is appreciated.\n\n\\\u003e\"So, Anon...\" Reita begins, as if responding to your thoughts. \"You're going to be working from home?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, yeah. It's not gonna be a permanent thing. It's just to help me manage some stuff back home.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I see,\" she pauses for a moment. \"Do you know how long that will take?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I don't,\" you admit. \"I'd hope it won't be long, but... Well, it could take a while.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Hmm,\" she makes out. After a bit, you don't think she was going to follow up with anything. \"I'll miss having you around.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"You'll miss me?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I mean...\" she lowers her voice. \"...It's nice to have someone to talk to.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou take a sideways glance to Greg and Jane.\n\n\\\u003eReita seems to have caught your eye, but only responds with a the light shake of her head.\n\n\\\u003eIt's a little lost on you, but it's probably not a good idea to try to go any further with Greg and Jane in earshot.\n\n\\\u003e\"Well, I'm not going to be totally gone,\" you tell her. \"At the very least, I need to be here every Tuesday.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Well, that's nice to hear,\" she responds. \"Whatever it is you need more time to focus on, I hope it goes smoothly for you.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, thank you. Here's to hoping.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"To hoping,\" she grins at you, raising her coffee mug.\n\n\\\u003eYou smirk, stifling a chuckle.\n\n\\\u003e\"...Am I missing out on something?\" Greg cuts in confusedly, eyes shifting between you and Reita.\n\n\\\u003e\"What do you mean?\" You ask. \"We're just...talking.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Hm. I see. Forget I asked,\" he says before directing his attention elsewhere.\n\n\\\u003eYou And Reita look back at each other.\n\n\\\u003eYou just give a weak shrug, but she looks a little...out of it.\n\n\\\u003e\"...You all right, Reita?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Hm?\" Her expression returns to normal. \"Yes, I'm good.\"\n\n\\\u003eMaybe it was nothing.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, uh...\" you begin, wanting to continue a conversation with her and help pass the time. \"...you said you had a nephew. I've told you a bit about my niece, but you haven't said much about your nephew.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"My nephew? Well, sure,\" she responds. \"...I don't think this is the most flattering thing to start with, but he sure came as a surprise to everyone. My sister definitely wasn't planning on him. But they couldn't be happier...\"\n\n\\\u003eAll though your worry for Sophia stays lingering in the back of your mind, talking with Reita certainly helped keeping it from being the only thing you could think about.\n\n\\\u003e\n\n\\\u003eOnce you finally got to leave, you hurried back home as quick as you could.\n\n\\\u003eObviously, your mind is focusing entirely on Sophia at this point.\n\n\\\u003eShe said that she'd feel better after some sleep, but you can't help but be a little doubtful.\n\n\\\u003e\"I'm tired\" is the cliche mask for \"I'm not fine, but I'm trying to avoid talking about it.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou plan to really get down to it if she still looks either sad or...just blank.\n\n\\\u003eIf it's something you said or did, then you owe it to her to clear up any misunderstandings.\n\n\\\u003eAll you want us for her to be happy.\n\n\\\u003eBeing the reason that she isn't hurts to even think about.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, uh, Sophie,\" you call out as you step inside. \"I'm back.\"\n\n\\\u003eThe pessimistic side of you assumed there'd be no immediate response.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hi Anon!\" You hear back, along with the hurried footsteps of padded feet coming toward your direction.\n\n\\\u003eBefore you can even see her, you breathe a sigh of relief.\n\n\\\u003eAs regular as it is for Sophia to rush to greet you getting back, it was definitely comforting to see at this particular moment.\n\n\\\u003eAs you turn a corner and see her approach, you take note on how she doesn't appear any different from how she usually looked in the past few days.\n\n\\\u003eNo differences that implied she was upset.\n\n\\\u003eReally, the only new thing you could tell about Sophia was that she ended this particular dash to you with a hug.\n\n\\\u003eYou gratefully returned it, of course.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, Sophia! Are you doing all right?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Mm-hm!\" She responds as she pulls away and looks up at you.\n\n\\\u003eYou get a good look at her expression.\n\n\\\u003eShe doesn't appear to be upset or anything.\n\n\\\u003eIn fact, she seems quite a bit peppy.\n\n\\\u003eThough that subtle cheerfulness begins to morph to confusion as you continue to scan for any signs of how she appeared yesterday.\n\n\\\u003e\"...Anon?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh. Sorry,\" you say, clearing your head a little. \"It's just, uh, are you feeling better?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I'm better,\" she answers. \"I'm not tired anymore.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Well, that's good. But it seemed like there was...something more to it.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...?\" She looks at you inquisitively.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't know if you should be pushing the subject.\n\n\\\u003eShe seems happy enough right now. Are you jeopardizing that?\n\n\\\u003e\"...Sophia,\" you start. \"...Is there anything you want to tell me?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...Tell you?\" Her eyes begin to drift away from you.\n\n\\\u003e\"The last thing I want is for you to be sad, for any reason,\" you tell her. \"So, if I ever become one of those reasons... I'd want you to tell me. I'll fix it right away.\"\n\n\\\u003eHer eyes immediately dart back to you.\n\n\\\u003e\"N-No! You're so nice to me!\" She spouts. \"You're not... You don't make me sad....\"\n\n\\\u003eMaybe you should drop it. Her increasingly worried demeanor doesn't make you feel the best.\n\n\\\u003e\"Well, all right,\" you say. \"...But I'm serious, Sophie. If I ever do something you don't like, please let me know.\"\n\n\\\u003eShe simply nods, and continues to bashfully stand in front of you.\n\n\\\u003eYou think that conversation would end there. But...\n\n\\\u003e\"...There is something I'd like to s-say to you,\" she says, voice hinting uncertainty.\n\n\\\u003e\"Of course, you can tell me anything,\" you assure her.\n\n\\\u003e\"I-I want to... Uh... If you... Um...\" she struggles, before going quiet all together.\n\n\\\u003eSeemingly just...considering what she wants to say.\n\n\\\u003eBut you're patient with her.\n\n\\\u003eShe can take as long as she needs.\n\n\\\u003e\"I-I...\" she pipes up again. \"I'm really happy you'll be around more often.\"\n\n\\\u003eDidn't she already say that yesterday...?\n\n\\\u003e\"Me too, Sophie. You know I felt guilty leaving you all by yourself for so long.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"It's okay. You've been so nice to me. I don't want you to feel b-bad because of me.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"No no, it's not like that at all!\" You hurriedly put in. \"I've only been happier ever since you got here.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh...\" she pauses. \"Then...\"\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003e\"Then...?\" You question.\n\n\\\u003e\"...I-It's nothing.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Nothing? You sure?\"\n\n\\\u003eShe nods.\n\n\\\u003e\"Well, if you say so.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou hope it really was nothing, but of course you have your doubts.\n\n\\\u003eStill, if she doesn't want to talk about it, then that's that.\n\n\\\u003eYou can't help but try to piece something together in your head.\n\n\\\u003eIf you've \"only been happier ever since\" you brought Sophia home, then...?\n\n\\\u003eThen...what...?\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eWell, \"then\" by itself isn't a very descriptive lead, and leaves a very wide range of possibilities.\n\n\\\u003eYou decide to put it out of your mind for now.\n\n\\\u003eYou really want to bring the focus away from last night.\n\n\\\u003eThe subject just seems to damper what was a good mood for Sophia.\n\n\\\u003e\"So Sophie, how about you think of some stuff you'd like to do since I'm going to be working from home?\" You suggest. \"We'll continue your reading lessons of course. But I also have more time to play some games with you. Oh, I could pull up a catalogue, and you could pick out some toys and clothes you'd think you like.\"\n\n\\\u003eShe looks back at you, giving you a little nod and a smile.\n\n\\\u003e\"That sounds fun...\" she says.\n\n\\\u003eYou smile back.\n\n\\\u003eYou really are glad you'll get to spend more time with Sophia.\n\n\\\u003eShe seriously has become the highlight of each day for you.\n\n\\\u003eAfter your talk with her, your conscious had been clear a bit.\n\n\\\u003eShe's happy you'll be around more.\n\n\\\u003eYou're happy you'll be around more.\n\n\\\u003eAnd that would be defining the upcoming weeks as you failed to make worthwhile progress in finding potential adopters.\n\n\\\u003eDays will pass to weeks, and weeks to months.\n\n\\\u003eBut each day, you and Sophia will be able to do things together, each with some ups and downs...\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\n\\\u003e\"It's very simple. You just take a rag like this...\" you hold up a dust cloth so Sophia can see, before setting it down on the living room table. \"...and you just wipe it back and forth.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou demonstrate as you explain, wiping back and forth across the table with the cloth.\n\n\\\u003eSophia watches with a careful focus, as if the simplicity was actually masking something more complicated.\n\n\\\u003e\"The cloth will naturally pick up any dust as you go along,\" you continue, lifting the cloth to view what's been collected. \"...Uh, and hair too.\"\n\n\\\u003eThere was more of Sophia's fur than you realized.\n\n\\\u003eYou suppose she had spent most of her time here in the living room at first, so it only makes sense there'd be a lot of fur here.\n\n\\\u003eYou turn it to Sophia so she can see the effectiveness of the cloth.\n\n\\\u003eShe blushes at the sight of it.\n\n\\\u003e\"That's a lot of my hair...\" she remarks. \"Sorry.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Don't worry about it. It's no issue,\" you assure her. \"So, if there's stuff on a table or counter, you take it all off. Dust both the table and anything that had been on it, and then put everything back. There isn't much more to it than that.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Okay. I understand.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"All right. How about we get started then?\"\n\n\\\u003eSophia nods, and takes the fresh cloth you extended to her.\n\n\\\u003eThe two of you get to work.\n\n\\\u003eYou start with the items on a counter.\n\n\\\u003eThere aren't many, and they primarily consist of picture frames and lamps.\n\n\\\u003eSophia helps by dusting the counters as you take off each one's items.\n\n\\\u003eAs you've come to expect, she's thorough to an unnecessary degree. Every inch must have been wiped at least three times over.\n\n\\\u003eWhen it comes to picture frames, she's especially delicate with them.\n\n\\\u003eHer efforts definitely speak to you, showing you how much she wants to prove her helpfulness.\n\n\\\u003eThat, or maybe she'd be punished for less-than-perfect work at her previous home.\n\n\\\u003eUnfortunately you don't assume that the latter is very unlikely.\n\n\\\u003e\"You're doing a great job, Sophie,\" you tell her as she carefully cleans every edge and face of a picture's frame.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks back at you and smiles.\n\n\\\u003e\"Thank you,\" she returns timidly, before returning to the frame.\n\n\\\u003eYou notice that after she flipped it over, she got distracted, staring at the picture itself.\n\n\\\u003e\"Which one is that?\" You ask.\n\n\\\u003e\"Um... This one,\" Sophia says as she flips it around to face you.\n\n\\\u003eA human man, woman, and child sitting together outdoors, seemingly just before sunset.\n\n\\\u003eThey're all smiling as if they had been laughing jovially the moment the picture was taken.\n\n\\\u003e\"That's you when you were a kid, right?\" She asks, pointing to the child.\n\n\\\u003e\"That's right.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"So the other two are...\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Mom and Dad, yes. I remember that day. They hired a photographer to take some family pictures. We went out and had a bunch taken,\" you recall.\n\n\\\u003eMom and Dad definitely look considerably more youthful there.\n\n\\\u003eBut of course, that applies the most to you.\n\n\\\u003eYou look to be only a few years older than Sophia is now.\n\n\\\u003e\"You all look so happy,\" she remarks.\n\n\\\u003e\"Well, yeah.\"\n\n\\\u003eThat's kinda the point...\n\n\\\u003e\"...I like it,\" she says.\n\n\\\u003e\"You like it?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Mm-hm. You're such a...nice, happy family. All t-together.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Well, uh, thank you,\" you say, a little unsure how to respond to that. \"They got a good photographer.\"\n\n\\\u003eSophia gets back to work wiping the dust off it.\n\n\\\u003eWhen she's finished, she gently places the frame in nearly the exact spot and angle it had been in before.\n\n\\\u003eWatching Sophia with the picture reminded you about your last phone call with Mom and Dad.\n\n\\\u003eCertainly they're going to want to visit soon.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't like the idea of essentially cutting them out of your life as you struggle to find Sophia a permanent home.\n\n\\\u003eEven as your parents, they've always seemed to be a little more...eager to be around you, or to know how you're doing.\n\n\\\u003eA consequence of being an only child when they wanted more, you guess.\n\n\\\u003eYou shake the thought again.\n\n\\\u003eIt may not be worth worrying about what they'd think of Sophia if you're aiming for them to never know she even existed.\n\n\\\u003eInstead you put your mind back to dusting.\n\n\\\u003eIt won't be too long before the two of you are done, even if you haven't been at it long.\n\n\\\u003eYou really don't have many trinkets and such to collect dust.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't even really have that many pictures around.\n\n\\\u003eTaking another glance at Sophia, and remembering what she said about that one photo, an idea pops in your head.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, Sophie,\" you start, directing her attention back to you. \"After we're done, how about we take a picture like that?\"\n\n\\\u003eHer eyes light up.\n\n\\\u003e\"R-Really? Both of us...together...?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Of course. Would you like that?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Y-Yeah! I'd really like that!\"\n\n\\\u003eIf her tone wasn't enthusiastic enough, her wagging tail was a clear indication of her excitement.\n\n\\\u003eAll that for a single picture....\n\n\\\u003eWell, you can't say you aren't happy about it too.\n\n\\\u003eOnce you've found Sophia a place to stay, it'll be nice having a photo with her to look back on.\n\n\\\u003eHaving nothing to show for something as important in your life as Sophia has been wouldn't feel right, even if that should be your intention as you try to avoid having others find out about her and the misunderstandings that'd cause.\n\n\\\u003eThough, you suppose that if you magically found her to-be adopters right this second, at the very least you'd still have the drawing she made of the two of you.\n\n\\\u003eYou had put that up on the fridge. It makes you smile every time you look at it.\n\n\\\u003e\"I'm glad you're excited,\" you smile. \"Let's finish up here, and then we'll take it.\"\n\n\\\u003eSophia nods and gets back to work, though her tail doesn't stop wagging.\n\n\\\u003eBefore long, there wasn't a trace of dust to be found on any table or counter.\n\n\\\u003eDespite Sophia being eager to take a photo with you after the job was done, she didn't cut any corners.\n\n\\\u003e\"Great work, Sophie. You were a big help,\" you praise, holding out your palm.\n\n\\\u003eAs per what seems to have become a tradition between the two of you, Sophia opts to grab your hand rather than high-five it.\n\n\\\u003e\"Thank you,\" she returns. \"I like h-helping out.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I couldn't ask for a better helper,\" you smile, giving her paw a gentle squeeze.\n\n\\\u003e\"So, are we going to...?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Take the picture?\" You finish, getting a nod from her. You grin. \"Eager, are we? How about we sit on the couch for it?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Okay...!\" She responds before making her way towards it.\n\n\\\u003eYou briefly think about using your laptop for the shoot, but you realize the resolution wasn't the best when it came to taking photos.\n\n\\\u003eA picture from your phone may have worse dimensions, but nothing that a little cropping can't fix.\n\n\\\u003eYou just need to make sure you and Sophia are framed right together.\n\n\\\u003eYou grab your phone and follow Sophia to the couch.\n\n\\\u003eThe two of you sit together side-by-side, with about an inch of distance inbetween.\n\n\\\u003eThat is, until Sophia bridges that small gap, lightly grazing her shoulder with yours, and gently leaning her head against you.\n\n\\\u003eYou can't help but put your arm around her in response.\n\n\\\u003e\"Ready?\" You ask, holding your phone out and tilting it around to find the best angle.\n\n\\\u003e\"I'm ready,\" she responds.\n\n\\\u003e\"All right then. Look here, and say 'cheese'!\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Cheeeeese!\"\n\n\\\u003eWithin the second it takes you to snap a picture, you get a good look at the two of you through the phone screen.\n\n\\\u003eThere's you of course, lightly pulling Sophia into a gentle hug.\n\n\\\u003eAnd then there's Sophia...\n\n\\\u003eHer smile is the widest you've even seen it before.\n\n\\\u003eUsually you can only get timid, toothless grins out of her.\n\n\\\u003eBut here, all of her teeth were on display.\n\n\\\u003eThe sheer span of her smile as well as the sharpness of her teeth contributed to what should have been a threatening sight.\n\n\\\u003eBut... It's Sophia. An extremely happy-looking Sophia.\n\n\\\u003eYou could say she looks intimidating, or even dangerous. But the most accurate description will still be \"cute\" above all.\n\n\\\u003eIf anything, the sharp teeth grant her a unique kind of cuteness that you haven't really seen before.\n\n\\\u003eYour own smile widens at the sight.\n\n\\\u003eShe really is precious...\n\n\\\u003e\\*Snap!\\*\n\n\\\u003e\"Did you take it?\" She asks.\n\n\\\u003e\"Yep. Let's see how it turned out.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou bring your phone in and view the most recent photo.\n\n\\\u003eIt turned out perfect, at least in your eyes.\n\n\\\u003eThe two of you, seemingly just happy to be within each other's company.\n\n\\\u003eIf it wasn't for the drastic difference in species, one might assume you were family.\n\n\\\u003e\"...D-Do I look funny?\" Sophia asks, having her previous excitement suddenly transformed into nervousness. \"I-I'm not used to smiling...like that.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"You look great, Sophie,\" you assure her. \"Your\u0026nbsp;smile is adorable.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"O-Oh. Thank you,\" she blushes.\n\n\\\u003e\"How do you think it turned out?\"\n\n\\\u003eShe studies it closely, seemingly taking in every detail.\n\n\\\u003e\"...I really like it,\" she answers, simply but earnestly.\n\n\\\u003e\"Me too, Sophie.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...Can we take more...soon?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"You want to take more? Of course we can.\"\n\n\\\u003eCreating even more evidence of your involvement with her probably isn't a smart idea.\n\n\\\u003eBut you can't help agreeing to it.\n\n\\\u003eHaving only one picture to remember her by isn't going to be enough.\n\n\\\u003e\"Thank you,\" she makes out, bringing you out of your thoughts. \"I've never done this before.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Well, I'm happy to do it with you,\" you return, giving her hair a gentle ruffle.\n\n\\\u003eShe leans into you in response, which in turn causes you to gently pull her closer against your side.\n\n\\\u003eAs the two of you sit together, it makes you realize how normalized all this has become.\n\n\\\u003eThere's a mutual trust between the two of you that didn't quite seem to be all there when you first brought Sophia home.\n\n\\\u003eNow, she isn't scared to get close to you, nor show her affection through hugs and conversation.\n\n\\\u003eAnd to be honest, those sorts of things scared you at first as well.\n\n\\\u003e\"Well Sophie,\" you start. \"We've dusted. We've got a nice photo of each other. How about we play some more catch together? If you want.\"\n\n\\\u003eSophia looks up at you, and nods.\n\n\\\u003e\"Yes, please,\" she nods.\n\n\\\u003eYou pause for a moment, thinking that Sophia might've only agreed because you wanted to.\n\n\\\u003e\"Remember, you don't have to say yes to anything I offer. If you'd rather draw, or have an early dinner....\"\n\n\\\u003e\"No, it's okay. I want to play catch with you,\" she affirms.\n\n\\\u003eAll right,\" you say, standing up. \"I'll get the ball.\"\n\n\\\u003e\n\n\\\u003eAfter an amiable game of catch, you had excused yourself for a quick trip to a store.\n\n\\\u003eYou promised you'd be back quick, and with only one thing in mind to purchase, it was easy to keep it.\n\n\\\u003eSophia was a little curious about what you got, but she didn't press after you told her you wanted it to be a surprise.\n\n\\\u003eIn fact, she went along with it by offering to stay in her room while you got it ready.\n\n\\\u003eWith the bag containing the \"mystery item\" in hand, you make your way to your printer.\n\n\\\u003eYou purchased a printer not long after you moved in, feeling it would be useful considering your line of work.\n\n\\\u003eDoubly so now, as you're doing most of your work at home.\n\n\\\u003eOnce you're there, you pull the item out of the bag.\n\n\\\u003eAn empty picture frame. One to join the others on your living room table.\n\n\\\u003eWith the dimensions of the picture frame in mind, you set a photo to be printed.\n\n\\\u003eYou would have sent it to be framed professionally, but you know you can't let anyone see the picture of you and Sophia together.\n\n\\\u003eThe printer whirrs and clacks as it puts the picture to paper.\n\n\\\u003eFor a moment you worry that Sophia can hear the noise, possibly spoiling the surprise if she can infer it correctly.\n\n\\\u003eThough you imagine it's likely that she's never had any experiences with a printer before.\n\n\\\u003eOnce the printer has done its job, you take the resulting paper and grab some scissors.\n\n\\\u003eCutting out the excess white space, you then slide the cutout into the frame.\n\n\\\u003eAfter it's secured in, you take a moment to analyze your craft.\n\n\\\u003eThough your printer's ink left a little to be desired in the vibrancy department, it looks as good as you could possibly make it.\n\n\\\u003ePopping the stand out, you place your DIY among the rest of the pictures; right next to the one of you and your parents.\n\n\\\u003eIt fits right in, as long as no one is overly critical at least.\n\n\\\u003eWell, you've kept Sophia waiting long enough.\n\n\\\u003eHopefully the payout will be worth the wait for her.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, Sophie,\" you call upstairs. \"It's ready!\"\n\n\\\u003eIn the distance you hear the turning of a doorknob, followed by a soft pattern of footsteps.\n\n\\\u003eYou meet Sophia at the base of the staircase, and offer a hand to her.\n\n\\\u003eShe takes it, and you lead her to the living room.\n\n\\\u003e\"Now, it's nothing too big,\" you say as you guide her. \"I just thought, you know, it'd be a fun thing to have around.\"\n\n\\\u003eShe nods in response as the two of you step into the room.\n\n\\\u003e\"There's a new picture...!\" Sophia remarks before you could even bring her attention to it yourself.\n\n\\\u003e\"Well, looks like you already noticed it,\" you say, a little impressed she realized so quickly. \"Why don't you take a closer look?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Okay,\" Sophia says as you let go of her hand, and she steps up to the new frame. \"...I-It's the one we took today!\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Yep. I had to make it myself, but I think it turned out all right. What do you think?\"\n\n\\\u003eSophia turns back to look at you, pupils wide.\n\n\\\u003e\"Can I...hold it?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Er... Yeah, of course you can.\"\n\n\\\u003eShe turns back to it, and with gentle paws, she picks it up and stares at the photo inside.\n\n\\\u003e\"Do you like it?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...I love it.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou grin.\n\n\\\u003e\"Glad to hear it. I can definitely make some more in the future.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"P-Please,\" she says, still staring at you and herself. \"...I'd really, really like that.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Me too.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou watch as Sophia places the frame back.\n\n\\\u003e\"...It's just like this one,\" she says, referring the the picture next to the one you made. \"You and your p-parents....\"\n\n\\\u003eYou take a step next to her, comparing the two photos side-by-side.\n\n\\\u003e\"...I can see what you mean,\" you remark.\n\n\\\u003eThey do have the same premise...\n\n\\\u003eChildren and their paren—\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eChildren and their caretakers. ...That's more accurate to both of them.\n\n\\\u003eAs the link between them, it is a bit strange to see how you've filled both roles.\n\n\\\u003eYou shake the feeling and turn back to Sophia.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, are you hungry?\" You ask. \"Why don't I make us something to eat?\"\n\n\\\u003eThough she nods, she doesn't turn to you.\n\n\\\u003eYou can only see the back of her head as she continues to look at the picture you took with her.\n\n\\\u003e\"Okay,\" she says simply.\n\n\\\u003e\"All right. I'll get on that.\"\n\n\\\u003eWith that, you leave her be as you make your way to the kitchen.\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\n\\\u003eIt was another night of trying to do research for Sophia's to-be caretakers.\n\n\\\u003eYou tucked her in\u0026nbsp;hours ago.\n\n\\\u003eBut even with all that time up to this point, productive is far from the word you'd use to describe yourself.\n\n\\\u003eTechnically, you haven't done any actual research.\n\n\\\u003eInstead, you find yourself having written three lists:\n\n\\\u003e\"Required\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Heavily Preferred\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Good, But Not Necessary\"\n\n\\\u003ePlaced into each list were attributes of potential strategies.\n\n\\\u003eNot any actual strategies. Just things that would draw you toward or away from any particular one.\n\n\\\u003eIn \"Required\" you put:\n\n\\\u003e\"Able to meet with adopters beforehand\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Able to oversee adoption process to completion\"\n\n\\\u003eIn \"Heavily Preferred\" you put:\n\n\\\u003e\"Adopters consist of both parents\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Adopters are anthros/similar to Sophia\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Involvement remains unknown to authorities\"\n\n\\\u003eIn \"Good, But Not Necessary\" you put:\n\n\\\u003e\"Adopters have/had other children\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Sophia ends up nearby\"\n\n\\\u003eWith as much time as you've had, you'd have hoped the lists would be much longer.\n\n\\\u003eBut you've been stuck on the placement on another potential attribute:\n\n\\\u003e\"Can visit Sophia\"\n\n\\\u003eInstinct tells you it should be required.\n\n\\\u003eBut another part of you says that could be the dealbreaker in what'd be a potentially ideal adoption.\n\n\\\u003eIn terms of ensuring Sophia ends up in a good place, you'd hope that meeting with the potential adopters, as well as seeing it all the way through would be enough.\n\n\\\u003e...No, those two things have to be enough.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eThey need to be.\n\n\\\u003eBecause after she's adopted, there's no obligation to keep you in the picture.\n\n\\\u003eIf you made the wrong decision, you'd lose all control to make it right.\n\n\\\u003eIf they don't want you to visit Sophia, there'd be nothing you could do. And there's no way you can ensure they'd be fine with it.\n\n\\\u003eIn other words, being able to visit her doesn't make sense to be required, because there's no way to ensure it.\n\n\\\u003e...But still, you can't help but want to put it there anyway.\n\n\\\u003eAnd that's where your mind has been nearly all this time.\n\n\\\u003eAt this point, it really just feels like you've been procrastinating.\n\n\\\u003eBut when you try to think about actual strategies to get Sophia to a good family, your mind goes blank.\n\n\\\u003eReally, what's even possible, let alone not unlikely to work...?\n\n\\\u003eAs you attempt to focus and clear your head, you notice a noise...\n\n\\\u003eYou thought it might be some leaves rustling outside at first, but you quickly realize it's coming from Sophia's room. It sounds like...\n\n\\\u003eSniffling.\n\n\\\u003eYour heart drops, and you jump out of bed immediately.\n\n\\\u003eThe memory of the last time she woke up crying plays in your mind.\n\n\\\u003eShe had been crying in her sleep due to some awful dream.\n\n\\\u003eAnd she nearly scared you to death when she woke up in an intense panic.\n\n\\\u003eYou hope this won't be like last time as you hurry to her room.\n\n\\\u003eAs you get closer, you can definitely tell she's crying, albeit quietly.\n\n\\\u003eOnce at her door, you gently push it open and lean inside.\n\n\\\u003e\"Sophie?\"\n\n\\\u003eWithin the darkness, you're able to see the outline of Sophia.\n\n\\\u003eShe's sitting up, awake.\n\n\\\u003eHow long has she been like this...?\n\n\\\u003e\"A-Anon...?\" She says as if she's not sure she believes it's you.\n\n\\\u003eYou can't see her face in the dark, but you don't want to blind her with the light.\n\n\\\u003e\"Did you have a nightmare, Sophie?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...Y-Yes,\" she answers, quivering.\n\n\\\u003e\"A bad one?\"\n\n\\\u003eThere's a short pause and a loud sniffle before she answers \"yes\" again.\n\n\\\u003eHer voice is all you need to tell how shaken she is.\n\n\\\u003eYou need to fix this.\n\n\\\u003e\"I'm going to turn on the light, okay?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...O-Okay....\"\n\n\\\u003eYou reach for the light switch and flick it on.\n\n\\\u003eThe light is a little blinding at first, but your eyes are quick to adjust.\n\n\\\u003eYou're finally able to get a good look at her.\n\n\\\u003eShe's sitting up in her bed, a little scrunched up.\n\n\\\u003eHugged tightly against her chest is her stuffed rabbit.\n\n\\\u003eAnd her face...\n\n\\\u003eIt's already wet with tears having streamed down it.\n\n\\\u003eHer eyes look especially glossy because of it.\n\n\\\u003eAnd it looks like she's holding back even more.\n\n\\\u003eHer miserable expression completes the pitiful sight.\n\n\\\u003eThere's no way she'll be able to go back to bed easily like this.\n\n\\\u003e\"Do you want to talk about it?\" You ask in a gentle voice as you walk to her bedside.\n\n\\\u003e\"I don't know....\"\n\n\\\u003e\"You don't have to if you don't want to,\" you tell her. \"I just want you to know you're safe.\"\n\n\\\u003eShe looks downward, and gives a weak nod.\n\n\\\u003e\"How about you stay with me for the night? Would you like that?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...Mm-hm...\" she gives another nod.\n\n\\\u003e\"All right. Here we go...\" you say as you calmly reach over and scoop up the little wolf in you arms.\n\n\\\u003eYou do your best to be as gentle as possible as you lift her up.\n\n\\\u003eLike last time you picked her up, she throws her arms over your shoulders and hugs you tight.\n\n\\\u003eShe holds her stuffed rabbit in an iron-fist grip.\n\n\\\u003eWith Sophia safely in your arms, you begin your trek back to your room.\n\n\\\u003eThe only sounds present were your barely audible footsteps on the soft carpet and Sophia's quiet, shakey breathing.\n\n\\\u003eThe poor kid.\n\n\\\u003eEven if her nightmare doesn't seem to have been as bad as the last one, you can tell this one was still significantly terrible.\n\n\\\u003e\"I'm here for you, Sophie,\" you try to reassure her, rubbing her back as you pass the threshold into your room.\n\n\\\u003eThe covers on your bed are still messily open since you jumped out of them.\n\n\\\u003ePlacing some more support on her back, you gently lower Sophia to your bed.\n\n\\\u003eHer grip finally loosens once she realizes you're setting her down.\n\n\\\u003eYou carefully lay her on the bed and pull the covers over her.\n\n\\\u003eA lump at her chest indicates she's still clutching her rabbit.\n\n\\\u003eWith just her head peaking out, she stares at you.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks notably less frightened now.\n\n\\\u003e\"You feel any better?\" You ask, kneeling by her side.\n\n\\\u003e\"...Yes.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Good. Whatever happened in that dream, just remember that you're safe here with me. I'll make sure nothing bad happens to you,\" you tell her, putting a hand on her shoulder.\n\n\\\u003e\"Th-Thank you...\" she quietly utters. \"...I-It was a car.\"\n\n\\\u003eA car?\n\n\\\u003e\"You were...going to get hit by a car in the dream?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Mm-hm....\"\n\n\\\u003eA car. Huh.\n\n\\\u003eYour first guess would usually be something like endless falling, or being chased by some vague monster.\n\n\\\u003eA car has an almost disturbing sense of realism to it.\n\n\\\u003e\"I-I woke up before it...hit me. O-Or maybe it did hit me,\" she explains sadly, and seemingly a little tripped up. \"I don't know....\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Have you had this dream before?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Not a lot...\" she answers.\n\n\\\u003eThat still means this wasn't the first time she's had that nightmare.\n\n\\\u003eIt's just...one of the less common ones, it seems.\n\n\\\u003e\"But... Y-You were there, this time,\" she continues.\n\n\\\u003e\"I was?\" You don't like the sound of that. \"What, uh, what was I doing?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...Nothing.\"\n\n\\\u003eNothing? Is that a...good thing?\n\n\\\u003e\"You...were on the sidewalk,\" she recounts. \"I-I crossed the street when I shouldn't have...\"\n\n\\\u003eYou notice her voice beginning to quake.\n\n\\\u003e\"...A-And I froze. Everyone...s-stopped and stared at me...at the same time...\" you can see from the covers that her grip tightens on her rabbit. \"...B-But nobody looked scared, or s-sad, or mad. They just...stared and d-did nothing. So did you... A-And the c-car didn't... I-It didn't...\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey hey! Don't worry, Sophie. That's all over,\" you tell her, trying to stop what was looking to be an impending panic attack.\n\n\\\u003eHer pupils had been shrinking near the end of her recounting, and her voice had become more panicked.\n\n\\\u003eHer ears folded against her head.\n\n\\\u003e\"I won't let anything like that happen to you. I promise I'll keep you safe, all right?\"\n\n\\\u003eHer expression appears to be recovering from that rising freight.\n\n\\\u003e\"...Okay.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Would it make you feel better if I kept the lamp on?\" You offer.\n\n\\\u003e\"...Y-Yes,\" she says guiltily. \"Sorry.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"There's nothing to be sorry about,\" you console. \"I'll be right back.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou stand up fully, about to step out of the room.\n\n\\\u003e\"Y-You're leaving...?!\" She asks with returning fear, sitting up immediately.\n\n\\\u003eYou stop in your tracks at the sight.\n\n\\\u003e\"Don't worry Sophie. I'll be quick. I'm just grabbing some of those spare pillows and blankets downstairs,\" you explain. \"I'll be right back.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"You're gonna...sleep on the f-floor? Not up here...?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh. Would you feel safer if I did?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Yes... B-But also...\" she pauses for a second. \"...You don't deserve to sleep on the floor.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou really wouldn't have minded sleeping of the floor, but you realize it's had a different meaning in Sophia's life.\n\n\\\u003e\"That's very kind of you, Sophie,\" you tell her, standing by the door for a second. \"Well, if it makes you feel safer....\"\n\n\\\u003eYou turn away from the doorway.\n\n\\\u003eSophia shimmies over to the side of the bed to make space for you.\n\n\\\u003eYou give her a thankful nod as you take your place next to her.\n\n\\\u003eAs you settle in, you turn your head to her.\n\n\\\u003eYou can't help but think about what she said about her dream.\n\n\\\u003eAbout you.\n\n\\\u003eThat you just stood there, and watched her...\n\n\\\u003e...Well, you really don't like imagining anything like that happening to her.\n\n\\\u003eYou curse your dream self for doing nothing, like everyone else.\n\n\\\u003eYou can't help but feel guilty, even if that \"you\" came from a nightmare, and wasn't the real you.\n\n\\\u003eIt wasn't even your own dream.\n\n\\\u003e...Actually, it makes it worse that it was Sophia's.\n\n\\\u003eThinking about it, you would have hoped that Sophia's dreams would recreate you as some sort of reliable presence at least.\n\n\\\u003e...Does this mean something about what she really thinks of you...?\n\n\\\u003eOr are you reading way too far into this?\n\n\\\u003e\"Uh... Hey Sophie?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah...?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"You know... As long as you're with me, I'm always going to keep you safe.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I know.\"\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eShe knows, huh...\n\n\\\u003eMaybe you were being a little paranoid there.\n\n\\\u003eIt's just...\n\n\\\u003eIt doesn't feel like it's going to leave your conscious easily. Your dream self not doing anything to help her and what not.\n\n\\\u003eYou really hope it means nothing, and it's not some sort of sign to how Sophia truly sees y—\n\n\\\u003e...Your thoughts are interrupted as you feel your right arm wrapped by two smaller ones.\n\n\\\u003eIt's Sophia, hugging against your arm and pulling herself against your side.\n\n\\\u003eUsing you like a giant teddy bear...\n\n\\\u003eShe still slightly shaken.\n\n\\\u003eWith her so close, you can feel her shivers.\n\n\\\u003eHolding on tight to you seems to be her way of combating it.\n\n\\\u003eYou take a moment to get over the surprise you feel.\n\n\\\u003e\"Here Sophie...\" you say quietly as you lift your arm out of her grip.\n\n\\\u003eShe's reluctant to let go, but gives no fight about it.\n\n\\\u003eYou're quick to alleviate the worry in her that caused by bringing your arm around to her other side, further pulling her in to a protective, sideways hug.\n\n\\\u003eThough she doesn't say anything, you can tell through the way she cuddles up against your side that she's appreciative.\n\n\\\u003eHer head finds its way just past your shoulder, resting on you like a pillow.\n\n\\\u003eAs she settles in, you notice her shivers subsiding.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eYou take in the situation.\n\n\\\u003eThis young wolf girl, using you as a source of comfort from her\u0026nbsp;nightmare like this...\n\n\\\u003eYou, of all people.\n\n\\\u003e...It breaks your heart wondering what she would of done if she was alone on the streets again.\n\n\\\u003eIt's not enough for her to be safe. She needs to feel safe too.\n\n\\\u003eYou'll do all you can for that.\n\n\\\u003e\"G-Good night, Anon...\" she whispers. Then, \"Thank you.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Night, Sophie,\" you respond. \"You'll always be safe with me.\"\n\n\\\u003eAnd the two of you simply lie there like that.\n\n\\\u003eSophia, glued to your side. Her light breaths being the only source of sound in the room.\n\n\\\u003eAnd you, arm around her keeping her secure and safe. A statement to any monsters hiding in the dark that they'd have to go through you if they wanted her.\n\n\\\u003eIt feels nice.\n\n\\\u003eNot just because Sophia is a naturally warm presence, but because she trusts you to protect her like this.\n\n\\\u003eLike you're her guardian.\n\n\\\u003eAs you drift of to sleep, you can't help but tell yourself that being able to visit her once she's adopted should be a necessity....\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\n\\\u003eUndoubtedly, one of the best benefits of spending more time with Sophia was how that time could be used for her lessons.\n\n\\\u003eYou think she would agree.\n\n\\\u003eSophia was always eager for her reading lessons without exception.\n\n\\\u003eBefore you realized it, she had memorized well past half of the alphabet.\n\n\\\u003eYou got ice cream to celebrate when she got to \"Z\".\n\n\\\u003eOf course, it doesn't end there. English isn't so merciful. Sophia's own name is proof enough.\n\n\\\u003eThe strategy of relying on each individual letter's phonetics made her question if she really remembered what her name looked like.\n\n\\\u003eBut when you showed her \"Sophia\" versus \"Sofia\", she insisted that it was the former.\n\n\\\u003eNow she needs to learn that some letter combinations make different sounds entirely, assuming the word with that combination isn't one of multiple exceptions to the rule.\n\n\\\u003eIt's probably going to be a headache to teach. Not to mention, a headache for her to learn.\n\n\\\u003eBut for now, the two of you can enjoy the desert celebrating her undeniably impressive progress.\n\n\\\u003e\"Do you like that one? I've got some more flavors so you can find a favorite,\" you ask as she takes a bite out of hers.\n\n\\\u003e\"Mm-hm!\" She answers as the ice cream melts in her mouth. \"I love it!\"\n\n\\\u003e\"That's good. You deserve it, Sophie. You've done such a great job.\"\n\n\\\u003eThe compliment gets a light blush out of her.\n\n\\\u003eSeeing the little wolf so happy causes you to smile yourself.\n\n\\\u003eThe warm feeling you're given makes you think...\n\n\\\u003eYou're having a hard time trying to remember anything else in your life that's made you feel this way.\n\n\\\u003eWhen was the last time, before meeting her, that you were this happy?\n\n\\\u003eSeeing her smile...\n\n\\\u003eIt almost feels like your birthday when you were a little kid.\n\n\\\u003eJust...pure joy.\n\n\\\u003e\"We really did every letter?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Every single one,\" you say as you ruffle her hair.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hehe!\" She giggles. \"...But, there'll still be m-more lessons with you, right?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, of course. There's still a lot to learn.\"\n\n\\\u003eShe nods, and her smile widens.\n\n\\\u003e\"That's good. It's fun...learning with you.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"And I enjoy teaching you,\" you return. \"I can't tell you how proud I am that you've made it this far already.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"See! I told you!\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Told me? Told me what?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"That you're a good teacher!\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Ah, come on, Sophie,\" you chuckle. \"This was all you.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I did it the way you showed me. A-And you always helped me when I got stuck.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou guess you can't really argue with that.\n\n\\\u003e\"You're too kind, Sophie,\" you say. \"Your ice cream is gonna melt if you leave it be any longer.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh...!\" She realizes, looking down at her bowl before taking another scoop.\n\n\\\u003eThe enjoyment she receives from each bite is contagious.\n\n\\\u003eWitnessing the joy written over her face ignites a warm feeling in you.\n\n\\\u003eYou love seeing her happy. It's as simple as that.\n\n\\\u003e\"O-Oh!\" She realizes. \"I forgot...! I want to see if I can read what you wrote for me...since I've done every letter.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou remember what she's talking about.\n\n\\\u003eThat sentence you wrote for her in the hopes that one day she'd be able to read it without your help.\n\n\\\u003eIt might be difficult at her current level, but maybe she'll be able to do it.\n\n\\\u003e\"Do you remember where it is?\" You ask.\n\n\\\u003e\"Mm-hm!\" She nods before putting her ice cream down and scurrying off.\n\n\\\u003eShe returns with a piece of paper in her hand, which she lays out on the kitchen table.\n\n\\\u003e\"That's the one,\" you say. \"You think you can read it? Remember, I'm not going to help you with this one.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I know. A-And I want to be able to do it myself!\" She affirms.\n\n\\\u003eHer budding confidence makes you smile.\n\n\\\u003e\"All right, Sophie. Give it a shot.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Okay,\" she says, taking in a deep breath.\n\n\\\u003eShe enters an intense state of concentration as she looks over the paper...\n\n\\\u003e\"Sophia is a...\" she begins, though reaching a hurdle almost immediately.\n\n\\\u003eThere's an urge in you to give her a hint, but you can only hope that she remembers the lesson you gave her on vowels...\n\n\\\u003e\"...good kid...\" she briefly glances at you after that part, which you return with a smile.\n\n\\\u003eShe stares at the next word for a moment before she remembers.\n\n\\\u003e\"...who...\"\n\n\\\u003eYou know the next word will cause her some trouble. She's never read a word as long as \"deserves\".\n\n\\\u003e\"...u-um...\" she puts her finger over it, covering it up except for the first few letters. \"...deh...seh...rrr...veh...sss...\"\n\n\\\u003eShe ponders it before looking back at you.\n\n\\\u003e\"...Deserves?\"\n\n\\\u003eAs much as you want to help her out, it'd defeat the purpose of the whole thing.\n\n\\\u003e\"Sorry Sophie. I can't give any hints.\"\n\n\\\u003eAfter a second, she gives an accepting nod and turns her attention back to the paper.\n\n\\\u003e\"Sophia is a good kid who...d-deserves...to be...\"\n\n\\\u003eCome on, Sophie. Just one more word....\n\n\\\u003eShe stares at it, seemingly concentrating.\n\n\\\u003eThat is, until the edge of her mouth begins to lift up.\n\n\\\u003e\"...Thank you, Anon,\" she says. \"I am happy...with you.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Aww, Sophie...\" you smile, reaching over and patting her head. \"So, you did it!\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah,\" she looks down at the paper, still smiling herself. \"I read the whole thing correctly, right?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"You did it perfectly,\" you tell her. \"You've grown so much.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I've g-grown?\" She says, surprised.\n\n\\\u003eAnd maybe a slight bit...panicked?\n\n\\\u003e\"You have. Not just reading, but also how you speak and...just generally interact with people.\"\n\n\\\u003eOr, just you, you suppose.\n\n\\\u003eYou pray she doesn't revert back to her asocial fearfulness when she meets anybody else.\n\n\\\u003eStill...\n\n\\\u003e\"I have a good feeling you're gonna turn out just fine.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Are you... Are you sure?\" She asks nervously.\n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah,\" you say, tone becoming more concerned. \"...Is there something you're scared of?\"\n\n\\\u003eShe stays silent.\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, do you not want to talk about it?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...I-I think I should,\" she utters.\n\n\\\u003e\"Huh?\"\n\n\\\u003eWhat is she...?\n\n\\\u003e\"I think I know why the...\" she gulps. \"...people before...didn't like me.\"\n\n\\\u003eThe \"people before\"? You had hoped Sophia would have taken your advice and forgotten about them.\n\n\\\u003e...But you also know something like that cannot be done so easily.\n\n\\\u003eYou want to step in and comfort her...\n\n\\\u003e...But your curiosity stops you from interrupting her.\n\n\\\u003e\"I-I don't remember my...dad,\" she continues, voice becoming unsteady. \"But I think he was a...b-bad guy.\"\n\n\\\u003eShe looks down.\n\n\\\u003e\"...A really bad guy. I-I think that's what they said....\"\n\n\\\u003eYou take a moment to process what that means.\n\n\\\u003e\"...You think that they didn't treat you fairly because of that?\" You ask.\n\n\\\u003eShe nods.\n\n\\\u003e\"B-Because I might turn out like him.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey hey! That's not going to happen!\" You step in. \"And that's no justification for how they treated you either!\"\n\n\\\u003e\"But...aren't children supposed to be like their p-parents?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Sophia, look at me,\" you say, and she complies instantly. \"You said you don't remember your father, right?\"\n\n\\\u003eShe nods.\n\n\\\u003e\"How old were you when you were last together?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...I don't know.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Did he leave you anything at all?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...No.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...Do you know his name?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...I-I don't.\"\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eYou take a deep breath.\n\n\\\u003e\"Sophie, I can't say anything about who your father was. Obviously I never met the guy,\" you begin. \"And, it doesn't seem to me that you've 'met' him either. If he really was a bad person, how would you follow in his footsteps if he hasn't been in your life long enough for you to learn his name?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I-Isn't it...in my nature?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"If you've been...influenced by him, in blood alone, then I'd have to assume he's a pretty good guy.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"W-What?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Sophia, the entire time you've been with me, you've only been kind, careful, gentle, and sweet...\" the list could go on, but you'll get to the point. \"...so, if your connection to him is really that important, then I could only make positive assumptions of him.\"\n\n\\\u003eSophia looks unsure.\n\n\\\u003e\"But... I heard th-them say...he was really bad....\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Like I said, I can't make that judgement. Because even if you're a good kid, 'who you are' isn't only defined by who your parents are. Your upbringing, and the people who actually participate in your life, help shape you,\" you explain. \"I mean, hopefully one's parents would be the driving force in that too. But unfortunately that's not always the case....\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Like for me...\" she says sadly.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't like seeing her like this.\n\n\\\u003eYou need to wrap this up on a positive note.\n\n\\\u003e\"You don't know your dad. You weren't lucky enough to have someone to fill that role for you. But Sophie, I promise you, I will take care of that.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Y-You will...?!\" She perks up, much to your relief.\n\n\\\u003e\"I promise, I will find someone who can fill that role. Somebody you'll be the happiest to call your dad.\"\n\n\\\u003eShe blinks, before slouching slightly.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eSophia stares at you with an unreadable expression.\n\n\\\u003eShe opens her mouth, but stops herself, continuing to stare.\n\n\\\u003e...Did you say something wrong?\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003e\"S-Sophie?\"\n\n\\\u003eThat seems to have snapped her out of whatever trance that was, as her eyes drift away from you.\n\n\\\u003e\"Th...Thank you...Anon,\" she says with a grateful but shaking tone. \"You're so nice to me....\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I just want to make sure you're happy,\" you tell her. \"Heh... I didn't expect to talk for so long. You're ice cream's all melted.\"\n\n\\\u003eSophia turns to her bowl as you pointed it out.\n\n\\\u003e\"How about I get you another bowl?\"\n\n\\\u003eA weak smile creeps onto her face, and she nods.\n\n\\\u003e\"Thank you....\"\n\n\\\u003e\n\n\\\u003eLater that day, while recounting the conversation between you and Sophia, an idea pops in your head.\n\n\\\u003eYou grab your laptop.\n\n\\\u003eIn the search bar, you look up any local news stories that, in particular, involved a wolf anthro.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't have to look far before you find something...\n\n\\\u003eYears ago, in the city, an older man, a human, got mugged by a large wolf anthro.\n\n\\\u003eHis shade of fur immediately brought Sophia's own to your mind.\n\n\\\u003eYou hope the slight resemblance to Sophia you see in him is just a combination of not having met many wolf anthros and placebo.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eApparently, during the crime, the wolf was overly rough to the old man.\n\n\\\u003eEnded up knocking the guy down hard, and he suffered severe head trauma after falling on a parking block.\n\n\\\u003eWhich, ultimately, proved fatal...\n\n\\\u003eAnd the wolf was eventually caught and imprisoned for assault, theft, and manslaughter.\n\n\\\u003eThis may just be what Sophia was talking about.\n\n\\\u003eThat man might actually be her father...\n\n\\\u003eThe timing seems to about match up—even if you still haven't figured out Sophia's exact age—and you admittedly think she looks more like this guy than Larry.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eWell, so what if he is her father?\n\n\\\u003eSophia's not doomed to become just like him.\n\n\\\u003eYou'll make certain of that.\n\n\\\u003eThere was no excuse for Sophia to be treated like she was before you found her.\n\n\\\u003eShe doesn't deserve to be tied to her father's actions, especially if she never even knew him. She never even learned what he did.\n\n\\\u003eSophia is going to turn out just fine.\n\n\\\u003eShe's going to live a happy life with a new family who will be happy to have her.\n\n\\\u003eThere's nothing more you want than to make that happen for her.\n\n\\\u003e\"Sophia! Breakfast is ready!\" You call out, setting down two plates of scrambled eggs and one glass of apple juice.\n\n\"Coming!\" You hear her call back, followed by the light patter of her footsteps from the second floor. You smile at her as she comes into view.\n\n\\\u003eEvery now and then, you remember how she used to look when you first found her.\n\n\\\u003eSickly and malnourished, roughed up fur, stained clothes...\n\n\\\u003eBut here she is now, healthy, clean...\n\n\\\u003eSafe.\n\n\\\u003eAll because of your care.\n\n\\\u003eYou're not one to pat yourself on the back very often, but you can't help but feel prideful by that fact.\n\n\\\u003eYou've been getting that feeling a lot actually.\n\n\\\u003eThe young wolf scooches her chair back and sits down.\n\n\\\u003e\"Good morning Sophia.\" You greet as you sit across from her.\n\n\\\u003e\"Good morning... A-Anon,\" she greets back, not meeting your gaze.\n\n\\\u003eInstead she stares at her food.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks nervous. Very nervous in fact.\n\n\\\u003eIt concerns you.\n\n\\\u003e\"Sophia?\"\n\n\\\u003eShe finally looks up at you. Scared might be a better descriptor.\n\n\\\u003e\"Are you feeling okay? You look a little pale.\"\n\n\\\u003eWell, as pale as gray fur can look anyway.\n\n\\\u003e\"I'm okay. Just tired,\" she responds weakly, before taking a sip of her juice.\n\n\\\u003eYou study her expression.\n\n\\\u003eShe appears alert, as if she thinks something's about to pop out at her at any second.\n\n\\\u003eThat doesn't read \"tired\" to you.\n\n\\\u003eIt reminds you of her when she first started living with you. Afraid to do so much as speak without your permission.\n\n\\\u003eShe hadn't acted like that in so long...\n\n\"Sophia, if there's anything bothering you, you know you can tell me,\" you try to reassure her.\n\n\\\u003eThe wolf gently sets down her cup.\n\n\"I know,\" she's almost whispering at this point. She sounds guilty.\n\n\\\u003eHas she done something?\n\n\\\u003eSophia starts on her eggs as you think of what to say next.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eYou don't like seeing her like this.\n\n\\\u003e\"No matter what, I promise I won't be mad.\"\n\n\\\u003eShe pauses for a second,\n\n\\\u003eNods,\n\n\\\u003eAnd continues eating.\n\n\\\u003eYou decide to drop it for now, getting started on your own eggs.\n\n\\\u003e\n\n\\\u003eOnce Sophia's finished, you stack her plate onto yours and take the diningware to the sink to rinse it.\n\n\\\u003eShe says nothing, still silently sitting at the table, looking down where her plate used to be.\n\n\\\u003eThis doesn't ease your worries.\n\n\\\u003eYou turn on the tap, running plates through the stream.\n\n\\\u003eYou almost don't hear Sophia clear her throat over the running water.\n\n\\\u003eYou turn your head to her.\n\n\\\u003eShe's still sitting at the table, but now she's staring right at you.\n\n\\\u003eShe's shaking.\n\n\\\u003eNow you're really concerned.\n\n\\\u003eShe must be sick, you think.\n\n\\\u003eYou turn your head back to the sink and turn off the water. Do you have a thermometer somewh—\n\n\\\u003e\"Thank you, Dad.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"You're—\"\n\n\\\u003eYou freeze.\n\n\\\u003eDid she just...?\n\n\\\u003eYou slowly turn around.\n\n\\\u003eSophia's shivering violently now.\n\n\\\u003eAs soon as you look at her, she ducks her head down again.\n\n\\\u003e\"...What did you call me?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I-I'm sorry... I shouldn't... I'm sorry.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou want to say something, but you don't know what.\n\n\\\u003eCould... Could she really see you like that?\n\n\\\u003eSophia looks both guilty and terrified.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't like seeing her like this.\n\n\\\u003eYour legs feel automatic as you approach her.\n\n\\\u003eShe gets up and faces you, legs together, arms to her side...\n\n\\\u003e...head tucked down.\n\n\\\u003eIt looks as if she's expecting you to strike her.\n\n\\\u003eYou really, really don't like seeing her like this.\n\n\\\u003e\"I'm sorry....\" She whimpers.\n\n\\\u003eAgain you want to say something, but don't know what.\n\n\\\u003eYou bend down to her level...\n\n\\\u003e...and wrap your arms around her.\n\n\\\u003eShe immediately tenses up.\n\n\\\u003e\"Don't apologize,\" you speak gently.\n\n\\\u003e\"If you want to, you can call me dad.\"\n\n\\\u003eThe wolf begins to relax in your arms, staying silent for a second.\n\n\\\u003e\"Is it... Is it really okay?\"\n\n\\\u003eYou think to yourself.\n\n\\\u003eIs it okay?\n\n\\\u003eYou remember the few times you imagined what it would be like to be a father. Every time, within seconds, you concluded you weren't cut out for it. Fatherhood was something you felt you'd naturally be bad at.\n\n\\\u003eYou're Anon. How good of a dad could you honestly be?\n\n\\\u003e\"Only if you really believe I can be a good father.\"\n\n\\\u003eAll of the sudden you feel her arms wrapped around you, returning the hug.\n\n\\\u003e\"You already have been.\"\n\n\\\u003eSophia's holding you tight.\n\n\\\u003eShe doesn't want to let go.\n\n\\\u003eAnd neither do you.\n\n\\\u003eYou only want to keep your daughter safe and happy.\n\n\\\u003e\n\n\\\u003eAfter the hug was broken, you had to step away and take a moment to process what had just happened.\n\n\\\u003eSophia wants to be your daughter.\n\n\\\u003eYou want to be her father.\n\n\\\u003eYou've accepted her wish, as she did yours...\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eShe's going to be your daughter now.\n\n\\\u003eYOUR daughter.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eYou have a daughter.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eYou.\n\n\\\u003eHave.\n\n\\\u003eA.\n\n\\\u003eDaughter.\n\n\\\u003eYou can't stop playing it in your head.\n\n\\\u003eIt doesn't feel real that something like this could have just happened to you.\n\n\\\u003eThere's a sense of weightlessness in your chest.\n\n\\\u003eYou're nervous...\n\n\\\u003eNo. You're scared...\n\n\\\u003eNo. You're terrified...\n\n\\\u003eBut even more than that, you're overjoyed.\n\n\\\u003eIt's impossible to describe how happy you are right now.\n\n\\\u003eYou can't remember a moment in your entire life where you've been this happy.\n\n\\\u003eShe called you \"Dad.\"\n\n\\\u003eShe really called you \"Dad.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou're so glad Sophia can't see this stupid grin on your face.\n\n\\\u003eAt this point, it feels as if your expression will be stuck like this forever.\n\n\\\u003eDad...\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003e......\n\n\\\u003e..................\n\n\\\u003eYou need to make this official.\n\n\\\u003eSomehow, you have to find out a way for her to be legally recognized as your daughter.\n\n\\\u003eBut how?\n\n\\\u003eHow are you going to adopt her?\n\n\\\u003eYou're running into a familiar problem here.\n\n\\\u003ePeople will get suspicious.\n\n\\\u003eSophia hasn't left your house for months now.\n\n\\\u003eAnd it certainly doesn't help that you're a single male.\n\n\\\u003eEven if they trust that you never...\n\n\\\u003e...God, you somehow hate that thought more than ever right now...\n\n\\\u003e...took advantage of her...\n\n\\\u003e...that wouldn't guarantee that they'd let you adopt her.\n\n\\\u003eThey might even bar you from it outright.\n\n\\\u003eAsking the authorities for help seems so risky.\n\n\\\u003eBut you need to figure out a way. You need to make this work somehow.\n\n\\\u003eYou want Sophia to be able to go to school.\n\n\\\u003eYou want her to be able to make friends.\n\n\\\u003eHell, you want her to be able to take a single step outside of your house.\n\n\\\u003eYou made a promise she'd get to live a normal life, but how can you do that if she's hidden away in your home?\n\n\\\u003eObviously this problem isn't going to be solved right away.\n\n\\\u003eFor now, you should put your focus in your new role in life.\n\n\\\u003eSophia's dad.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003e...There's that stupid grin again.\n\n\\\u003eYou've only been away for five minutes, and you want to see your daughter again.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, Sophie,\" you call as you walk back towards her.\n\n\\\u003eYou spot her as you turn the corner to the living room.\n\n\\\u003eShe had been staring at the very first picture you had taken with her, before turning around to face you.\n\n\\\u003eYou see her in a new light...\n\n\\\u003eHer deep gray fur...\n\n\\\u003eHer large pointed ears...\n\n\\\u003eHer little muzzle, currently donning an adorable smile...\n\n\\\u003eShe's wearing that oversized orange dress, the first you ever bought her...\n\n\\\u003eAnd you can hear her tail wagging against it as she sways about innocently...\n\n\\\u003eThat's your daughter, and she's absolutely precious.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hi, Dad.\"\n\n\\\u003eHer voice melts your heart all over again.\n\n\\\u003e\"Sophie... I'm not sure where to start,\" you say. \"...If you really want me to be your dad, then I promise, I'll do all I can for you.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"A-Are you sure you're okay with it...?\" She asks.\n\n\\\u003e\"...I don't think anything has made me happier than hearing you call me 'Dad',\" you tell her, bending to her level.\n\n\\\u003eYou hold out your arms open, as if inviting her to a hug.\n\n\\\u003eBut as she hurries over and wraps her arms around you, you instead lift her to your height as you stand back up.\n\n\\\u003eAlthough she's a little caught of guard, a quiet giggle implied she enjoyed the lift.\n\n\\\u003e\"I can't tell you how proud I'll be to call you my daughter,\" you say with her in your arms.\n\n\\\u003e\"R-Really?\" Her eyes glisten.\n\n\\\u003e\"Really.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"W-Well, I'm proud to call you my dad!\"\n\n\\\u003eYou can't help but chuckle at that.\n\n\\\u003eHow did things end up like this? You've got yourself a doting daughter now.\n\n\\\u003eWhat immaculate good deed did you do to earn this? How lucky are you?\n\n\\\u003eWhatever the answers, it doesn't feel that life could possibly get any better than it is right now.\n\n\\\u003eYou should celebrate. Maybe you should get a cake?\n\n\\\u003e...The thought of cake brings a question to your mind.\n\n\\\u003eA question that you can probably already guess what they answer will be...\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, Sophie? Do you know what day your birthday is?\" You question.\n\n\\\u003eHer smile droops the slightest amount as she shakes her head.\n\n\\\u003e\"No. Nobody told me...\" she answers.\n\n\\\u003eIf she doesn't know by now, there's a depressingly likely chance that that information is lost for good.\n\n\\\u003e\"Well then... How about we just consider that your birthday is today?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Today?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"You know, since we decided we're going to be family today? I think it would be nice to mark today with something like that.\"\n\n\\\u003eShe ponders it for a second, sitting thoughtfully on your arm.\n\n\\\u003e\"...I'd like that,\" she decides, her smile returning to its former glory and then some. \"I'd like that a lot.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I'm glad...\" you say earnestly. \"I believe that means we need to get a celebration going.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"A...celebration?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Of course. You really deserve one.\"\n\n\\\u003eShe gives a gentle nod after a pause.\n\n\\\u003e\"Thank you, Dad,\" she practically whispers, before she pulls herself closer and nuzzles into you.\n\n\\\u003eAs you stand there, holding your daughter, there's no doubt in your mind that adopting Sophia yourself is the right choice.\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\n\\\u003eYour daughter...\n\n\\\u003eShe's your daughter now...\n\n\\\u003eYou couldn't stop that from echoing in your mind even if you tried.\n\n\\\u003eBut you feel it's warranted.\n\n\\\u003eHow could it not be?\n\n\\\u003eYou literally just accepted Sophia into your family.\n\n\\\u003eAs your own child nonetheless.\n\n\\\u003eThis is no small development. Not by a long shot.\n\n\\\u003eIt makes you think about why you're so enthusiastic about such a sudden and drastic change to your life.\n\n\\\u003eYou've been providing for Sophia for months.\n\n\\\u003eTeaching her. Playing with her. Making sure she's safe...\n\n\\\u003eAs time passed, you never got tired of it.\n\n\\\u003eIn fact, the opposite happened.\n\n\\\u003eEvery minute you spent with Sophia built up a weird feeling in you that amplified the joy you felt being with her.\n\n\\\u003eYou've watched her grow.\n\n\\\u003eYou've been her biggest, positive influence.\n\n\\\u003eAnd most importantly, the happiness you feel with her in your life is mutual.\n\n\\\u003eWelcoming her into your family... Welcoming her as your daughter...\n\n\\\u003eIt was the next logical step. You're certain of that.\n\n\\\u003eAt first, you hadn't realized just how much you wanted her to stay in your life.\n\n\\\u003eBut when she called you \"Dad\"...\n\n\\\u003eIt made you feel strong enough to fight off your own insecurities of being one.\n\n\\\u003eOf course you wanted the kid off the cold and dirty streets and to not have to worry about finding food, or a tolerable place to sleep.\n\n\\\u003eOf course you don't want her to believe that she's a burden to others by nature, and isn't deserving of anything positive that comes her way.\n\n\\\u003eAny decent person wouldn't wish that on a child.\n\n\\\u003eBut it wasn't unclouded until recently that being her parent was something you really wanted to commit to.\n\n\\\u003eIt almost feels selfish.\n\n\\\u003eShe brings you so much happiness, but aren't there other people out there that would make better parents than you?\n\n\\\u003eBut... Sophia wants it like this.\n\n\\\u003eShe wants you to be her father.\n\n\\\u003eIf you want that too, and Sophia believes she'll be the happiest this way, then what else could you ask for?\n\n\\\u003eThis is a huge, life-changing occasion, obviously.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't know if you're ready for it, but you're at least ready to try.\n\n\\\u003eAnd you know what? That's worth celebrating.\n\n\\\u003eAs you roll your shopping cart to the checkout aisles, you glance at everything you're going to buy.\n\n\\\u003eMaybe you got a little much, considering you're going to be the only other one there at Sophia's \"birthday party\".\n\n\\\u003eBut it's not like you're planning for an open invite high school party.\n\n\\\u003e\"Wow! You must be planning a huge party!\" The girl at the register remarks.\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, uh... Not really. Just a birthday party for my daughter.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, really? With all these balloons and streamers and whatnot, she must have a lot of friends coming over.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...Yeah,\" you decide to just go with it.\n\n\\\u003eIt takes a while for everything to get scanned, and the total is definitely intimidating.\n\n\\\u003eBut you can afford to splurge for Sophia.\n\n\\\u003eIf this is going to be her first \"birthday\", then it has to be a good one.\n\n\\\u003eYou're not going to cheap out on your daughter.\n\n\\\u003e\n\n\\\u003eStreamers are up.\n\n\\\u003eBalloons are inflated.\n\n\\\u003ePresents are wrapped, and line the living room table.\n\n\\\u003eThe cake is out, and two plates are set.\n\n\\\u003eSophia is upstairs in her room, keeping herself busy, waiting for you to call her down.\n\n\\\u003eYou hope you didn't keep her waiting too long.\n\n\\\u003eYou wanted it to be a complete surprise, but if you want to celebrate her \"birthday\" today, it wasn't feasible to keep this setup a secret when Sophia isn't able to leave your house.\n\n\\\u003eThis will have to do.\n\n\\\u003eJust one more thing...\n\n\\\u003eYou pull out your phone, and prepare to record her reaction.\n\n\\\u003eYou've taken a few cute photos of her, but you think it's about time you start immortalizing memories of her through video as well.\n\n\\\u003eAnd what better occasion than her first celebrated \"birthday\"?\n\n\\\u003eYou hit Record.\n\n\\\u003e\"All right, Sophia!\" You announce. \"You can come down now!\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...Okay!\" You hear her call back, followed by her padded footsteps.\n\n\\\u003ePat! Pat! Pat! Pat! Pat!\n\n\\\u003eThe first thing you see that turns the corner is a deep purple.\n\n\\\u003eOne of her new dresses.\n\n\\\u003eOnly slightly reminiscent of that ragged purple dress she wore when you first found her.\n\n\\\u003eNow, a gradient violet which ends in a dark blue trim.\n\n\\\u003eThe fabric is softer, longer, and flows more freely.\n\n\\\u003eWhen Sophia herself comes into view, your heart melts a little.\n\n\\\u003eShe spots you with a happy grin, but her eyes widen in surprise as she notices all the colorful birthday decorations around you.\n\n\\\u003e\"Happy Birthday, Sophie!\" You cheer.\n\n\\\u003eYou follow Sophia's gaze as it goes from the streamers, to the balloons, to the cake, and finally the gifts.\n\n\\\u003e\"You did this...all for me?\" She asks bashfully.\n\n\\\u003e\"Of course. Today's your birthday, Sophie. You deserve a good one.\"\n\n\\\u003eShe looks back at you, smile widening, and eyes sparkling.\n\n\\\u003e\"...Thank you, Dad.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Of course, Sophie,\" you smile back. \"But we can't start partying until you put this on.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou step up to her and show Sophia what she'd be able to describe as a small, shiny cone with string.\n\n\\\u003e\"What is it?\" She questions.\n\n\\\u003e\"Here, just let me...\" setting your phone down for a second, you place the face of the cone between Sophia's ears, and pull the string under her chin. \"There!\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh...! It's a horn!\" She guesses.\n\n\\\u003eYou chuckle.\n\n\\\u003e\"Not quite,\" you say, before getting out and putting on a green one to match Sophia's purple one. \"They're party hats. What do you think?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"You look tough!\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Tough?\" You snicker. That definitely wasn't something you'd expect to hear because of a party hat.\n\n\\\u003e\"Y-Yeah! It's so sharp,\" she reasons. \"...Do I look tough too...?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Hmm...\" you place your thumb under your chin and raise your pointer finger over your mouth, looking as if you're in deep consideration. \"Here, try doing this....\"\n\n\\\u003eYou raise your hands up to head-level and push them slightly forward, tensing up your fingers to mimic unsheathed claws.\n\n\\\u003eSophia does the same, but with a much more curious expression.\n\n\\\u003e\"Now, give me your meanest snarl.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"A snarl? L-Like this...?\"\n\n\\\u003eYou watch as she tries gritting her fangs, flashing the teeth on her right side more than her left.\n\n\\\u003eHer eyes narrow, but at the complete wrong angles, making her look unsure of herself rather than angry.\n\n\\\u003e\"...A-Am I doing it right?\" She asks through her teeth. \"Do I look tough?\"\n\n\\\u003eWell, she's got the fangs and the claws, but...\n\n\\\u003eTo say the least, her party hat isn't helping her out very much.\n\n\\\u003e\"...Sorry Sophie,\" you grin. \"You're too cute to be scary.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Aww...\" she pouts, dropping the \"scary\" pose. \"...It's okay. I don't want to look s-scary. I-I want to look tough...!\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Ah, I suppose 'scary' and 'tough' aren't really the same thing, are they? Well, let me tell you this.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou kneel down to her height, place an arm on her shoulder, and look her in the eyes.\n\n\\\u003e\"Sophie, you're the toughest kid I've ever met. And I'm serious about that.\"\n\n\\\u003eIt's true.\n\n\\\u003eShe had to endure all that abuse growing up, only to be dumped on the streets and abandoned.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't know how many days she was homeless, but whatever that number is was equally too many.\n\n\\\u003eYou can't imagine how you would have turned out if you had to endure even half of all that.\n\n\\\u003e\"I-I am...?\" Her eyes shine brighter than usual at your statement.\n\n\\\u003e\"Without a doubt,\" then, swift yet gentle, you sweep her up into a princess-style carry, getting a light, surprised gasp from her. \"Now, how about we get the celebration started? You've got cake and presents waiting for you.\"\n\n\\\u003eThough caught off guard from the sudden lift, Sophia is quick to laugh it off and lean into you.\n\n\\\u003e\"Okay!\" She answers excitedly.\n\n\\\u003e\"How about we start with the cake? That way you can have a slice out as you open presents,\" you suggest.\n\n\\\u003eShe nods her head in agreement.\n\n\\\u003e\"All right,\" you spin around with Sophia to the kitchen. \"Let's get those candles lit.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou carry her over, noticing how she eyes the cake.\n\n\\\u003eIn order to get a cake today, you had to get one of the blank vanilla cakes on display.\n\n\\\u003e\"Happy Birthday Sophia!\" Was signed in tall blue letters.\n\n\\\u003e\"Welcome to the Family!\" Was signed in smaller, red text below.\n\n\\\u003eThe worker behind the counter had assumed it was for a newborn.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hah... Happy Bih-ert... Birf...\" she tries. \"Happy Birthday, me. Welco... Welcome...to the...fam-illy? Family...!\"\n\n\\\u003eShe turns to you eagerly.\n\n\\\u003e\"That's it, r-right?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Exactly right.\"\n\n\\\u003eYour heart glows with pride. She's gotten so good a reading.\n\n\\\u003eShe shines an accomplished smile as you set her down.\n\n\\\u003eVarious colorful candles had already been plated, though of course, Sophia's actual age being unknown makes it impossible to know if you put too many or too few.\n\n\\\u003eAfter you grab the lighter, Sophia flinches as the flame clicks into existence.\n\n\\\u003eRegardless, she continues to watch with great anticipation as you go through lighting every candle.\n\n\\\u003e\"...Is that dangerous?\" She asks, peering up at the flames.\n\n\\\u003e\"Dangerous? Not as long as I'm careful,\" you answer as the last candle is lit. You turn to Sophia with the lighter in hand. \"But... Don't touch this. You're too young to be using something like this.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Okay, I won't,\" she nods.\n\n\\\u003eYou trust her of course, but even still, you'll store it in a high place to be safe.\n\n\\\u003e\"How do we eat it when it's on f-fire?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"You don't know what happens next?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Um...\" she thinks for a bit before shaking her head.\n\n\\\u003e\"Well Sophie, because it's your birthday, you get to make a wish and blow out the candles,\" you explain.\n\n\\\u003e\"A wish?\" She questions. \"What do I wish for?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Anything you'd like,\" you say. \"Just don't say it out loud.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"A-And it will come true?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"It's...more of a tradition than anything else,\" you answer, trying to keep her expectations leveled.\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh. That's okay,\" she says. \"...I don't know what else I'd wish for.\"\n\n\\\u003eElse?\n\n\\\u003e\"How about this? We'll consider your wish 'in reserve' until you think of something later.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Okay. I like that,\" she agrees.\n\n\\\u003e\"All right, then... Hup!\" You hoist Sophia up so that her head is level with the candles. \"Now, blow out the candles!\"\n\n\\\u003eSophia eyes each of her targets before taking an unnecessarily deep breath, and she blows out every flame with a single exhale.\n\n\\\u003e\"Happy birthday, Sophie,\" you tell her happily as you set her down and pat her head.\n\n\\\u003eIn response, her head tilts to your palm with a big grin on her face.\n\n\\\u003e\"Let's get that cake sliced,\" you say, moving to grab a knife large enough for the job. \"...Don't touch this either.\"\n\n\\\u003eAfter two pieces are cut out and plated, you set them down at the table.\n\n\\\u003eYou can tell by the way Sophia watches her slice that's she's curious how the cake tastes.\n\n\\\u003eIn addition to the cake, you also scoop some of the leftover ice cream you had gotten to celebrate Sophia getting through the entire alphabet.\n\n\\\u003eThe two of you take your seats across from each other.\n\n\\\u003e\"Go ahead, Sophie. Give it a try,\" you tell her, and she nods in response.\n\n\\\u003eShe grabs her fork, and lifts the prongs above the slice.\n\n\\\u003eAfter a bit of thought in how to approach it, she digs her fork into the piece, tearing out an uneven chunk of cake.\n\n\\\u003e\"It's really soft,\" she notes.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks at it for a second more before finally tasting it.\n\n\\\u003eHer reaction is immediate.\n\n\\\u003eBliss, written all over her face.\n\n\\\u003e\"Mmm!\" She makes out, before taking another chunk.\n\n\\\u003e\"Sounds to me you like it,\" you remark.\n\n\\\u003eShe returns a big nod, likely because she can't talk at the moment.\n\n\\\u003eYou get started on your own slice, using the side of your fork to cut it into even smaller pieces.\n\n\\\u003eIt's a bit hard to make conversation while Sophia's enjoying the cake like this, but as long as she's happy, so are you.\n\n\\\u003eAfter she's had two slices and a bowl of ice cream, you think it's time to move on to the next part of the party.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey Sophie, how about you start opening your gifts?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Gifts...?\" She says, with a tone of confusion. \"...Where are they?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah, did you not see them? They're in the living room,\" you tell her. \"Here, come with me.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou both get up from the table, and you lead Sophia to the living room table.\n\n\\\u003eOnce there, you gesture to the sea of presents neatly stacked on the table, uniformly sharing the same wrapping paper:\n\n\\\u003eThe multicolored words \"HAPPY BIRTHDAY\" on a white background.\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh... I thought those were decorations,\" she says. \"T-There's a lot....\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Why don't you sit on the couch while you open them?\" You suggest.\n\n\\\u003e\"Okay,\" Sophia nods before making her way to the front of the couch and getting comfy.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks back to you.\n\n\\\u003e\"They're...all for me?\" She asks unsure.\n\n\\\u003e\"Every one. We're celebrating your birthday after all,\" you affirm. \"You can start with any you like.\"\n\n\\\u003eLooking upon the selection, Sophia picks out the smallest item, only about four inches in height.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks it over, before turning to you.\n\n\\\u003e\"H-How do I open this...?\" She asks with a slight apologetic tone.\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, here. Let me show you,\" you offer, reaching your hand out.\n\n\\\u003eSophia hands it to you, and you demonstrate using your nail to make a tear in the wrapping.\n\n\\\u003e\"Give it a try,\" you say as you hand it back to her.\n\n\\\u003eShe nods, and unsheathes the claw on her pointer finger.\n\n\\\u003eWith careful, almost surgical precision, Sophia glides her claw over the paper, effortlessly cutting it off.\n\n\\\u003eWith that, the first gift is revealed:\n\n\\\u003eA yellow glass star, with a plug on the bottom.\n\n\\\u003eSophia eyes it with curiosity and awe.\n\n\\\u003e\"It's a nightlight,\" you explain.\n\n\\\u003e\"A nightlight?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah. We'll plug it in your room. When it gets dark, the nightlight will glow,\" you tell her.\n\n\\\u003e\"S-So my room won't be so dark anymore?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"That's the idea. Would you like that?\"\n\n\\\u003eShe nods profusely.\n\n\\\u003eYou thought so. You can only imagine how Sophia felt waking up to pitch blackness after a nightmare.\n\n\\\u003e\"Thank you, Dad.\"\n\n\\\u003e...Man, every time she calls you \"Dad\"...\n\n\\\u003e...Your heart can't take it.\n\n\\\u003e\"Don't thank me yet, Sophie,\" you say, looking to the side to avoid her seeing your big stupid grin. \"You've still got a bunch more to open.\"\n\n\\\u003eThe next one Sophia selects is a larger, flat, and rectangular gift.\n\n\\\u003eOne cut from her claws later, and the present is revealed to be a book.\n\n\\\u003eShe lifts the book to her face, focusing on the cover.\n\n\\\u003e\"Ten, clah... Class... Classic... Cuh... Chih... Um...\" she struggles.\n\n\\\u003e\"Ten Classic Children's Stories,\" you read aloud. \"Sorry, the title seems a little above your reading level right now. But the stories inside should be much easier. They'll help give you reading practice. ...And maybe I could read a few of them to you for a bedtime story.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Bedtime s-story...\" she says to herself, flipping through the pages and seeing some of the illustrations. \"...I'd like that.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I'm glad. I'll enjoy it too.\"\n\n\\\u003eShe continues to go through each present.\n\n\\\u003eSometimes it's toys, sometimes it's clothes, sometimes it's decorations for her room...\n\n\\\u003eEvery item widens her already big and appreciate smile.\n\n\\\u003ePerhaps you got her a bit too much...\n\n\\\u003eYou hope you aren't spoiling her.\n\n\\\u003eAre you going to be one of those types of parents?\n\n\\\u003eWell, after what Sophia's had to go through in her life, she deserves to be a little spoiled.\n\n\\\u003e\"...It's all so much...\" Sophia says, as if having read your mind. \"I-I've never had so much stuff.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"If you're gonna be stuck up in this house for a while, I thought it'd be best to make sure you're really at home.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...I feel a little g-guilty,\" she admits. \"This probably cost a lot....\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Don't worry about it. Let me handle stuff like that,\" you say. \"It's your birthday. You deserve a couple of things.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou give her another rub on the head to assure her.\n\n\\\u003e\"The fact that I get to call you my daughter is payment enough.\"\n\n\\\u003eSophia leans her side into you in response.\n\n\\\u003e\"...I love you, Dad.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I love you too, Sophie.\"\n\n\\\u003eAdopting Sophia…\n\n\\\u003eHow are you going to go about it?\n\n\\\u003eBefore you were worried about finding the right people for her.\n\n\\\u003eBut now, you need to think about how to legally adopt her yourself, which may be even more difficult.\n\n\\\u003eThere are two main angles to go at it, you think.\n\n\\\u003eThe first:\n\n\\\u003eUse the fact that you've been caring for her for months now as the reason why you should be able to adopt her.\n\n\\\u003eThe second:\n\n\\\u003eSomehow get her into another group home discreetly. Pretend you don't know her as you adopt her through it.\n\n\\\u003eOf course, they both have major problems and risk factors that make you scared to attempt either.\n\n\\\u003eEven if Sophia vouches for everything you've done, they still might think you've just manipulated her, or are planning to actually do something bad in the future. In their shoes, the safest play is to keep her away from you. Not to mention it was very likely illegal to just take her into your home as you had.\n\n\\\u003eThere's still no anthro-accepting group homes anywhere close to you. You'd have to take a long road trip with her, which it'd be easy for you to get caught, only to abandon her nearby and hope they take her in. Then they'd actually have to allow you, a single, adult, human male, to adopt her, an anthro little girl.\n\n\\\u003eIt feels like you've been put in an impossible position.\n\n\\\u003eThere doesn't seem to be a way to solve it.\n\n\\\u003eAt least, not on your own.\n\n\\\u003eBut what connections do you have that could even possibly help?\n\n\\\u003eAnyone from work would probably think you were a creep.\n\n\\\u003eYou need help from people who know you. People who know you're not a danger to Sophia.\n\n\\\u003eWhich brings Mom and Dad to mind...\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eBeing honest with yourself, you really don't like that idea.\n\n\\\u003eThey're not going to assume you're a...predator.\n\n\\\u003eBut they'll come with their own problems.\n\n\\\u003eThe most glaring one would be their sour opinion on anthros.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't know if that's putting it lightly or not, but you do know that they're not going to be as enthusiastic of the new family member as you've been.\n\n\\\u003eEven with that, however, you know that you'll need to tell them regardless.\n\n\\\u003eSophia's going to be their granddaughter. You can't not tell them that.\n\n\\\u003eIn the past, they may or may not have unsubtly hinted that they really want to see some grandchildren from you...\n\n\\\u003eYou can only hope they'll put aside whatever gripes they may have with anthros and accept Sophia as you have.\n\n\\\u003eYou'll have to tell them eventually anyway... Maybe you should make the call.\n\n\\\u003eThey're pretty much the only help you can get right now.\n\n\\\u003eOr... Even if they aren't any help at all, they're really your only option.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eWell...\n\n\\\u003eThey could make things even worse.\n\n\\\u003eAs unfortunate as it is, that is a possibility.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eYou'll need to ease into your explanation.\n\n\\\u003eGauge their attitude towards the situation, and go from there.\n\n\\\u003eYou just need to...mentally prepare. Plan out what you'll say and all that.\n\n\\\u003e\n\n\\\u003eYou take a deep breath.\n\n\\\u003eThe number is dialed.\n\n\\\u003eSophia is playing in her room.\n\n\\\u003eYou asked her to, but you didn't tell her you'd be calling your parents.\n\n\\\u003eIn fact, you didn't tell her you'd be calling anyone at all.\n\n\\\u003eYou're hoping that Sophia doesn't have to know anything about the talk you're going to have in case your parents are very unreceptive to the idea.\n\n\\\u003eAnd you don't want her to be curious or even worried about any of it.\n\n\\\u003eIf you hear her coming downstairs, you'll have to make a quick excuse to hang up.\n\n\\\u003eYou take another moment before you hit Call.\n\n\\\u003eOne ring...\n\n\\\u003eTw—\n\n\\\u003e\"Anon!\" Your mom picks up. \"I'm so happy you called!\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey Mom,\" you start. \"I—\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Hold on,\" she interrupts. \"Dan! Danny! It's Anon!\"\n\n\\\u003eAs your mom yells for him, you can just barely hear his distant voice through the line.\n\n\\\u003e\"Okay Anon, I'm going to put you on speakerphone...\" she tells you.\n\n\"All right. Thanks Mom.\"\n\n\\\u003eThere's some footsteps, muffled speaking, and some harsh noises as the phone is apparently moved.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey! Anon!\" The deeper voice of your dad bellows. \"I was just thinking about calling you. How're you doing?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, Dad. I'm doing all right. So—\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Good, good! Hey, listen, Anon. How busy are you this week?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Not...very? But Dad, can I—\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Perfect, because your mother and I were thinking about setting a time and driving over there. You have a guest bed at least, don't you? What time—\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Dad, please,\" you interrupt, slightly irritated of being interrupted yourself so many times. \"I called because I needed to...ask something. I really just need you to listen carefully for a second.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh my, it sounds like it must be very important,\" your mom puts in.\n\n\\\u003e\"Uh... Yeah. Well, maybe...\" you realize you probably don't want to start strong with this, else it'll be hard to walk it back if you decide it's better they don't get involved.\n\n\\\u003e\"All right, Anon. I'm listening,\" your dad says.\n\n\\\u003e\"Okay, so...\" you take a breath. \"What would you guys say if I was thinking about adopting?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Adopting...?\" Your dad questions.\n\n\\\u003e\"Adopting...!\" Your mom gasps.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hypothetically...!\" You quickly put in. \"Would you be...on board for that?\"\n\n\\\u003eThere's a long pause as your parents presumably take in what that means.\n\n\\\u003e\"Well, Anon...\" your mom begins. \"I'll admit, that isn't how I imagined I'd get my first grandchild, but if that's what you want, then I say you should look into it.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Woah! Woah, Shannon! Let's not be too hasty now,\" your dad says. \"Anon, uh, don't you think you might be doing things out of order?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Out of order?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Well, if you find a woman, you won't need to adopt.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Danny!\" Your mother scolds.\n\n\\\u003e\"I mean, adoption is all well and good,\u0026nbsp; kids need a home and all that, but that's mostly for people with no other options. Who can't...conceive. ...Anon, are you saying you can't...\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Dan, stop it!\"\n\n\\\u003eYeah... Maybe this wasn't the best idea.\n\n\\\u003eShould you shut it down now?\n\n\\\u003e\"Okay, Dad. I get it.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I'm sorry, Anon. I don't know what got you thinking about being a parent, but it's best that you don't rush into it like this. You gotta be patient.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Okay, I understand.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Get to know a nice lady. If she's the one for you, then you can have a real son or daughter, you know?\"\n\n\\\u003eYou really, really want to hang up right about now.\n\n\\\u003e\"All right, really, I get what you mean,\" you say, trying to stifle a tone of disappointment. \"I gotta go now. I'll talk to you guys later, all right?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Wait, Anon!\" Your mom stops you. \"I think your father is being a little unreasonable right now.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Shannon....\"\n\n\\\u003e\"No, let me finish!\"\n\n\\\u003eWell, at least your mom seems a little more keen to the idea.\n\n\\\u003eIt doesn't make you much more confident though, considering you haven't even made it to the part where you tell them you'd be adopting an anthro child.\n\n\\\u003e\"If Anon wants to adopt, and he's really thought it through, then maybe he should. That's not going to be his only child, he can give us actual grandchildren later.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Shan, the child's not just going to disappear after he has real kids. This would be a long term commitment.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Maybe it will be a good thing in the long run. Anon can get some experience and practice for the real deal.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"No, Shan, those learning experiences should be reserved for his firstborn. They're special! I still remember very clearly when Anon called me 'Dad' for the first time. You know how happy that made me? Of course you do, you felt then same way. If it's not authentic, it's not going to be impactful.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I guess I can see your point... Oh! How about this? Anon adopts AFTER having children. Then his kids are guaranteed to have at least one friend!\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Hmm... I suppose that's a possibility...\"\n\n\\\u003e\"So that's the way to go then! Anon, honey, are you still there? You need to wait until you actually have children. Then you can adopt!\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Woah, woah! After he has children, then he can CONSIDER adopting. He should talk with us again first. IF he even still wants to.\"\n\n\\\u003eThis is fucking hopeless.\n\n\\\u003eYou stare out of the living room window as you listen to their back-and-forth.\n\n\\\u003eYou droop the phone down and away from your head as you let out a heavy exhale.\n\n\\\u003eThere's no way in hell you're going to tell them about Sophia now. At least, not until she's legally part of the family.\n\n\\\u003eWhy are they acting like they ultimately decide how and why you have children...?\n\n\\\u003eThere are few worse turns this conversation could have taken.\n\n\\\u003e\"...Dad?\"\n\n\\\u003eYou jump at the soft voice behind you.\n\n\\\u003eYou turn to see Sophia, looking back at you with a sheet of paper in her paws.\n\n\\\u003eFuck...! When did she—?\n\n\\\u003e\"Anon?\" Your dad's voice rings out from your phone. \"Did I just hear—?\"\n\n\\\u003eYou hastily bring the phone back up to your head.\n\n\\\u003e\"H-Hold on, sorry. Something just came up, so I really gotta go now. Talk to you later...!\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Ano—?\"\n\n\\\u003eBeep.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eFuck.\n\n\\\u003eThey heard her.\n\n\\\u003eThat wasn't...supposed to happen....\n\n\\\u003eYou can only hope that they couldn't make out what she called you.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eSophia appears to have noticed how some of the color had flushed from your face, because the same thing happens to her.\n\n\\\u003e\"...A-Are you okay?\" She makes out meekly, beginning to stutter and clearly suspecting she did something wrong. \"I-I didn't s-see the phone. I'm sorry, d-did I...?\"\n\n\\\u003eAs worried as you are right now, the last thing you want to do is scare Sophia.\n\n\\\u003e\"Don't worry about it, Sophie. I was looking for an excuse to get out of that call anyway, so really I should be thanking you,\" you say, trying to sell a sly smirk in spite of your worry. \"Uh, what do you have there?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"O-Oh. I tried writing...words,\" she explains, looking back down at the paper. \"I was...gonna ask if I did it right....\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Writing? That's great, Sophie!\" You praise. \"Let me see. I'll check it for you.\"\n\n\\\u003eYour positive attitude seems to have won back her confidence.\n\n\\\u003eShe takes a few easy steps up to you, and holds out the paper.\n\n\\\u003e\"I-It might not...be good,\" she tells you as you take the paper from her.\n\n\\\u003e\"That's all right. I'm not even done teaching you how to read,\" you say. \"No matter what, I'll be proud you at least tried.\"\n\n\\\u003eThat gets a timid smile out of her... Just before she gets startled by the ring of your phone, jumping back slightly.\n\n\\\u003eYou take a quick check to confirm the obvious: it's Mom and Dad.\n\n\\\u003eWhy didn't you put it on silent? You should've realized they'd call you back immediately.\n\n\\\u003eYou mute it and stuff it in your pocket.\n\n\\\u003e\"Sorry, Sophie. I didn't mean for that to scare you,\" you apologize, feeling guilty that your phone surprised her.\n\n\\\u003e\"It's okay,\" she responds. \"...Who was it?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Eh... Don't worry about it. It's nothing important...\" you dodge her question. \"Now, let's see....\"\n\n\\\u003eYou hold up the paper so you can read, hopefully, it's contents.\n\n\\\u003eEach sentence was written using a different colored crayon, and a few had accompanying pictures.\n\n\\\u003eYou start from the topmost sentences and work your way down.\n\n\\\u003eMY NAME IS SOPHIA\n\n\\\u003eI HAV A NOOW DAD\n\n\\\u003eI NO ALL LETRS\n\n\\\u003eI HAV A RABIT\n\n\\\u003eI WONT TO RITE WERDS\n\n\\\u003eI LUV MY NOOW HOME\n\n\\\u003eA few of them, whether because of the spelling errors or the scribbled handwriting, needed to be reread once or twice before you\u0026nbsp; could decipher what Sophia was going for.\n\n\\\u003eBut you're able to do so fairly quickly, and you begin to glow with pride.\n\n\\\u003e\"Sophie, you did great!\" You beam. \"I can read them all.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I-I did? I did it right...?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"There's a few spelling mistakes here or there...\" you admit. \"...But nothing so major that I can't understand it. We can go over it during your lessons. Otherwise, you did a fantastic job writing full sentences by yourself for the first time.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Really...?! Thank you!\" She smiles, tail beginning to wag. \"I tried sounding out the words I don't know.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou reach over and give her a few rewarding pats on the head, which seems to amplify all the showings of her happiness.\n\n\\\u003e\"You've really impressed me, you know that? I haven't even started giving you writing lessons.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Hehehe...! Thank you, Dad!\" She cheers.\n\n\\\u003eIt looks as if she's attempting to give off a confident, even prideful smirk, but she's too shy and modest to pull it off.\n\n\\\u003eAs a result, she ends up looking a little dorky...\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eA cute little dork.\n\n\\\u003e\"All right, Sophie. I'm going to need to make a call real quick,\" you explain, handing the paper back to her. \"Could you give me a minute?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, okay,\" she says, taking the paper.\n\n\\\u003eShe gives you one last happy glance before twirling around and walking off with a skip in her step.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eYour smile drops once she's out of view.\n\n\\\u003eThat moment would have been much more enjoyable if you weren't worried about what your parents might have heard her call you.\n\n\\\u003eWhat are you supposed to tell them...?\n\n\\\u003eWhat will they do if they think you adopted a kid?\n\n\\\u003e...You suppose that the best course of action is calling them back and figuring that out.\n\n\\\u003eConveniently, you got another call from them right that moment.\n\n\\\u003eThough their insistent calls isn't a good sign...\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, Mom. Dad,\" you answer. \"Sorry about that. I, uh, well...\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Anon,\" your dad's voice emits from the phone. \"...Was that a kid?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Huh...?\" You gulp. \"What do you mean...?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Before you hung up on us, there was another voice...\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I don't know—\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...that called you 'Dad'.\"\n\n\\\u003eShit...\n\n\\\u003e\"Anon... You adopted a kid?\" He asks with a restrained tone of disbelief. \"Without telling us?\"\n\n\\\u003eWell... Playing dumb didn't work.\n\n\\\u003eMight as well admit it. It'll be easier to learn what, if anything, they want to do about it.\n\n\\\u003e\"...All right. Yes, I did,\" you say with a sigh. \"I'm sorry I didn't tell you two. I suppose I should, uh, explain things.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...Anon. Why would you—\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh! You know what we should do now, instead of talking about it over the phone...?!\" Your mom interrupts excitedly.\n\n\\\u003e\"What...?\" You and your dad say in sync.\n\n\\\u003e\"We need to come over!\" She answers. \"If we leave right this second, we may be able to get there before midnight!\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Wait, wait. Hold on...!\" You cut in. \"Are you inviting yourselves over?!\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Anon, if you adopted a child, then as your parents, we are obligated to see her.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"That's not a good idea...!\" You spout. \"I'm...not prepared for guests!\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, we're not going to be guests. We're family!\"\n\n\\\u003eThat...doesn't mean they still aren't guests.\n\n\\\u003e\"...I don't have a guest bed.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"We can cross that bridge when we come it,\" she responds dismissively. \"Come on, Danny. We need to go right this minute!\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Wait, Mom, please. You really can't come over.\" You plead. \"Dad? Tell her...!\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...She's right, Anon.\" He says bluntly. \"We have a lot to discuss.\"\n\n\\\u003e...He can't be serious.\n\n\\\u003e\"Well all right, Anon. We're going to get going right now. Ooh, I'm so excited! We'll talk about this once we get there.\" Mom says. \"Let's go, Dan. Do you remember the address?\"\n\n\\\u003eBeep.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eThis is bad.\n\n\\\u003eThis is really bad.\n\n\\\u003eIf your parents come over, they're going to find out that Sophia is an anthro.\n\n\\\u003eYou can't imagine their reaction will be\u0026nbsp; very positive....\n\n\\\u003eCould you just...not let them inside?\n\n\\\u003e...No. Completely barring them from entering your house in the dead of night might actually make your parents suspicious about your intentions with Sophia.\n\n\\\u003eIf you don't let them inside after they make the trip, regardless of whether or not you're ready for visitors, they're going to wonder why.\n\n\\\u003eIt doesn't make you feel better that the only information they have is that you have a kid in your house that you desperately tried to keep a secret from them.\n\n\\\u003eHell, your dad sounded plenty suspicious over the phone.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003e...Well, Sophia should be fast asleep by the time they'll get here.\n\n\\\u003eAnd telling them about her is something that you needed to do eventually.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eYou'll let them in. You'll tell them a little bit about Sophia.\n\n\\\u003eWhether they like it or not, Sophia being an anthro will give them a reason for why you've hidden this from them.\n\n\\\u003eBut after that? You don't know.\n\n\\\u003eThe important thing is that they don't find out Sophia isn't legally adopted, else you worry they'd actively oppose your efforts to make it official.\n\n\\\u003eRegardless, this whole situation is incredibly frustrating.\n\n\\\u003eOn a whim, they just decided to come over to your place, disregarding all your protests.\n\n\\\u003eYou should have known that you couldn't keep them out of the picture for long.\n\n\\\u003eAt the very least, you've been warned they're coming over. Thinking about it, it was very likely they would have come over for a surprise visit after a long enough period.\n\n\\\u003eYou at least have the chance to prepare.\n\n\\\u003eMaybe this is a good thing.\n\n\\\u003eBut, it sure as hell doesn't feel like it....\n\n\\\u003e\"So Sophie,\" you say as you tuck her in for the night. \"I've got something important to tell you before I go.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Hm?\" She peers at you with curious eyes.\n\n\\\u003e\"There's going to be...people coming over tonight.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"P-People...?!\" She yelps. \"...Who?\"\n\n\\\u003eYou can't say you blame her reaction.\n\n\\\u003eYou're the only person she's been with and interacted with for months.\n\n\\\u003eThe last and only person you can remember her being with was Larry, who tried to sell he was homeless, and used Sophia as a means to get more charity.\n\n\\\u003e\"It's okay, Sophie...\" You try to comfort her. \"You don't need to worry. I'm just going to have a quick talk with them, and they'll be on their way. You should be asleep through the whole thing.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"O-Oh...\" she utters. \"...B-But who are they?\"\n\n\\\u003eShould you tell her about your parents?\n\n\\\u003e...It's probably better if you don't.\n\n\\\u003eIf you have a major disagreement with them about Sophia, and it's very likely you will, then you're going to want to keep them far away from her.\n\n\\\u003eShe'd be curious to why your parents came over and you didn't introduce her to them, seeing as she's your daughter now.\n\n\\\u003eYou'd need to be so evasive answering her questions so she wouldn't know her grandparents just don't want her to be part of the family.\n\n\\\u003eBut she'd probably have her suspicions regardless. After all, why else wouldn't she get to meet her grandparents while she has the opportunity?\n\n\\\u003e...Yeah. As cruel as it is, you're probably going to have to kick them out of your house. It's best Sophia doesn't know about this.\n\n\\\u003eYou'll help them find a place in the city to spend the night.\n\n\\\u003eYou really hope you're wrong. You really, really hope they'll accept Sophia.\n\n\\\u003eThere may be a chance, but you have a feeling you'll need to really convince them...\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eFor now, you'll have to keep Sophia in the dark. If your parents surprise you, then maybe you can introduce her.\n\n\\\u003e\"...It's just some business stuff. Don't worry about it.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...Okay.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou give her a gentle head rub once she's snuggly tucked in.\n\n\\\u003e\"Just letting you know, in case you wake up and hear voices you don't recognize,\" you tell her. \"If that happens, just go back to sleep, all right?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Okay,\" she repeats.\n\n\\\u003e\"All right,\" you stand up. \"If you've got all that, then good night, Sophie.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Good night,\" she responds as you walk to the door and flick the light. \"...Love you.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Love you, too.\"\n\n\\\u003eWith that, you step out of her room, gently closing the door behind you.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eWell, you may as well get some things ready as you wait for them to arrive.\n\n\\\u003eYou'll talk with them in the living room.\n\n\\\u003eOnce you get there, you set every picture that includes Sophia face-down.\n\n\\\u003eAfter you tell them she's a wolf, you can lift them back up, proof that you're happy together regardless of species.\n\n\\\u003eBut what would be the best way to initially tell them?\n\n\\\u003e...No, you won't simply tell them. You'll show them that Sophia's an anthro, using the video you took on her \"birthday\".\n\n\\\u003eMaybe if that's how they first witness Sophia, they'll be more inclined to welcome her to the family.\n\n\\\u003eYou can only hope things will turn out well....\n\n\\\u003e\n\n\\\u003eYou feel as if you're about to fall asleep yourself before you notice the headlights of a car that parked in front of your house.\n\n\\\u003ePeering into the darkness, you can definitely tell...\n\n\\\u003eThat's their car.\n\n\\\u003eYou take a deep breath. A very deep one at that.\n\n\\\u003eIt feels as if you need to give a speech that you've barely practiced for.\n\n\\\u003e...Well, that's basically what this is going to be.\n\n\\\u003eYou'll tell them you've adopted a kid, try to sell them on the idea that she's their grandchild, and then again after you reveal she's a wolf.\n\n\\\u003eIf they're going to be difficult, then they aren't staying here.\n\n\\\u003eHarsh, but that's what they get for inviting themselves over. You're not going to have them near Sophia if they're going to make her feel inadequate.\n\n\\\u003eEven the smallest hint of disapproval will likely make Sophia feel like shit for days.\n\n\\\u003eAnd you sure as hell don't want them giving her the idea that she'll never be your real daughter.\n\n\\\u003eThe car doors open, and your parents emerge.\n\n\\\u003eIt's been a while since you've last seen them, and this isn't exactly what you'd hoped their visit would be for.\n\n\\\u003eEven from inside, you can hear they're having some sort of argument.\n\n\\\u003eWhile you can't quite make out their words, their tone seems to be painting the picture for you.\n\n\\\u003eMom sounds insistent and optimistic, while Dad sounds more dismissive and tired.\n\n\\\u003eYour mom was much more open to the idea of you adopting a kid than your dad was, albeit she seems to see the kid's purpose as more of a learning experience, or friend to her \"real grandchildren\", than actual family.\n\n\\\u003eAnd your dad's obviously not a fan of the whole thing at all.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't like your chances in convincing them...\n\n\\\u003eBut for Sophia, you need to try.\n\n\\\u003eOpening the front door, you step outside to meet them halfway.\n\n\\\u003eWhatever conversation they were having is immediately shelved as they see you.\n\n\\\u003e\"Anon!\" Your mom cheers, quickening her pace to give you a hug. \"It's been too long since we've seen you!\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey, Mom,\" you greet back with a bit forced enthusiasm. \"Good to see you again, but I really wished you had listened to me....\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, don't fret about it. We won't cause you any trouble!\"\n\n\\\u003eYou pray.\n\n\\\u003eAfter your mom lets go of you, you see your dad step up to you.\n\n\\\u003e\"So, Anon...\" he starts. \"...I suppose we have a lot to talk about.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Yeah... I'll, uh, explain everything.\"\n\n\\\u003eAll he gives back is a short, unemotional stare.\n\n\\\u003e\"Danny? Why don't you give your son a hug? You haven't seen him in so long!\"\n\n\\\u003e\"This isn't the time for it, Shannon.\"\n\n\\\u003eYeesh... Is he angry...?\n\n\\\u003eYou weren't expecting a hug from him, but...\n\n\\\u003eWell, he's not usually this stoic either.\n\n\\\u003e\"...Come in,\" you say, holding the door open for them. \"Let's discuss this in the living room.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Why thank you, Anon,\" your mom says as she walks in.\n\n\\\u003eYour dad stays silent.\n\n\\\u003e\"So, where is she?\" Your mom asks, taking in the interior of your home. \"I'm very eager to meet—!\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Shh...!\" You interrupt, earning a surprised look from her. \"She's asleep. Let's...talk a little quieter so we don't wake her up.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh...\" your mom responds in a slightly hushed voice. \"Can't she just be awake to meet us? I wouldn't want to wait until tomorrow. Isn't she expecting to see us as well?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Sorry, Mom. But she really needs to be asleep right now.\" You tell her. \"I can...show you some pictures. Just follow me to the living room.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Oh, fine,\" she disappointedly pouts.\n\n\\\u003eYou lead the two of them to the living room, and gesture to the couch.\n\n\\\u003eOnce they've sat themselves down, you take another breath. Though your father beats you to the punch.\n\n\\\u003e\"So... You really did adopt a kid, Anon?\"\n\n\\\u003eAll right. Here we go...\n\n\\\u003e\"Yes. Her name is Sophia, and she's been with me since winter,\" you explain. \"I know you two don't like that I've done this...\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Who said that?\" Your mom cuts in. \"...Well, your father, maybe. But I think it's not a bad idea.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...Do you?\" You ask with genuine curiosity.\n\n\\\u003e\"What do you mean?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"On the phone, it sounded like...\" how do you phrase this? \"...Like an adopted child can never...be 'real' family. Like there's always going to be something that's missing.\"\n\n\\\u003e It takes a few seconds before your mother responds.\n\n\\\u003e\"Well, Anon,\" she begins. \"Now I'm sure that this Sophia is a very sweet child and all, but—\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Okay,\" You really don't want to hear what she'll say next. You get the idea. \"So I was right?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Anon...\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Am I right?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Anon, that doesn't mean I'm going to hate the child...!\"\n\n\\\u003eYou sigh. It really is hard to contain your disappointment hearing all that from her.\n\n\\\u003e\"Listen, guys... I've been living here with Sophia longer than without her. I've been taking care of her. I'm teaching her how to read...\" you explain. \"...Even if we're not related by blood, she's still my daughter, and I love her as such.\"\n\n\\\u003eYour parents give you differing expression, though neither being ideal.\n\n\\\u003eYour mom looks bewildered and slightly taken aback.\n\n\\\u003eYour dad's hasn't changed: serious and unresponsive.\n\n\\\u003e\"I know you two see this differently than I do, and I'm sorry it took so long for you to find out,\" you continue. \"But please. I need you guys to give her a chance. She's my daughter, and I want her to be your granddaughter too. If you can't do that, you need to tell me.\"\n\n\\\u003eWith that said, you await their answer.\n\n\\\u003e\"...Anon,\" your mom begins after a while. \"Are you really happy taking care of this girl?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"The happiest I can ever remember being.\"\n\n\\\u003eAnother pause.\n\n\\\u003e\"...Can I see her?\" Your mom asks.\n\n\\\u003e\"...Not yet. But I can show you a video,\" you answer, pulling out your phone. \"We celebrated her birthday recently.\"\n\n\\\u003eWell, here it is. The big reveal.\n\n\\\u003eYou scroll through a few photos of the happy wolf you took on her \"birthday\" until you get to the video.\n\n\\\u003e\"...Before I show you this, I should restate that I consider Sophia to be my daughter, and I don't love her any less for being adopted. No matter how different we are.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Different?\" Your father mouths.\n\n\\\u003eYou take a deep breath, again, before lying your phone on the table in front of them and hitting the play button.\n\n\\\u003eYour parents watch expectantly, though Sophia herself hasn't entered the frame yet.\n\n\\\u003e\"All right, Sophia! You can come down now!\" Your voice calls from the video.\n\n\\\u003e\"Okay...!\" Her voice responds.\n\n\\\u003e\"Well, that's a cute voice...\" your mother remarks.\n\n\\\u003ePat! Pat! Pat! Pat! Pat!\n\n\\\u003eAnd then, she turns the corner, revealing Sophia to be much more gray and furry than your parents would have guessed...\n\n\\\u003eYour mother's sharp gasp feels like a punch in the gut.\n\n\\\u003eYour dad gives the first reaction you've seen from him today: his eyes widen so far it looks like they'd roll right out of his head, and his eyebrows shoot up so high that they almost get lost in his hair.\n\n\\\u003e\"Happy birthday, Sophie!\"\n\n\\\u003eYour parents, much like Sophia in the video, are too stunned to speak.\n\n\\\u003eThey continue to watch as Sophia looks around at the party decorations in amazement.\n\n\\\u003e\"You did this...all for me?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Of course. Today's your birthday, Sophie. You deserve a good one.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...Thank you, Dad.\"\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eEven after the video is done, your parents continue to stare at your phone.\n\n\\\u003eIt's only when you awkwardly take it back that they turn their gaze to you.\n\n\\\u003e\"She's...an anthro,\" your mother states bluntly.\n\n\\\u003e\"She is.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"...\"\n\n\\\u003eWithin the silence, you step over to the pictures you had turned face down, and grab one in particular.\n\n\\\u003eIt's the picture you first took of Sophia, and framed yourself.\n\n\\\u003eYou set it down for them to see.\n\n\\\u003eYou and Sophia, happy to be together. Father and daughter.\n\n\\\u003e\"...I'm still asking if you'll give her a chance. I did, and that was the best decision I've made. I'm happy with her, and she's happy with me. I'm telling you, the adoption was a great thing for the both of us.\"\n\n\\\u003eMore silence.\n\n\\\u003eThey simply just stare at the photo.\n\n\\\u003eThe silence is finally broken by a deep exhale from your father's nose.\n\n\\\u003eHe slowly rises from his seat, and his eyes glare at you, windows to his thoughts on this matter:\n\n\\\u003eDisapproval.\n\n\\\u003e\"...Anon,\" he starts, with a tone to match his gaze. \"That is not your daughter.\"\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eYour dad really...just said that to you.\n\n\\\u003eLooked you right in the eyes.\n\n\\\u003eNo build up. No sugar coating.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eYou don't know which one of you is more disappointed in the other.\n\n\\\u003e\"You don't get to decide that,\" you respond, trying to avoid a cold retort.\n\n\\\u003e\"Yes—\" he stops himself. \"...Anon, it's a fact. By nature, she's not yours.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I've already told you, that doesn't matter to me. And besides, she's got no one else.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"I'm telling you this for your own good!\" He scolds.\n\n\\\u003e\"Quiet!\" You shoot back, followed by\u0026nbsp; you pointing at the ceiling to remind them that Sophia's sleeping upstairs.\n\n\\\u003eYour mother, meanwhile, looks like a deer in headlights.\n\n\\\u003eYou rub your temple.\n\n\\\u003e\"...This is exactly why I didn't want to tell you guys,\" you look back at your dad. \"Are you really going to try to convince me that all the time I've spent with her means nothing?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"What I'm trying to tell you is that whatever this paternal episode you're having isn't real.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"How would you know?\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Because you're my son! Anon, you're never going to know how it feels to be a parent until you can see yourself in your kid's face! Not only is there no relation between you and this kid, but you aren't even the same species! Once you have a real child, you'll understand that whatever you're feeling now isn't even worth a comparison.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Anon, please...\" your mom puts in before you can respond to your dad. \"Your father is right. You can't have an anthro daughter.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"You can't tell me how I feel about this. You haven't even met Sophia....\"\n\n\\\u003eYou're really starting to lose your patience here.\n\n\\\u003eYou knew this was a long short, but...\n\n\\\u003eThis is playing out just about the worst it could have gone.\n\n\\\u003e\"I'm sorry Anon, but somebody needs to tell you this. That 'Sophia' is not your family. She is not OUR family. Where did you adopt her from? You oughta put her back in the system before it's too late!\"\n\n\\\u003e\"All right, I've heard enough,\" you let out angrily.\u0026nbsp; \"Nothing you say is going to change this...! This was my decision, not yours...! If you aren't going to give Sophia a chance, fine. But if that's how it's gonna be, then you need to...\"\n\n\\\u003eYou stop.\n\n\\\u003ePat. Pat. Pat...\n\n\\\u003eThat noise...coming from upstairs...\n\n\\\u003eYour parents heard it too, and the three of you stare upwards at the ceiling.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eShe wasn't awake, was she...?\n\n\\\u003eYour heart plummets.\n\n\\\u003eEven your parents look like they're worried that they made a terrible mistake.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eThe absolute silence permeates even your thoughts.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eIt was so quiet, that it didn't matter that Sophia was upstairs behind a closed door.\n\n\\\u003eIf a pin drop could easily be heard, then Sophia's first sob was deafening.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eShe heard them.\n\n\\\u003eOh God, how much did she hear...?\n\n\\\u003eIn sync, you and your parents look back down at each other.\n\n\\\u003e\"...Get out of my house.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Anon...?!\" Your mom gasps.\n\n\\\u003e\"Anon—\"\n\n\\\u003e\"No. I've heard enough. SHE'S heard enough. Get out.\"\n\n\\\u003eYour mother looks horrified.\n\n\\\u003eAnd your dad is trying to hold an unwavering front, but a slight shake in his pupils give away that he's taken aback by your blunt authority.\n\n\\\u003e\"W-Where are we supposed to stay? Anon, you can't just kick us out...!\" Your mother quivers.\n\n\\\u003e\"No, it's fine, Shannon,\" your dad says, trying to make a statement by locking eyes with you. \"Let's go.\"\n\n\\\u003eYour dad lets his glare at you linger before finally turning to the exit.\n\n\\\u003eYour mom alternates between looking at him and you in a panic.\n\n\\\u003e\"But...! Danny, what about...?!\" She turns to you. \"A-Anon! Are you really going to do this...?!\"\n\n\\\u003eYou shouldn't have let them stay as long as they have.\n\n\\\u003e\"I shouldn't even have let you two inside in the first place.\"\n\n\\\u003eThe statement visibly hurts your mom, but you can't show any regret for it.\n\n\\\u003eThis is what happens when they make your daughter cry.\n\n\\\u003eIf they're not going to apologize, then you can't be forgiving.\n\n\\\u003eYour mom catches up with your dad as he makes his way to the front door.\n\n\\\u003eThere's brief silence as you and your father stare each other down, but upon hearing another sob in the distance, he opens the door.\n\n\\\u003e\"Wait, Dan! Danny!\" Your mom pleads as the two of them walk outside. \"Are we really going to leave Anon like this...?!\"\n\n\\\u003e\"You heard him. This is his decision. We've done what we can to help, but it looks like this is something he'll have to learn on his own.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Listen,\" you say, stepping out after them. Both your parents stop and turn to you. \"I'm only going to say this once. Each of you get one phone call. If you call me, and the first thing I hear isn't an apology, to me AND Sophia, then I'm hanging up and blocking your number.\"\n\n\\\u003e\"You can't be serious...! Anon!\" Your mother pleads.\n\n\\\u003e\"...Look at yourself, Anon. You're willing to tear our family apart like this?\" Your dad asks, still trying to appear as stoic as ever.\n\n\\\u003e\"That's up for you to decide,\" you respond, turning around and heading back to your house.\n\n\\\u003eYou think about turning back. Saying something else, something less harsh before what potentially could be a long time before you see them again.\n\n\\\u003eThey are your parents after all.\n\n\\\u003e...But you don't.\n\n\\\u003eThis is for Sophia. It may be the only way to get it into their stubborn heads that you're willing to do anything for your daughter.\n\n\\\u003eAnd if they're going to be like this, then you need to prevent them from finding out Sophia isn't legally adopted at all costs.\n\n\\\u003eYou can feel their gazes on your back, but they don't say anything more. Not even your mom.\n\n\\\u003eYou close the door behind yourself.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eDamn it...!\n\n\\\u003eWhy the hell do they have to be like that?!\n\n\\\u003eDamn it! God damn it!\n\n\\\u003eInvite themselves to your place...! Tell you Sophie isn't part of the family...! Make her cry...!\n\n\\\u003eYou can't believe it.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eFuck... All right...\n\n\\\u003eCalm down now...\n\n\\\u003eYou've kept her waiting too long. You need to calm down.\n\n\\\u003eYou take a deep breath and collect yourself.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003e...Okay.\n\n\\\u003eTrying to block your parents out of your mind, you make your way upstairs to Sophia's room.\n\n\\\u003eWith every step, her sniffles and sobs get louder.\n\n\\\u003e\"...Sophie?\" You say softly, slowly opening the door and peering in.\n\n\\\u003eThrough the faint glow of her nightlight, you can see that Sophia's sitting on her bed, curled up into a ball and crying into her pajama top.\n\n\\\u003eIt pains you to see, to say the very least.\n\n\\\u003e\"I-I-I'm s-sorry, A-Anon...\" She tearfully stutters. \"I-I'm s-s-sorry....\"\n\n\\\u003eYou hurry over to her side, and sit down next her.\n\n\\\u003e\"Sophie, listen to me. None of that was your fault,\" you tell her, reaching to pull her close. \"...How much did you hear?\"\n\n\\\u003eSophia begins to uncurl at your touch, making it easier for you to place her in your arms.\n\n\\\u003eHer face is absolutely drenched with tears.\n\n\\\u003eShe let's out a shaking breath before answering.\n\n\\\u003e\"...I-I woke u-up from a b-bad dream, a-and I f-forgot what you s-said. I wanted to s-see you, b-but then I h-heard...\" she stops short, accompanied by another sob. \"I'm s-so sorry I made y-you f-fight with your mom and d-dad....\"\n\n\\\u003e\"Sophie... Sophie. Look at me,\" you say, putting a hand to her cheek to gently guide her towards you.\n\n\\\u003eYou wipe some tears from her face, though those are quickly replaced.\n\n\\\u003e\"My parents don't know you. Anything they say about you means nothing,\" you explain. \"It's not your fault that they think they can dictate how I see you.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou pull her into a hug, wrapping your arms around her and comfortingly rubbing her back.\n\n\\\u003e\"You are my daughter, Sophie. I love you. That's not going to change.\" You say. \"I'm never going to abandon you.\"\n\n\\\u003eShe sniffles.\n\n\\\u003e\"...I-I w-wish I was y-your real d-daughter....\" she trembles, clinging to you tight.\n\n\\\u003e\"You are.\"\n\n\\\u003e\n\n\\\u003eHalf an hour later and the hug still isn't broken.\n\n\\\u003eIt took you a minute to realize that Sophia eventually fell asleep in your arms.\n\n\\\u003eBut even then, you don't want to let go.\n\n\\\u003eAfter the argument with your parents, and the fact that Sophia overheard it, there's nothing more you want to do than comfort her, even in her dreams.\n\n\\\u003eYou just want to hold your daughter...\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eA faint light shines from your pocket.\n\n\\\u003eIt's your phone, with an incoming call.\n\n\\\u003eThere's no ring, as you had set it to Silent.\n\n\\\u003eYou slide it out with one hand and check it.\n\n\\\u003e...It's Mom.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eAn apology better be the first thing you hear.\n\n\\\u003eThough very hesitant, you gently set Sophia back down onto her bed.\n\n\\\u003eBefore too long, you answer the phone, standing at the threshold of Sophia's room.\n\n\\\u003e\"...Well?\" You say sternly, waiting for her response.\n\n\\\u003e\"A-Anon...\" your mother's voice says. \"...Please. We need to talk more about this.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou glance over at Sophia's form, taking further notice of how messed up her fur had become as a result of her crying.\n\n\\\u003e\"We're not trying to hurt you. We just want what's best—\"\n\n\\\u003eBeep.\n\n\\\u003e...\n\n\\\u003eGod damn it...\n\n\\\u003eYou told her. Why the hell didn't she listen?\n\n\\\u003eDid she think you were bluffing...?\n\n\\\u003eWell, you're not, as proven when you follow through on blocking her number from your phone.\n\n\\\u003eYou really didn't want to have to do that, but you need to hold firm.\n\n\\\u003eYou step back over to Sophia's bedside.\n\n\\\u003eThey hurt her today. They hurt your child.\n\n\\\u003eThat is not something you'll ever take lightly, even if it's your parents who did it.\n\n\\\u003eNobody is going to tell you that Sophia isn't your daughter.\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\nYou wake up feeling your arm wrapped tightly by something. As your eyes drift open, and your senses come back to you, you slowly turn your head over to the source. It's Sophia, still asleep and hugging tight against you.\n\nYou remember what happened last night. After you hung up on your mom, you took Sophia back to your room, so you could comfort her even as you yourself drifted to sleep. You don't remember her waking up at all though. Did she grab your arm in her sleep, or had she awoken at some point? Regardless, you let her stay as she is. She'll wake up when she wakes up. Until then, you'll continue to comfort her as best you can.\n\nShe looks better than before, but that isn't saying too much. You hope that Sophia will be able bounce back soon from what she overheard, but you won't blame her if she can't.\n\nThe poor girl.\n\nTo your knowledge, you're the only person who hasn't treated her as a burden, or just mistreated her in general. For her to hear your parents say all that... Well, if she's not going to get any love from her grandparents, you'll do your best to compensate as her father. If you're the only person who can give her the love she deserves, then you'll do all you can.\n\nYou're pulled out of your thoughts as Sophia adjusts herself next to you. Looking over, you notice her closed eyelids twitch, before slowly opening a smidge.\n\n\"Hey, Sophie...\" you say soothingly. \"You awake?\"\n\nIt takes a moment before she gives a tired nod.\n\n\"Do you want to stay in bed a little longer?\"\n\nAnother nod.\n\n\"...Would you like me to stay with you?\"\n\nThere's a pause before you feel the pressure relieve itself from your arm, and you hear a tired, gentle voice.\n\n\"...Y-You don't...have to...\" she utters weakly as she frees you from her grasp. You put your arm around her in response, and gently pull her closer.\n\n\"I don't mind. I'd rather be here with you if that's what you want.\"\n\n\"...Th-Thank you....\"\n\nWith that, you continue to hold her into you. She almost feels like a particularly large teddy bear in your grasp, but her warmth, breaths, and subtle movements assure you she's something so much more. She's a little girl with her own thoughts and feelings, who needs guidance, attention, and love. She's your daughter... She's YOUR daughter, regardless of blood. Regardless of how your parents see her. No matter what, you are going to lovingly care for her. Sophia is your responsibility, not your burden.\n\nMore time passes as the two of you continue to lay there. You spent that time gently stroking Sophia's large, pointed ears, trying to be as soothing a presence as you can. It seems you're successful, as Sophia had gradually shifted throughout the process, and ended up more snuggled up against you than before. You hold her close, feeling both her hair and fur brush between your fingers. Although you're willing to stay with her as long as she needs, every minute she spends in bed increasingly hints to you how depressed she still is from last night. Thinking about that further encourages you to comfort her as best you can. It's only when you hear the quiet rumble of her stomach that you speak up again.\n\n\"...Sounds like you're hungry,\" you remark. \"How about I make you some breakfast?\"\n\n\"...Okay,\" she responds, devoid of enthusiasm.\n\n\"What are you feeling? I can make you an omelette, or we've got some cereal....\"\n\n\"...Anything's fine.\"\n\n\"You sure? I'll make you anything you'd like.\"\n\n\"It's okay.\"\n\n\"Oh. Well... I'll make you an omelette,\" you say, beginning to lift yourself out of bed. Sophia, who had cradled herself against your chest at this point, shifts away so you have an easier time getting up. As you sit yourself up on the edge of the bed, you look down at her, lying on her side, and scrunched up under the covers. She looks back at you with eyes just barely open, and seemingly struggling to stay that way. You give her one more gentle stroke underneath the ear. \"...I'll bring it up here when it's ready.\"\n\n\"Thank y-you...\" she mumbles.\n\nAs you stand up from the bed, you take a quick glance at the clock. It's no wonder she's hungry. It's closer to lunchtime than breakfast. Yet still, it seems like she's going to stay in bed a little longer. It hurts you thinking about how much your parents' words affected her. You hope that your own words and actions are enough to sway Sophia away from the idea she isn't part of the family. You will never, ever even entertain the thought of abandoning her. Hell, it feels bad enough to leave her alone right now, but just because she's sad doesn't mean you'll let her starve. You get one last look at her before walking out of the room.\n\nAfter you've made your way downstairs to the kitchen, you retrieve a couple of eggs, some cheese, and some shredded chicken meat from the refrigerator. Sophia already enjoys anything you cook for her, but adding bits of chicken, no matter the dish, always seems to amplify her opinion on whatever she eats. Chicken omelettes, as such, are one of her favorite meals. Even though you're no master chef by any means, omelettes have been a relatively easy and quick meal to prepare, and you feel that each one has been better than the last. You try to make that doubly true for this one. Whatever efforts you can attempt to help Sophia cheer up, or at least feel a little bit better, you will try. Though they're hard to hear through the sizzle of the eggs in the pan, you eventually begin to hear soft footsteps making their way downstairs.\n\nSophia turns the corner, still in her crescent moon pajamas. She approaches with such little energy and commitment that it almost appears as if she has a limp. She has a bad case of bed-head...and bed-fur, you suppose...and her eyes act as the vanguard of her tired expression. Her ears hang lower than usual, and her general posture gives the impression she's carrying some sort of weight on her. Put simply, she looks absolutely miserable.\n\n\"Sophie...\" you start with an evident tone of concern, though you're not sure what to say. You feel the anger you had felt to your parents last night flare up again. \"...How are you feeling?\"\n\nAs Sophia looks back at you, with worry written all over your face, it's as if she comes to some sort of realization. She straightens her posture, and revitalizes her movement a bit. With one paw, she tries to rub the tiredness out of her eyes.\n\n\"...I'm okay,\" she returns meekly.\n\nYou give back an unconvinced look, obviously still concerned about her emotional well-being. You don't want her to be deflecting her true feelings with \"okay\"s and \"fine\"s, but you also don't want her to feel like she's pressured to tell you them either.\n\n\"Well... If you wanted to eat down here, you came just in time,\" you say. \"Your omelette is just about ready.\"\n\nWith your spatula, you fold the omelette and plate it. In your eyes, it looks to be a personal best, though that'll be up for Sophia to decide. Once you grab some silverware, and pour a small glass of orange juice, Sophia's breakfast is ready to be served. You set the meal down at the dining room table, and pull a chair back for her.\n\n\"Thank you, D-Dad,\" she speaks with a little more energy than before, though it's unknown if that's because she's waking up, or trying to mask her negative emotions. \"...It looks really good.\"\n\nDespite your worry, you give Sophia a warm smile as she walks over and sits herself down. You watch how she takes small cuts out of the omelette, and how she chews much slower than she usually does. Normally, Sophia would tear through a meal like that, and her enjoyment would clearly be evident in her face. But here, she's barely emotive, sometimes staring blankly forward, sometimes shifting her eyes toward the ground for no apparent reason. The only exception was when she noticed you looking at her, and she tried to lift her muzzle into a little smile. Though if she were looking in a mirror, she'd see that she really wasn't achieving what she was going for.\n\n\"Sophie...\" you begin, sitting down at the table despite not having a meal yourself. \"...If there's anything you need, or just want to say, I'm here to listen. Anything you want to let out, I'm here.\"\n\nShe blinks, and her attempted smile falls. There's a moment of silence as you wait for any kind of response. Her eyes move down and back, as if she's considering what to say. When she look back at you, she takes a short breath before speaking.\n\n\"...A-Are there any more chores I can do?\"\n\n\"You...want to do more chores?\"\n\nShe nods.\n\n\"...You sure, Sophie? You know, we could continue your lessons, or play a game together instead, or anything like that,\" you suggest.\n\n\"...It's okay,\" she responds simply. \"I can do chores.\"\n\nShe wants to do chores... That isn't typically what a kid would want to do when they're sad. But then again, unlike any other kid you've met, Sophia's the only one who's been eager and willing to do work around the house. Though you know that's because she doesn't want to be seen as useless, and that she wants to give back for what you've done for her. You've already made it clear that she isn't obligated to do anything like that, as taking her in was your decision. Although you're unsure about it, you think that maybe it'll help her feel better regardless.\n\n\"Well, if you really want to...\" you begin, trying to think about what needs to be done that she is able to do, though it's difficult to come up with anything the two of you haven't already done recently. \"...I guess we haven't dusted in a while. Not too recently, anyway. But Sophie, are you sure?\"\n\n\"I'll do i-it,\" she nods her head, before turning back to her omelette and cutting another small piece.\n\n\"...All right, Sophie. I'll get you a dust cloth or two after breakfast,\" you tell her. \"If there's anything else you'd like to tell me, I'll listen.\"\n\nShe only gives another nod, slowly chewing on her breakfast. Unfortunately, she doesn't speak up for the rest of the meal. You don't try to pressure her into any further conversation. Instead, you let her concentrate on eating as you get to work on your own omelette. The finished product wasn't as good-looking as Sophia's, but that didn't mean it tasted bad. Despite the fact that Sophia got a head start, the two of you finish around the same time. However, as soon as she realizes you're both done, she seems to gain the slightest burst of energy as she stands up.\n\n\"...I'll t-take the plates to the sink,\" she tells you, taking hers with both hands, walking over to you, and setting her empty plate on yours after moving the silverware and cups to the top. You decide to walk with her as she makes her way to the kitchen sink. If she falls, or otherwise needs help, you'll be there. You're not sure what you're worried about though, it's not difficult for Sophia to carry two plates, cups, and two sets of silverware a couple feet. Her greatest hurdle was the height of the counter, but she surmounted that by standing on her toes... Or, was she straightening her legs? It's a little hard to tell when her feet seem more digitigrade than plantigrade.\n\n\"Thank you, Sophie,\" you say as you give her a gentle head rub, which she leans into so subtly you don't realize it at first. As you do so, you notice again how messy her fur and hair have become. It's been like that since she cried last night, and only worsened the longer she stayed in bed. \"...Hey, your fur's a little all over the place. Maybe you'll feel a little better after a shower?\"\n\nSophia looks over her arms and legs in response. She pats down a particularly rough patch of fur on her arm, only for it to lift itself back up. After a brief amount of consideration, she gives the slightest nod in agreement, and wordlessly makes her way out of the kitchen and upstairs. You follow after her, witnessing how she grabs the first available outfit from her closet (which was more of a bar you had hung up in her room since there wasn't an actual closet) before pivoting to the bathroom. You meet her at the doorway.\n\n\"All right. Just...give a shout if you need anything,\" you tell her.\n\n\"...Okay. Thanks, Dad,\" she responds softly, a fresh set of fresh clothes in hand. Once she steps inside, you reach forward and close the door behind her, and step away to give her privacy.\n\nAfter you hear the shower head turn off, and later the door open, you step out of your room to meet her again. Having changed out of her pajamas, she now dons a plain, maroon dress with short sleeves. Her slightly damp fur, while looking better than before, wasn't as well groomed as you would have hoped. Usually she does a very good job of it herself, but this definitely wasn't one of her better works. When she turns to you, her expression flips from a slightly tired look to a faulty smile.\n\n\"...I feel better now,\" she tells you. While her head is turned towards you, her eyes seem to miss their mark, instead peering a little to the side. Along with that unsteady smile, she looks more guilty than happy.\n\n\"...Sophie, come here,\" you say over a sigh. Her faux-smile finally falls at that, and she quickly puts herself at your side. You guide her to your bathroom mirror and pick up a brush.\n\n\"O-Oh. I can...\" she starts, but stops herself as you begin brushing her head hair. You take great care in ensuring no strand sticks out, and are especially careful around her ears. Once her hair has been thoroughly brushed, your free hand takes one of her own hands, and gently lifts her arm up to be parallel to the ground. From there, you run the brush from just below her sleeve down to her wrist.\n\nIt's a surprisingly relaxing experience, seemingly for Sophia as well as she loosens up and moves as you need her to. Whatever's in that canine conditioner is really working wonders. The bristles run smoothly through her fur, and even the messiest spaces give virtually no resistance.\n\n\"Sophie...\" you begin as you continue to brush her. \"...Please don't try to pretend you're okay when you're not. I need to know when you need help. Please...don't hide that from me. We don't have to talk about it, but at least allow me to be there for you.\"\n\nHer eyes drift away from you as you move on to her other arm, and her head moves down slightly. She takes a long breath, as if preparing to say something, but she doesn't respond. She only leans closer into you. Your own response is to give her a one-armed hug.\n\nOnce you've gotten Sophia's hair and fur groomed as well as you could, you give her a light pat on the shoulder.\n\n\"Now, do you still want to dust? You really don't need to do it if you'd rather do something else.\"\n\n\"...I'll do it,\" she puts simply. Well, if she wants to, you'll let her. You just don't want her to feel she's worthless otherwise.\n\n\"All right, Sophie. There should be a clean dust rag on top of the dryer,\" you inform her, looking at her through the mirror. She takes you lifting your hand off her shoulder as her go-ahead to get started, and begins to walk away. Before she gets too far, she stops and looks back at you.\n\n\"...Thank you...for the brushing.\"\n\n\"Of course, Sophie.\"\n\nOnce Sophia steps out of your room, you look back at yourself in the mirror. You can see the sad and worrisome look on your face. It's obvious Sophia is still hurting after last night. You just wish she'd be more open about it, or at the very least, not attempt to convince you she's all right. You take a deep breath as you contemplate what could be done. Maybe you'll think of something during your own shower. It's just difficult to know what should be done when Sophia is actively trying not to \"bother\" you....\n\nAfter you've showered, dried your hair, and put Sophia and your clothes in the laundry chute, you make your way downstairs. You want to check up on her, and see how she's fairing. You're much more concerned about that than how well a job she's done dusting the living room.\n\n\"Hey, Sophie. How are you...doing,\" you ask as you turn the corner, only to find her back toward you, completely still. The dust rag sits on the table next to her as she holds something in her arms. Though you can't see what it is, you can tell by the empty spot on the table that it was one of the picture frames. Using process of elimination, you soon realize which one she's holding.\n\n\"Sophie...\" you start, stepping forward. That seems to get a reaction out of her, as she quickly sets the picture back on the table, although she still doesn't turn around. A quick glance at the picture confirms that it was the one you thought of: The happy picture of a younger you and your parents. Though you can only see the back of her head, her lowered ears, and her performing a quick wipe of her eyes, tell you how she's fairing. You put a hand on her shoulder, which gets no reaction. \"...I know you're not feeling well. Do you want to talk about it?\"\n\n\"...I-It's okay,\" she answers back in an unsteady tone that's trying to be assuring. \"I can be t-tough. I-I can handle it.\"\n\n\"It doesn't make you any less tough for you to let out what you need to.\"\n\nThe angle you view her at, to her side and a little bit behind, makes it difficult to see her expression. And it certainly doesn't help that she's purposely turning her head away from you a bit.\n\n\"I-I don't want t-to keep c-crying all the t-time. I d-don't want t-to be a p-problem child.\"\n\n\"That doesn't make you a problem child. Not at all,\" you assure her. \"It's okay to cry. That's better than bottling up your feelings until you can't deal with them anymore.\"\n\n\"B-But I do it so much....\"\n\n\"Because you've been given a lot of reasons to, Sophie,\" you tell her calmly. \"I don't blame you.\"\n\n\"But I w-want to be tough. I-I want to s-stop being a-annoying....\"\n\n\"I'll tell you this as many times as I need too: You're not annoying.\"\n\n\"W-Well... Y-You're the o-only person w-who thinks that...!\" She spouts, finally turning to you with an expression of frustration and tears.\n\nYour eyes widen, and you're so floored that you don't have an immediate response. Is that...anger? From Sophia? You almost don't believe it. If you were asked to imagine Sophia angry a minute ago, you know your mind would have drawn a blank. But seeing her now, eyes narrowed and teeth grit, creates a scramble of emotions that are difficult to pick apart. Surprise, pity, worry, unease...and relief. She needs this. She needs to vent out all these frustrations. She's never had this chance. However, Sophia seems to immediately regret her outburst, as any semblance of anger is quickly replaced with fear as her pupils shrink, her scowl falters, and she turns away from you once more.\n\n\"I-I'm sorry! I-I-I didn't mean to...!\" She says in a panic. \"I'm sorry! I-I'm sorry!\"\n\n\"No, Sophia...\" you say as calmly as you can. With your hand still on her shoulder, you pivot around until you're facing each other. You put your free hand on her other shoulder, and give them a gentle squeeze to help steady herself. \"It's okay to be upset. If you need to let it all out, you can. I'm here to listen.\"\n\nSophia wipes some tears from her eyes before shaking her head.\n\n\"...I-I can't be u-upset,\" she murmurs. \"I shouldn't b-be.\"\n\n\"Why not?\" You ask earnestly. \"You have every right to be, with how people treated you.\"\n\n\"B-Because... Because I made you f-fight with your p-parents,\" she states with a sudden hint of assertiveness. \"Y-You said it w-wasn't my fault... B-But I'm the reason they're m-mad at you...!\"\n\nYou give her a serious look.\n\n\"No, Sophie. You're thinking about that the wrong way,\" you explain. \"My parents were being unreasonable. You didn't do anything to make them that way, that's just how they are.\"\n\nShe looks down, and her lips tremble despite biting down on them. She really is trying not to emote too hard...or at all.\n\n\"And that's what I mean when I say it's all right that you'd be upset. It's not your fault, yet you still had to deal with that. I'd be more concerned if you didn't feel anything about what happened.\"\n\nSophia takes in a deep inhale through her nose, shutting her eyes tight for a second as she runs her arm across them.\n\n\"...I-I j-just want t-to know...\" she speaks in an especially shaky voice. \"I-I-I'm s-so...t-tired...of i-it....\"\n\n\"...What are you tired of?\"\n\nSophia stands there, trembling, tensed up, and shuts her eyes as if she's bracing for something. Her ears fold against her head, and her tail is completely limp. She shakes her head as if she doesn't want to answer, yet after a shaky breath...\n\n\"...Why does e-everyone hate me?!\" She blurts suddenly, the anger from before returning. \"B-Before you, n-nobody was ever nice to m-me...! Th-The grownups yelled at me, th-they hit me f-for things I-I didn't do...! They were a-always a-annoyed by me every time they s-saw me, e-even when I t-tried to stay away from them...! The other k-kids said l-lies about me, a-a-and e-every one believed them...! A-And nobody ever w-wanted to listen to me!\"\n\nAs she takes a moment to catch her breath, she wipes off the increased amount of tears that had been produced during her vent. In the brief interim, you consider speaking up, but you can tell she isn't done yet.\n\n\"Everyone was s-so mean, b-but they never t-told me what I did! D-Did I do s-something...?! A-Am I g-going to turn out like...like h-him...?! They d-didn't tell me, th-they only t-talked behind my back...!\" She lets out, with traces of frustration, sadness, and confusion. \"I just got u-used to i-it... B-But then y-you h-helped me. Y-You don't h-hate me... A-And it felt really nice... B-But because o-of me... B-B-Because of....\"\n\nSophia trails off into an unintelligible whimper. Any further attempts to speak from her come out as heavy sobs. It's as if she's ashamed to look at you now as she stares directly at the ground, letting her tears roll straight off her snout. You can't watch this any longer without doing anything. You guide her into a gentle embrace, putting one knee down so you're level with her. At first it seems she didn't react at all, but you soon feel her trembling arms slowly make their way around to your back. She...has her claws out, which you can feel through a few pricks against your shirt. Sophia doesn't seem to notice, but you don't mind. It doesn't hurt...too much. You'll bear it for her.\n\n\"...I j-just want to kn-know...w-what I d-did... W-Why everyone....\"\n\n\"Sophie... There are a lot of people out there who are unreasonable, unfair, cruel...\" you begin, rubbing her back and speaking in a serious yet comforting voice. \"When someone mistreats someone else, there's not always a good reason for it. You've had to deal with so many people like that, but you're just a kid. You haven't done anything to deserve all of that.\"\n\n\"Th-Then w-why...?\" She tries to speak, but her hiccups appear to stop her from finishing.\n\n\"I've told you this before with my parents... About how despite their reactions, they don't actually know you. But I think that applies to just about everyone else who's been mean to... Who's abused you. Sophie, it sounds to me that they didn't want you to speak unless spoken to, and even then they wouldn't listen to you,\" you explain. \"...They saw you for something you're not, and they never gave you the chance to show them who you really are.\"\n\n\"...I-I don't know...w-what I'm s-supposed to b-be like,\" she admits with a new tinge of embarrassment in her tone.\n\n\"That's the thing. We're still learning who you are. Those people kept you quiet and obedient for so long, and you're still recovering from that,\" you continue, rubbing her back all the while. \"But with each day, I can see the progress you've made. And what I've seen is that you're a very sweet and considerate person, Sophie. You're going to turn out just fine, and I can't wait to see the person you become.\"\n\n\"...Th-Then will people l-like me...?\"\n\n\"I like you, and once more people get to meet you, I'm certain a lot of others will too. You've just been so unlucky, Sophie. You didn't deserve to be around all those people who treated you so terribly.\"\n\n\"...\" Sophia stays quiet after that, continuing to hug you. Whether she's aware of them or not, her claws gradually unsheathe from your back. It may have hurt a little, but it definitely wasn't hard enough to cause bleeding. After all, she wasn't trying to dig them into you, only give you a hug. \"...I-I'm sorry, D-Dad....\"\n\n\"It's okay Sophie. Just remember that no matter what, I will always love you,\" you say gently. Whatever she's apologizing for—her crying, her yelling, her claws—it doesn't matter. You understand, and you meant what you said. You love your daughter, and you always will. But no matter how much you do, you're only one person. Sophia can't live her life thinking everybody hates her. Somehow, you need to figure out a way to fix this. But the huge problem remains that you can't risk anybody seeing Sophia before she's legally adopted. Somehow, someone would have to get to know her without ever learning about her current situation. How that's possible, you don't know. For now, though, you need to comfort your daughter. Whatever you can provide for her, you will.\n\nFor the rest of the day, your head was stuck trying to think up any solutions to what was brought up earlier. You just know that if one person interacted with Sophia and got to know her, they'd like her just as you did. Maybe you're biased, being her father and all, but it's clear that anyone as gentle as Sophia shouldn't have been treated as she was. ...Still is, if you count your parents. How terrible that must've been... It's difficult to think about. You're the first person to show her kindness, so much so that despite her timid ness, she was able to steel herself and call you \"Dad\" before you decided you wanted to be her father, only for your own parents to continue the trend of disliking her without getting to know her. But now's not the time to boil your blood thinking about your parents, because you've just thought of a way to help Sophia.\n\nAfter some consideration, you realized that it is very possible for two people to get to know each other without ever actually meeting each other, and not just through the internet either. It's a fairly known practice, actually. And with this strategy, you'll be able to monitor it so that Sophia doesn't give out anything that could reveal her situation with you.\n\nBut the question is, who will Sophia \"meet\"? You'd really prefer that it would be someone you know very well. But it sure as hell won't be your parents, and attempting to come up with anyone else is...admittedly difficult. Man, what happened? It's not like you were a friendless loser growing up, but it seems like all your friendships just slowly faded away for one reason or another. You haven't met very many people since you've moved here because you've wanted to minimize the amount of time Sophia spends home alone. You don't blame her though, you took up that responsibility, and you don't feel bad for sticking to it.\n\nMaybe...someone from work? Your coworkers are definitely the people you interact the most with. Reita comes to mind first and foremost. You've had many amicable chats with her, and you feel you could safely consider her a friend. Greg and Jane...don't feel like good ideas, especially when Greg is your next door neighbor. Yeah, Reita seems to be your best bet. Even though you wish you knew her better if you're going to ask her for something like this, you can't think of anyone better.\n\nYou have just about all of your coworkers' numbers, as they do yours for work purposes, but you've never actually called Reita before. This is definitely going to be a little weird to ask her, and it's not even guaranteed she'll accept it, but when you remember Sophia earlier today, you know you have to try.\n\nYou make your way to your car for this call. You're not going anywhere, but you just want to ensure that Sophia doesn't walk in on it like last time. The last time you remember her being in the garage was when you first took her home. If she comes in here looking for you, the car will ensure she doesn't overhear anything. Once inside the car, you stare at Reita's number on your phone for a few seconds. You hit Call.\n\nRing... Ring... Ring....\n\n\"Anon? This is...quite a surprise,\" Reita's voice comes through, evidently a little caught of guard. \"How are you doing?\"\n\n\"Hey, Reita. I'm doing well, thank you. How about you?\"\n\n\"Same, I suppose....\"\n\n\"That's good. I'm sorry to bother but... I, uh...\" you clear your throat. \"I have a weird request, if you don't mind hearing me out.\"\n\n\"A...weird request?\" She asks, slightly perplexed. \"What would that be?\"\n\n\"Have you ever...thought about being a pen pal?\"\n\n\"A pen pal...?\" She inquires. \"Um... I can't really say I have. Why do you ask?\"\n\n\"Well, my d—\" you pause. \"Uh, you remember my niece I talked about? Apparently she's really hooked on the idea. I was just wondering if you'd consider that with her.\"\n\n\"Oh? That is an interesting request...\" she remarks, slightly bewildered. \"...But—no offense to you—shouldn't this be something her parents set up for her?\"\n\n\"That's the thing... Her parents are having a...bit if trouble currently. She's been staying with me a lot longer than what was planned,\" you explain, purposely wanting to keep the details murky.\n\n\"Is that the reason why you've had to work from home?\" She questions with a slight revelation. \"...Er, sorry. I don't mean to pry.\"\n\n\"...Sparing you the details, yes. Turns out I'm really the only person she can stay with. I love her, and I can tell she loves me, but she's had a few issues handling all of this....\"\n\n\"Oh my...! I didn't realize it was that serious. I'm sorry to hear all that, Anon,\" her voice rings over the phone sounding like a genuine apology, as if she had a role in your quasi-fake story. \"You said you'd like me to be her pen pal?\"\n\n\"I don't mean to pressure you into a decision,\" you put in because of her reaction. \"It's perfectly fine if you're not up to it. I've looked it up, and there's a few websites that help match pen pals together. I just thought it might help distract her from...what else is going on.\"\n\n\"...\" There's a short pause before you hear her voice again. \"...May I ask you something?\"\n\n\"Oh, uh, sure. What is it?\"\n\n\"Why ask me? I mean, I'm not saying we aren't...friends. But I'm sure there are other people you know better than me who could help.\"\n\n\"Well, there...really wasn't. No one who would want to help, anyway,\" you admit, a little more bashful than you would have liked to sound. Again, there's another pause before Reita speaks again.\n\n\"I'll do it,\" she says. \"And you know, being a pen pal sounds like it could be a lot of fun.\"\n\n\"Really...? Thank you so much,\" you say earnestly. \"But before you accept, you should know that I'm going to have to read both what she sends and receives. Are you all right with that?\"\n\n\"Of course. I understand.\"\n\nThere's one part of you that's relieved Reita is willing to do this, but another part is still hung up on if this is even a good idea in the first place. As long as you can monitor what Sophia is sending out, you should be able to stop any information that's too revealing of your situation, right? You don't know how Reita would react if she found out what was going on, but as always, the safest scenario is preventing her from finding out entirely. No matter how you go about it, connecting Sophia with another person before you've gained legal custody is risky. But you think about Sophia earlier today, and everything she said. She needs to be able to communicate with someone who isn't you. You had considered being Sophia's pen pal under a pseudonym, but decided you wanted this to be a genuine experience for her. She needs one.\n\n\"Well, great! If you're okay with that, then I'll send you my address, and you can send me yours. I'll tell her about it, and when we're ready, you'll be sent the first letter. Again, thank you so much for this.\"\n\n\"It's no problem. Thank you for reaching out to me about it!\" She responds.\n\n\"Oh, of course. So, expect a letter sometime soon. Or if you have anything you want to ask, or just have second thoughts, you can give me a call.\"\n\n\"Wait, er, Anon. Before you go...\" she says, sounding similar to how you did initially in the conversation. \"...I've been wanting to ask if you'd maybe want to...meet up somewhere that isn't work.\"\n\nHuh? Is she...?\n\n\"Eheh, I realize that sounds like I'm asking for a date,\" she continues a little awkwardly. \"But I'm just asking if you'd like to...you know...hang out? You seem like a good guy, Anon, but we only see each other at work. I'd really like to...get to know you a little better.\"\n\n\"Oh,\" you say, slightly taken aback. \"Uh, sure, I'd be up for that.\"\n\n\"I mean, I know you don't have much time to yourself with your niece and all. But, I just thought I'd...throw that out there.\"\n\n\"No, that sounds good. To be honest, actually, I've...kind of wanted to get to know you a little better too. I've just been a little busy with everything going on. ...Do you mind if you sent me some times that work for you, and I'll see if I can get them to work for me too?\"\n\n\"I don't mind at all,\" she responds, with a tinge more pep than before. \"I'll look at my schedule and send you some dates. We can make plans then.\"\n\n\"All right, that sounds good to me. Talk to you later?\"\n\n\"Yep! Goodbye Anon... And thank you.\"\n\n\"Oh, no problem...? Goobye.\"\n\n\"Bye!\"\n\nBeep.\n\n...Huh. You weren't expecting Reita to use that conversation as a way to ask you to hang out. That's not a bad thing. Reita might be the person you've talked with the most since you've moved here, baring Sophia of course. Yet despite that, you can't say you know her too well. Especially since a majority of your work is from home now, seeing her isn't as common as it once was. It...would be nice to get to know her a little better. Evidently she feels the same to you.\n\nThough, you can't lose focus of the important thing: Sophia and Reita are going to be writing letters to each other. This will be Sophia's chance to get to meet someone other than yourself, albeit without actually seeing her. You hope this isn't a bad idea. You really want to purge any thoughts in her head that you're the only person who likes her... Even if, admittedly, that might actually be true at this point in time. But the whole point was that nobody has really gotten to know her before you. Reita's a nice person. You know Sophia will like her too. You just hope that Reita never pieces together that Sophia isn't actually your niece....\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\n \n\nWhen you find Sophia, she's huddled up on the living room couch. She sits nearly motionless, and looks blankly downward. While her eyes have dried up since she last cried, her saddened and ashamed expression still remains. It hurts to see her like this. The girl who's become your daughter thinking that everyone she's ever met, baring you, hates her. Given how she was treated in the past, you can see why she had come to that conclusion. It's not a problem you can solve alone, even as her father, so hopefully your plan with Reita will help.\n\nAs you approach her side, you notice her head turn the slightest amount in your direction, but only for a brief moment.\n\n\"How are you feeling?\" You ask in a gentle voice.\n\n\"...I don't know,\" she responds noncommittally, her voice a little coarse. She's probably not feeling too well, if you really had to guess.\n\nYou take your place next to her, sitting to her side, but deciding to give her some space as well. You worry as though you might be becoming a little overbearing at this point. However, that gap is soon bridged as Sophia scootches over and lightly leans into you, all without looking at you. Of course, and as usual, you respond by pulling her close with one arm. The two of you sit there for a while, wordless, each lost in your own respective thoughts. You can only guess Sophia is thinking about the people she had known before, wondering why they treated her like they had. Your own thoughts mulled over the plan with Reita, and reviewing how you want to go about it.\n\n\"...Sophie,\" you begin, clearing your throat. Sophia turns her head a bit and lifts it up slightly, but her eyes do the rest of the work. \"I've done a little thinking about...what you told me. I really wish I could take you out to meet other people. Kinder people. But I can't do that at the moment.\"\n\n\"...Why?\" She utters.\n\n\"It's, uh, a little complicated...\" you say, unsure if you should tell her she isn't legally recognized as your daughter, and the problems therein. \"...But I think I've found a way where you can 'meet' someone, and get to know each other. You'll like her. She's very nice.\"\n\nSophia shifts to better focus her attention on you, becoming the tiniest bit more lively. But whether that's curiosity or worry you now see in her eyes isn't clear.\n\n\"...Wh-Who is it?\"\n\n\"Her name is Reita. She's someone I've been working with for a while now,\" you explain. \"Like I said, you can't meet with her in person. Not yet. But you can get to know each other without that.\"\n\n\"...How?\"\n\n\"Have you ever heard of a pen pal?\"\n\nShe shakes her head.\n\n\"Well... Pen pals are people who communicate by writing letters to each other. So not only would you get to know someone other than me, but we can also use it to help you get some writing practice,\" you tell her. \"How does that sound to you?\"\n\nHer eyes drift away as she contemplates it. She sits practically motionless, still leaning against you.\n\n\"There's no rush. If you need time to think about it, that's okay,\" you put in after a few seconds of silence.\n\n\"...You said sh-she's nice,\" Sophia recounts. \"I-Is she as nice as you?\"\n\n\"I would say so. Maybe even more than I am.\"\n\nAnother moment of silence passes as Sophia presumably considers the new information. However, she's quicker to respond this time.\n\n\"...Okay.\"\n\n\"You want to try it?\"\n\nShe nods her head simply, before letting it fall back to your side. You give her a comforting stroke behind the ears.\n\n\"Don't worry, Sophie. I'm gonna help you with it every step of the way,\" you assure her. \"And if at any point you change your mind about it, we'll stop.\"\n\n\"...C-Can we start now?\"\n\n\"Now?\" You question. \"If you want, then of course. But are you sure you want to start right away?\"\n\n\"Mm-hm...\" she nods. \"...I-If she's nice like y-you....\"\n\nShe trails off, and you wait for her to finish her thought. However, you realize after a prolonged silence that she's not going to, at least not verbally. With that, you begin to stand up. Sophia sits up straight in response, so to prevent falling over once you're not there to lean on.\n\n\"I'll get a pencil and paper. We'll start really simple.\"\n\n\"...Okay,\" she says with the smallest increase of energy.\n\nOnce you've got the supplies—a pencil, a few blank sheets of paper, one sheet of the alphabet in both upper and lowercase, and Sophia's first attempt at writing—you set them down on the living room table. You don't imagine Sophia's going to be able to write more than one page today, so the spare sheets are just in case she wants to start over. She watches as you prepare the space, and once you're finished, she scootches across so she's directly in front of the papers. After a brief moment, she shifts forward and takes the pencil in paw.\n\n\"...W-What do I write...?\" She asks, turning to you.\n\n\"Well, this is going to be your first letter to Reita. You should introduce yourself. Why don't you start with your name? Look here,\" you say before taking the paper of her first writing attempt. You point at the first sentence she wrote. \"You've done this before. 'MY NAME IS SOPHIA', see?\"\n\n\"So I...write that again?\"\n\n\"Well, maybe put a 'hello' in front of it,\" you suggest. \"Heh, It'd be a little awkward to announce your name without any sort of greeting, don't you think?\"\n\n\"...I think so,\" she replies with what little energy she has. \"...S-So, I start like this...?\"\n\nYou watch as Sophia leans forward and puts pencil to paper. At the top left of the sheet she puts three lines together to form an \"H\". Despite her focused and careful motions, the letter still comes out fairly squiggly and a size too big, but that's pretty much emblematic of a child's handwriting.\n\n\"Hh...eh...\" Sophia utters under her breath, and after she finishes up the \"E\", you realize she's sounding out the word. \"...Luh...Oh....\"\n\nOnce she's finished with the word, she turns and looks to you. You review her result...\n\n\"HELO\" it reads.\n\n\"Good start, Sophie! Just one thing: 'Hello' has two 'L's,\" you inform her.\n\n\"...Oh,\" she responds, looking slightly dejected.\n\n\"Hey, don't worry. There really isn't any way to tell from just listening. And it looks like there's enough space put in the other 'L' right there,\" you say, pointing to a gap that formed from the fluctuated handwriting.\n\nSophia watches were you point, and moving her pencil between the \"E\" and the \"L\", she squeezes in the missing letter. Once in place, it's noticeably lithe compared to the letters around it.\n\n\"There you go. Now, it just needs a comma.\"\n\n\"A comma?\"\n\n\"Yep. You just put a little mark like this...\" you explain as you trace a diagonal dash to the lower right of the word. Sophia replicates it with her pencil.\n\n\"W-What does that do?\"\n\n\"A comma is a short pause. It's like a period, but it doesn't end the sentence,\" you say. \"We'll get into punctuation sometime later.\"\n\n\"Oh,\" she puts simply, before looking back over the paper. \"Now I...tell her my name?\"\n\n\"Yep. You can just write what you've already done here. Oh, but before you start...\" you interrupt her as she was moving her pencil back to the sheet. \"Maybe you ought to start trying to write in lowercase.\"\n\n\"Lowercase...? I-Is that the...smaller letters?\"\n\n\"Exactly right,\" you confirm as you draw her attention to the sheet with every letter listed. \"I got this to help you keep track of what looks like what. In general, every letter should be lowercase, except for the first letter of the sentence, and the first letter of a name. Go ahead and try to rewrite what you wrote here.\"\n\n\"O-Okay...\" she says before she gets started.\n\nYou observe Sophia as she places all her concentration on her writing. She constantly cross-references her old, entirely uppercase sentence with the alphabet sheet in order to translate the letters into lowercase. It would have been vastly more time consuming had you not been there to help nudge her in the right direction whenever she had trouble finding anything. At one point, she made a mistake and wrote a capital letter where she shouldn't have, which gave you the perfect opportunity to show her how an eraser works. She was very appreciate of that in particular, as she was worried she'd have to start over because of the mistake.\n\n\"Nice job, Sophie,\" you praise as she finishes up the sentence. \"Now, why don't you tell her something about yourself?\"\n\n\"Something about me...?\" She ponders, taking a moment to come up with anything she'd like to share. \"...C-Can I talk about you?\"\n\n\"Me?\" You let out a light, confused chuckle. \"Isn't this supposed to be about you?\"\n\n\"W-Well... I-I wanted to say... I love my dad.\"\n\nYour heart skips a beat. Just a couple words, and you're completely over the moon. How is it possible that someone can have such an effect on you? It fills you to the brim with pride and joy that you can call Sophia your daughter.\n\n\"Aww, Sophie...\" you fawn, and can't help but reach over and playfully ruffle her hair. \"I love you too.\"\n\nAs you feel her hair bristle around your fingers, you notice her expression lift into a light smile. She still looks fairly tired and out of it, but her smile was a genuine one, unlike the fake ones she was giving you before.\n\nBut the question is, should you let her write that to Reita? You told her you were Sophia's uncle, and alluded to some unforeseen issue that lead to Sophia having to stay in your care for an extended and uncertain amount of time. You briefly wonder what presumptions Reita might've made. The one that comes to mind first is your nonexistent brother and sister-in-law having problems in their nonexistent marriage. Maybe that's the story you should build up. Not that you'll ever explicitly tell Reita it, you'd just use it as a reference to keep your lies from contradicting.\n\nOn that note, it's probably safer to just prevent Sophia from writing about anything family-related, even something as simple as saying she loves her dad. But... You take another look at her, showing the first signs of recovering from your parents' harsh words, and you know you can't deny her it. The entire reason you came up with this plan was to help Sophia feel better. Maybe it's a little risky to let her write this, but it's vague enough that it can be spun however it needs to be.\n\n\"Okay Sophie, you can write that down. But let's keep the focus on you, all right?\"\n\nShe gives a relatively stronger nod, and thankfully, her smile persists. In fact, you might even say you noticed it growing wider, though if it was, \"a snail's pace\" would be too quick to be an apt description. But that's okay. Healing can take time.\n\nAfter a little more than half an hour, Sophia had put the finishing touches on her last sentences. Her progress was slow, careful, and contemplative. You making sure she didn't misspell anything stalled the process even more, and there were a lot of words in which simply sounding them out wouldn't give her the correct idea of their spelling. But at last, it seems the letter is complete.\n\n\"HELLO, My name is Sophia. I love my dad. My favorite food is chicken. I like to be held and hugged, and my favorite game is catch. I am a little shy, but I want to make new friends. I am excited to meet you. What do you do for fun?\n\nFrom,  \nSophia\"\n\nIt's...not the most information dense, but there are good reasons for that. It IS Sophia's second time writing, and you don't want her to write more than she can handle. Guiding her through spelling things such as \"favorite\" and \"excited\" were trifles in their own right. That, and it was very limited what she could write about. She obviously wouldn't want to write about her life before you. She did want to write about you, and the things you've done together, but you had her avoid that since you wanted to reveal as little as possible of the family situation to Reita.\n\nThis is a good start. Well, good enough. Once Reita sends her own letter, a better conversation can hopefully stem from there.\n\n\"It looks just about done,\" you say. \"Ready to send it out?\"\n\n\"Um...\" Sophia takes a second to peer over what she wrote. \"...Sh-She's not gonna...m-make fun of me, r-right?\"\n\n\"Of course not. That wouldn't be like her at all,\" you assure her. \"Trust me, Sophie. Reita's a nice person. She'll love to get this.\"\n\nSophia doesn't look the most sure, but you can't really do anything to prove your claim at the moment. She'll see once she gets a letter back from her. But eventually, Sophia returns a weak nod.\n\n\"...Okay. I'm ready,\" she tells you.\n\nYou return a warm smile, and give her a soft pat on the head. With one last review over her letter, you take it from the table and bring it to the kitchen counter. On it lies an envelope with Reita's address. Sophia follows as you head over, and watches as you fold the letter, place it in the envelope, seal it, and stamp it.\n\n\"All right, Sophie, I'm going to put this in the mailbox now,\" you tell her. \"Just, uh, don't follow me outside.\"\n\nShe gives a small nod of acknowledgment. You give her a gentle few pats on the head before making your way to the front door. A brief trip outside later, and the letter is finally placed into the mailbox. After lifting the flag up, and turn back to the house. Your heart stops for a moment as you notice, although through heavy glare, Sophia watching you through a window. You take a quick look around, luckily not spotting anyone nearby, before you hurry back inside.\n\n\"S-Sophie!\" You call out as you shut the front door behind you, causing all her attention to snap to you. You realized you might have sounded a little too panicked upon seeing Sophia's own startled reaction. \"Uh... Sophie? Remember what I told you about windows?\"\n\nRealization flashes over her face, and she quickly takes another step away from the window she had already since moved from.\n\n\"S-Sorry! I forgot...!\" She says with a noticeable tone of worry.\n\n\"Hey, don't worry, it's okay,\" you tell her in a calming voice. \"It's understandable. I told you that a while ago. And it's not...normal that you'd have to need to do something like that.\"\n\nYour gentle voice seems to help her relax again, but she still appears slightly daunted.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"...W-Why do I have to s-stay away from windows?\" She asks, understandably confused.\n\nYou give a tired sigh, knowing you were going to have to skip around the question.\n\n\"...Well, it's to prevent misunderstandings,\" you say. \"Some people...don't actually know I have a daughter now. I'm still in the process of...telling everyone.\"\n\nIt's obvious you're doing a bad job of explaining it, as you can tell from Sophia's confused look. But she must trust whatever you're saying, because she simply gives an \"okay\" and nods.\n\n\"But once everyone knows, you won't have to be stuck in this house anymore. I promise.\"\n\nHer expression doesn't change too much at that.\n\n\"...I-It's okay. I'm fine with b-being here. It's always warm, a-and always has enough food, and a bed...\" she says.\n\n\"Sophie...\" you begin, but stop yourself. You were going to tell her that the outside world won't be as bad as her life before you, and that she shouldn't be so eager to be spending her time in the same building for who-knows-how-long. But maybe it's better she thinks that way until the future about her adoption looks more certain. You don't want her to long for the outside world while you have no choice but to keep her indoors.\n\n\"Well... I'm glad you're happy here,\" you say with a forced smile.\n\nYou really need to make the adoption official. But, like every time you think about it, it feels as if there's no winning play. The possibility that there's truly nothing you can do terrifies you, but you try hard not to be so pessimistic. Still, it lingers heavily in the back of your mind, like always....\n\nThe dates and times Reita had sent you to meet up all had the same issue: you'd need to leave Sophia home alone, and not even when she'd be asleep. You didn't like the thought of leaving her alone when you don't have to, even for as short as an hour. But on the other hand, you felt it was important to meet up with her at least once, as she was going to be communicating with Sophia. It's not that you don't trust Reita, it's just that you're aware of the risk you're taking in allowing this to happen. Getting her general feelings on the subject is probably a good idea.\n\nSo you texted Reita back to meet one of those times. There was an urban park within the city, and you agreed to meet her there early in the afternoon. She tipped you off about a lot by the southern entrance with free parking at that time. When the date arrived, you told Sophia you were heading out, but would be back within an hour. After a quick hug, you were off. As you drove away, you attempted to make yourself feel better by reminding yourself that this is far from the first time Sophia's been left home alone. Work days, grocery trips, and the like meant you knew Sophia could handle herself alone.\n\nIt had been a while since you'd been downtown for any other reason than work or shopping. The urban park was something you've passed by plenty of times, but you don't remember a time you actually gave it any conscious thought. When you find the nearby lot, you notice it's surprisingly, fairly vacant. But then again, there weren't too many areas of interest around this particular part of town.\n\nOnce you finally arrive at the southern entrance of the park, you check the time, finding you had arrived ten minutes early. Reita had told you she'd be sitting on a bench nearby. Sure enough, you spot a lone figure up ahead, face buried in a book. It was a little off putting to see her in the more casual attire of a long, faded green t-shirt, and an unzipped, black windbreaker on top. Not just because this was the first time you've seen her outside of work, but also because her outfit didn't look appropriately protective from the cold weather.\n\n\"Hey, Reita,\" you call out as you get close. Her ears flick up at the sound of your voice, and she lifts her head from her book. Her expression morphs to a light, but warm, smile as she catches sight of you.\n\n\"Anon, you made it!\" She greets, bookmarking her page and standing up. \"I hope you weren't very busy today.\"\n\n\"It's nothing to worry about,\" you assure her. \"How long were you waiting?\"\n\n\"Oh, I've been here almost an hour. I like to come out here to read whenever I have the time.\"\n\n\"You've already been out here an hour?\" You say, a little surprised. \"Aren't you cold?\"\n\n\"Hmm? Oh, no. This weather feels just right for me,\" she answers, before you notice a realization pop into her head. \"Oh dear, maybe I should've picked somewhere indoors. I didn't think about you not having fur!\"\n\n\"Don't worry, I have a coat. I'll be just fine.\"\n\n\"Are you sure? Well, please let me know if it gets too chilly for you.\"\n\nYou give a nod of acknowledgment before taking a gander at the scenery around the two of you. The first signs of spring were evident through the flowers beginning their bloom. The park manager or whoever must love lavender and yellow flowers, as that made up the majority of anything that wasn't green. Despite the generally pleasant environment, you still haven't spotted anyone except Reita. The only sounds that filled the air was the distant traffic that surrounded it. That, and the occasional bird chirp.\n\n\"It's a nice park,\" you say. \"I've driven past it a couple of times, but I've never been inside.\"\n\n\"Isn't it? It always feels nice to get out of my stuffy apartment and spend some time out here. It's my favorite place in the whole city,\" she tells you, taking a quick look around herself. \"Walk with me. There's a beautiful fountain near the center.\"\n\n\"Oh, sure. That sounds nice.\"\n\nReita smiles before turning away from where you entered, and guides you deeper into the park. After a few steps, you're walking side-by-side on the hardened dirt path.\n\n\"...Maybe I oughta make a habit visiting here,\" you suggest out loud on the trek to the fountain. \"If it's always this relaxing.\"\n\n\"Well, it will get a little busier soon once the weather gets warmer, but it's almost always very calm regardless. Though, sometimes people bring their kids to run about. Hey, maybe you could bring Sophia here sometime.\"\n\n\"Oh? Uh, yeah. Sometime in the future, maybe...\" you drift off. \"Hey, about Sophia. Have you gotten her letter yet?\"\n\nA wide smile creeps up on Reita's face.\n\n\"I did. She sounds like such a sweet little kid. Although...\" a sudden \\*snrrk\\* exhales from her nose. \"Is her favorite food really just chicken? I wouldn't have expected that from a little girl.\"\n\nYou can't help but smirk at that too.\n\n\"Now that you mention it, I guess it does sound a little funny. But yes, she absolutely loves it. She'll enjoy anything if you add chicken to it. I'm not joking when I say I've seriously considered letting her try ice cream with bits of chicken sprinkled on top.\"\n\nReita shivers at the thought, though retains her amused grin.\n\n\"I can't say I've heard that one before,\" she chuckles, before her expression drops. \"...I hope she's doing fine. I can't help but wonder why she only mentioned one of her parents in her letter.\"\n\n\"Uh, well... It's—\"\n\n\"Oh, you don't need to tell me. I know it's none of my business,\" she quickly cuts in before you can decide how to respond. \"I'm sure she's in good hands under your care.\"\n\n\"...Thanks,\" you say with a weak grin, appreciative you don't need to formulate any lies about her situation. \"I mean, I'm trying my best.\"\n\nShe gives a knowing nod at that, but you notice her eyes drift away from you, as if there's something she isn't sure of. Before you can ask, you realize the two of you have come upon the park's fountain. The path at your feet splits into a circle around the stone structure. The fountain looks as if it's made up of three separate bird baths of varying lengths, emitting water from each of their tops, which spill past multiple layers of circular plates and into the main basin that connects the three of them together. Four benches encircle the fountain, standing just behind the hardened dirt path. Reita turns to you.\n\n\"Why don't we sit together over here?\" She suggests, nodding her head toward the bench closest to you and her.\n\n\"Sure,\" you nod, and the two of you make your way over.\n\nAs the two of you take your seats, shoulders nearly brushing, you take a brief look upwards at the moderately cloudy sky. The talk about Sophia reminded you about how hopeless finding a way to adopt her seems.\n\n\"Anon?\" Reita's voice snaps you out of your thoughts. As you turn to her, you're caught off guard by a look of concern. \"I... I promise this'll be the only time I bring it up, but... Are YOU fine with what's been going on?\"\n\n\"Huh...? What do you mean?\"\n\n\"I just...want to make sure you're not feeling too stressed out about needing to watch your niece for...whatever the reason. I'm sure it hasn't been the easiest thing.\"\n\n\"Oh. Hey, I really appreciate the thought, but...\" you pause, before letting out a light, conceding sigh. There's a part of you that doesn't want to waste your only opportunity to vent some of your frustrations to someone, and against your better judgement, you go with it. \"...Well, yeah. You're right, it hasn't been the easiest thing. It feels like I'm the only person who can solve this, but I have no idea where to start.\"\n\nReita's concerned expression takes on a more sympathetic look.\n\n\"But... Sophie makes it worth it,\" you add. \"I love having her around, despite the circumstances. So you don't need to worry about how I'm doing.\"\n\nWith that, you notice Reita's expression lift a bit. Actually, she gains what looks like a sly smirk. You need to do a double take after having witnessed her previous looks about the subject.\n\n\"That's really cute,\" she puts simply.\n\n\"H-Huh?\" You say, caught off guard by her sudden change in demeanor.\n\n\"Sorry if that...sounded weird. But... You call her 'Sophie'?\" She asks, with a clearly endeared tone. \"I suppose that nickname would be obvious, but still, I think that's adorable.\"\n\n\"O-Oh, I didn't realize I called her that to you.\"\n\n\"You really do love her a lot, don't you?\" She remarks, a light grin indicating she already knows the answer.\n\n\"Of course. She is family, after all.\"\n\n\"Well... Family doesn't always get along.\"\n\n\"Yeah... I know.\"\n\nThere's a pause after that exchange, and the two of you appear a little solemn after that exchange. Your thoughts not only go to your parents, but to Sophia's possibly imprisoned father and deadbeat mother as well. However, once you take notice that Reita nearly mirrors your own expression, your curiosity is peaked.\n\n\"You all right? It looks like we hit a...touchy subject,\" you ask her.\n\n\"I... Well...\" Reita pauses for a second, and then lets out a sigh. \"Would you mind if I...talk a bit about my family?\"\n\n\"You don't need to if you aren't comfortable with it.\"\n\n\"I...kind of want too,\" she admits a little guiltily. \"I haven't really gotten the chance to.\"\n\n\"Well, if you want... Fire away.\"\n\nReita gives you a sheepish, but thankful, look before she begins.\n\n\"I... Don't get me wrong, I love my parents. I know they loved me, they provided for me after all. But...\" another pause. \"...My sister was the clear favorite. Sierra was planned. I...wasn't. My parents idealized having only one kid after they got married.\"\n\n\"Reita... That's awful. That's not a good excuse for favoritism....\"\n\n\"I know...\" she responds dejectedly. \"...But I can't be ungrateful. They still loved me. They didn't pretend I didn't exist or anything like that. It's just, they were always...more proud of my sister. It was something I always noticed, but I never truly believed it until I actually asked them after I graduated from college.\"\n\n\"You asked them yourself if they had a favorite?\"\n\n\"Yes, I did. And they, well...\" Reita takes a deep breath. \"Th-This is going to sound a lot worse than it actually was. My parents are the type who really value honesty, no matter how brutal the truth may be. They didn't attempt to deny who their favorite was, they just...gave their reasons. That's where I learned they had only planned to have one child, and that they weren't expecting me.\"\n\n\"They...admitted it? Just like that?\" You say, dumbfounded at the prospect. Her parents really...?!\n\n\"A-Again...! That sounds a lot worse than it actually was! Really, they aren't bad people. The gap between my sister and I wasn't too wide. Any way we were treated differently was subconscious on their part...I'm pretty sure. I don't think they realized how they were noticeably much happier, and sadder, about my sister's graduation than they were for mine until I brought it up,\" she quickly puts in. \"I guess they thought that being honest was the right thing to do, and that I deserved to know. And I mean, I would rather know than not, but—and I know this sounds stupid—I wouldn't have felt AS bad if they actually did try to deny it at first. If they tried to convince me it wasn't the case before owning up to it. Instead they just...told me.\"\n\nYou don't know what to say in this situation, her scenario is not one you can say you've thought up before. How could they be so blunt about it?\n\n\"They apologized for it, and said they'd try to do better in the future, but at that time I was looking to move out and live on my own. It felt too late. I was upset, and then they got upset back at me, because I was 'acting ungrateful.' We had a big argument, which ended up with me driving away,\" she recounts. \"Ironically enough, my sister let me stay at her place until I could get on my feet. I don't think she ever figured out what the argument was about. I wanted to tell her, but it just felt...awkward. I don't even know if she's aware she's the favorite, but I didn't want to create a rift in our relationship.\"\n\nBeing an only child, it's hard to imagine what something like that is like. You almost bring that up, but mentally chastise yourself for that foolish would-be slip up. Sophia is your \"niece\", idiot. You can't afford to make that mistake.\n\n\"I call my sister regularly, but my parents...not as often. We DO talk, it's just always...brief, and a little uncomfortable,\" Reita lets out an exhausted sigh, leaning forward slightly and staring at the fountain. \"I don't want to feel so weird talking to my parents, but... I don't know. I just don't know what to do next.\"\n\nReita continues to sit there like that. Unmoving, and clearly lost in thought. Almost as if she had forgotten you were there.\n\n\"...I wish I knew what to say,\" you put in. \"It all sounds like a complicated situation. I'm sorry you had to go through that.\"\n\nYour voice takes Reita out of her trance as she sits up and looks back at you. You're surprised to find a weak smile on her visage.\n\n\"Don't worry, Anon. Just being willing to listen to all that has helped me feel much better. Being able to get that off my chest felt... Is it cheesy to say liberating?\"\n\n\"...Maybe a little,\" you smirk.\n\n\"Jerk,\" she returns with a playful smirk of her own.\n\nYou can't help but chuckle at that exchange, with your big stupid grins, and Reita does the same.\n\n\"God, I'm sorry. That whole story really did come out of nowhere,\" she says after her laughter dies down. \"Sorry for being such a downer.\"\n\n\"No, I get it. It can't be healthy to keep frustrations like that to yourself for so long,\" you respond. \"And hey, I spoke with my parents not too long ago, and it was a disaster.\"\n\n\"Oh dear, how bad was it?\"\n\n\"I have never had an argument that bad with them before. Hell, I don't think I've ever been as angry in my whole life than that moment,\" you tell her. \"They...didn't want me to be taking care of Sophia. They'd rather leave her to...less ideal circumstances.\"\n\n\"What?\" Reita just about gasps. \"But she's their granddaughter!\"\n\n\"It's a complicated mess. Maybe I can share the full story someday, but not today,\" you say. \"Sorry. After you opened up to me about your family problems, but I can't do the same....\"\n\n\"Your business is your business, Anon. I was happy to tell you my story, but I'm not expecting you to do the same.\"\n\n\"Well, I'm glad I could help you out. Am I the first person you've told it to?\"\n\n\"...Yes,\" her eyes peer away. \"Like I said said before, I wanted to tell my sister, but I couldn't bring myself to. I don't even know if any good would come from it, especially so long after the fact.\"\n\n\"But, why do you trust me with it?\"\n\n\"You trusted me to be Sophia's pen pal, didn't you?\" She brings up. \"It was probably for similar reasons. I consider you a good friend, Anon.\"\n\n\"...Same,\" you return in an appreciative tone, feeling a little unexpectedly flattered. \"I always enjoy talking with you.\"\n\nReita smiles warmly back at you. Something about it feels...comforting. As if any possible stress you feel just melted away at the sight of her. You're glad you can call Reita a friend, you think to yourself.\n\nThat feeling persists throughout your time with her, regardless of if you were conversing, or simply enjoying the scenery together. You'd have liked to stay with her longer, if Sophia being home alone didn't linger in the back of your head.\n\n\"We should do this again,\" you say. \"I'm sorry I can't stay too long.\"\n\n\"I'm thankful you took any time out of your schedule for this. I know you're busy with Sophia and all,\" she replies. \"Oh, I almost forgot!\"\n\nReita reaches down into her purse, and unzips an unseen compartment. From it, she pulls out an envelope.\n\n\"I brought my letter for Sophia,\" she tells you. \"I thought I might as well give it to you now while I have the opportunity, so you won't have to wait for it in the mail.\"\n\nYou accept it as she hands it to you. You take a brief look at your address, and the written name \"Sophia Mous\". Your heart skips a beat reading that. Luckily, your jacket has a pocket just big enough for it to fit snuggly in.\n\n\"Thank you, Reita. Sophia is going to be thrilled,\" you say with a smile. \"...Just a reminder, anything you write about, I'm going to see too.\"\n\n\"That's not a problem,\" she assures you. \"I've already told you some pretty personal stuff, and it's not as if I'd want to write about stuff like that to her.\"\n\n\"Well either way, thank you for agreeing to do this. This'll really help Sophia out.\"\n\n\"You really don't need to thank me. To be honest...I usually don't have anything much better to do,\" she admits a little sheepishly. \"I can tell this'll be fun, and the thought that I'm helping out your niece is a very nice feeling.\"\n\nMan... Reita sure is a kind person. Hearing her heartfelt words just now makes you wonder why you hadn't tried to connect with her sooner.\n\n\"Let's make a plan for next time,\" you say. \"...Maybe we could make this a regular thing.\"\n\n\"I'd like that,\" Reita smiles.\n\n\"Me too.\"\n\n\"Hey, Sophie! I'm—oh, there you are,\" you say as you enter from the garage. Sophia must have come over at the sound of the door opening, as she appeared from around the corner mid-sentence. \"What were you doing while I was gone?\"\n\n\"...Drawing,\" she answers meekly as she as carefully makes her way in front of you. Once there, she simply looks up at you. Her eyes still express that glum hint of tiredness she's worn ever since the argument with your parents. She doesn't ask for it, but you know what she wants. You reach down and gently lift her up into your arms, letting her rest against your chest and shoulder as she sits in the crook of your arm.\n\n\"Drawing?\" You smile, hoping that an optimistic attitude may rub off on her, at least a little. \"What did you draw?\"\n\nSophia's eyes drift down and away from you.\n\n\"...Nothing,\" she states. \"I couldn't finish a-anything. Sorry....\"\n\n\"Sorry? Why would you be sorry?\"\n\n\"...I know you l-like to see my drawings....\"\n\n\"Well, you're not wrong there,\" you concede. \"But don't think I'll be upset if you chose not to do something you weren't up to.\"\n\nAdjusting herself on your arm, Sophia rests the side of her head against your shoulder. With your free hand, you reach around and give her a few gentle pats on the head.\n\n\"I've brought something from my time with Reita,\" you tell her as you carry her upstairs, heading to her room. \"I think you'll like it.\"\n\n\"F-From...Reita?\" She murmurs with a new sense of attentiveness. \"Is it...?\"\n\n\"Her letter to you?\" You finish, earning a nod from Sophia. \"It is.\"\n\nHer eyes widen, finally removing that look of tiredness she's worn for so long, albeit replacing it with a look of uncertainty, and maybe even a little bit of fear. Hopefully, actually reading the letter's contents will resolve all that.\n\nYou gently lower her, and sit her atop the bed. Unzipping the pocket on your jacket, you take out the letter, and offer to her. Sophia eyes the thing carefully, as if afraid it could jump out to her at any moment, before slowly reaching forward and taking it from your grasp. She takes a steady hold of it with both hands, staring at the letter, then at you, then back at the letter.\n\n\"D-Do I...?\" She begins, before unsheathing a claw and lying its point on the face of the envelope.\n\n\"Ah—! Not like that...!\" You say, hurriedly pushing the envelope down and away from her claw before she can shred through it. \"Here, let me show you.\"\n\nYou pinch the top of the envelope, and Sophia lets you lift it from her hands. You simply flip it around and place it back in her grip. Now, with the back facing her, you slide a finger along the underside of the opening flap.\n\n\"Try cutting like this instead,\" you tell her.\n\nSophia silently nods in response. She takes her claw, and mimics what you showed her. The ensuing ripping noise gives Sophia a start, but an encouraging look from you let's her know she isn't damaging the letter inside. Once her claw has run all the way through, the flap opens up.\n\n\"There you go. That's a very clean cut,\" you remark, seeing as no part of the main envelope had been torn. But your focus soon shifts to the folded paper within as Sophia slides it out. \"...How about I read it to you?\"\n\nAs good as an opportunity this is to get some reading practice in, you feel it's best you read it aloud to her. That way there's less room for Sophia to misunderstand Reita's words.\n\n\"...Okay,\" she says softly, handing over the letter, which was still folded and obscuring the contents. You give her a thankful smile as you take it back from her.\n\nSophia watches intensely as you unfold the paper, revealing Reita's tidy and organized handwriting, all in a black pen. You hold it out so the both of you can see.\n\nWell, let's see how this turns out...\n\n\"Dear Sophia,\n\nIt's very nice to meet you! My name is Reita. I work with your unc—\" you freeze for a second, and Sophia gives a confused look. \"...Hey, Sophie? Do you know what an uncle is?\"\n\n\"H-Huh...?\" She responds, looking as if your interjection had pulled her out of a deep focus, and maybe it had. \"...I-I've heard of it.\"\n\n\"But you don't know?\" You ask, to which Sophia shakes her head. \"Well, for now, you should know that when she says 'uncle', she's referring to me.\"\n\n\"Oh...okay,\" she nods, just about whispering her response. Her eyes soon turn back to the letter. You look back at the spot you stopped.\n\n\"—I work with your uncle! In fact, we sit right next to each other, and we talk a lot. I've learned a little bit about you from our conversations, and you sound like a very sweet kid. I look forward to getting to know you even better!\n\nI was very shy when I was young too, but also like you, that didn't stop me from wanting to make friends. Even though we haven't really met yet, you can consider me a friend if you'd like.\"\n\nYou take a quick moment to examine Sophia. All of her attention is still squarely on the letter, and she stares as if she's looking at something she's not sure is real.\n\n\"To answer your question, I spend a lot of time at the park for fun. I love reading a good book there, and strolling around the place. Other than that, I have a variety of plants at home I like to tend to, and I do enjoy a good movie.\n\nI hope you're doing well, and I can't wait to hear back from you! Now I have a question for you! What do you think you want to be when you grow up? Is anything at school helping you figure that out?\n\nAnyways, I wish you and your uncle the best.\n\nYour Pen Pal,  \nReita Kohlburry\"\n\nWith that, you turn to Sophia.\n\n\"What did you think?\" You ask her, noticing she appears a lot less tense than when you first showed her the envelope.\n\nSophia, eyes still glued to the letter, takes a moment to respond.\n\n\"...She's really nice,\" she utters, seemingly still deep in thought.\n\n\"See? I told you she'd like to do this. She even told me herself earlier today.\"\n\n\"...S-So,\" she begins after a pause. \"...w-will we keep writing to h-her?\"\n\n\"Yeah, that's what being a pen pal is,\" you tell her. \"You keep writing to her, and she'll keep writing to you.\"\n\n\"...Okay,\" she puts simply. \"...I like that.\"\n\nYou get a good look at Sophia, studying her expression closely. Upon finding the faintest, near unnoticeable smile on her lips, your own smile widens. You can't be sure it'll last, but you hope that this project will help Sophia feel better about herself.\n\n\"But...I've never been to s-school. And I don't know...what I want to be,\" she admits, appearing a little embarrassed. \"...Wh-What should I tell her?\"\n\n\"Well, you can just say you're homeschooled,\" you suggest. It's basically true anyway. \"And it's fine if you don't know what you want to be when you grow up. You probably won't have a good idea until you're much older.\"\n\n\"Oh... Okay,\" she responds. For a moment, her eyes drift down in thought, seemingly pondering something. But before long, she looks back up at you, shifting closer towards you as you sit together on the bed. \"Th-Thank you, Dad.\"\n\n\"Thank me?\" You ask. \"For setting this up for you?\"\n\n\"Mm-hm,\" she nod. \"...I'm h-happy I can t-talk...write to Reita. I like her. She's n-nice.\"\n\n\"She is, isn't she? Just remember that she's happy to be doing this with you too,\" you smile, twisting towards her and giving her the light embrace you could tell she wanted. Her paws find their way to your back as her own arms wrap around you.\n\nYour plan seemed to be working, at least a little bit. Sophia appears to have had her spirits lifted, knowing that there's someone else who doesn't dislike her for no apparent reason. You mentally thank Reita for playing the key role.\n\nSophia's happy about it, Reita's happy about it, and you're happy about it. Things seem to be looking up, at least at this moment. Once Sophia is finally adopted, you should get them to meet in person. But for all you know, that day is far, far away.\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\nAfter Reita's first letter, Sophia's spirits seemed to have lifted a considerable amount, much to your relief and happiness. Based on her reaction, it was not unsurprising to you that Sophia became even more invested in learning how to write than before. Of course, you were eager to assist her in whatever ways you could. Her budding ability to read had gone very far, but she hadn't gotten much experience honing her writing. Luckily, you managed to find just the thing to help.\n\n\"Hey, Sophie,\" You say as peer around the doorframe to her room. \"I've got something for you.\"\n\nSophia, sitting on her bed and having been focusing on the paper in her hands, turns to you. You can see she's holding Reita's letter, using it as practice for her reading. With an unnecessary level of carefulness, she gently sets the letter flat on her bedside counter.\n\n\"...Another gift?\" She questions as she looks back to you with curious eyes.\n\n\"That's right,\" you respond as you bring forth a ring bound, soft cover booklet. Written on the laminated cover, the title \"ABC Trace Along\" was presented in big, colorful letters. \"This is going to help you practice writing.\"\n\n\"Really?\" Her eyes light up, focusing on what you'd brought out. It makes you smile seeing how excited she gets over things like this.\n\n\"Yep. Here, take a look,\" you say as you flip open the first few pages, revealing rows upon rows of horizontal lines in groups of three. Solid letters adorn the lines at the top left, which then become dotted letters as the page continues. Towards of the bottom of each page, the letters vanish completely. \"The idea is, you go through each page and trace the letters, and at the end, you write them without any help. It should help improve your handwriting.\"\n\n\"Thank you!\" She cheers, before quickly mellowing out of it, ears dropping slightly. \"...My letters look really b-bad. I need the help.\"\n\n\"Aw, Sophie... Don't be so hard on yourself. You only just started writing, of course it's not going to be perfect right away,\" you tell her, walking over to her. \"Honestly, your handwriting is pretty good for someone so new.\"\n\nShe seems to regain a bit of that lost happiness from your words. Once up to her, you offer her the booklet, which she takes gratefully. You watch for a few seconds as she flips through the pages, scanning through all the letters and lines. You were about to go and grab a pencil, until you saw she already had one you on her bedside counter. It seems she already had plans to get some writing practice in, too. You grin proudly at her initiative.\n\n\"Are you excited to write another letter to Reita soon?\" You ask with the slightest, knowing smirk.\n\n\"Mm-hm,\" she nods.\n\n\"That's good. She absolutely loved your first one.\"\n\nSophia perks up even more. With a timid smile, she takes the pencil, and sets the booklet flat on the counter.\n\n\"...I should get you a desk,\" you decide, watching Sophia sitting on the bed and arch herself over the counter. \"Why don't we try this in the living room?\"\n\n\"Oh, okay,\" she agrees, taking the booklet back and popping up from her bed. Her arms form an X as she grips it to her chest. \"...Can we s-start the next letter too?\"\n\n\"Sounds like you're really in the writing mood!\" You remark. \"Of course we can, Sophie.\"\n\nHer smile lifts a little more from that.\n\n\"Thanks, Dad.\"\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\nHello Reita,\n\nThank you for the letter! It made me very happy! I do not know what I want to be when I grow up, but I will tell you when I do. I am home schooled. Anon is helping me read and write. It is fun! I got a book that helps me write letters and words. Does this look better?\n\nYou seem very nice. I will love to be your friend!\n\nFrom Sophia\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\nHey, Sophia!\n\nI'm so glad my letter made you so happy. You should know that your letters to me are a joy in their own right! And yes, I can certainly see how much your writing has improved, and so quickly too!\n\nIt's perfectly fine to not know what you want to be when you're older. It took me until my teenage years before I even started getting an idea what I wanted to do. You've got a lot of time to think about it. At your age, I say you should focus on enjoying each day. Engage with the things that interest you. Make friends at a pace you're comfortable with. Enjoy the freedom that comes with childhood! Oh, but always listen to Uncle Anon, of course!\n\nYou are very kind, Sophia. It makes me so happy to hear you say you'd love to be my friend! As your new friend, I wish you the best, and I hope you're having a wonderful day whenever you're reading this! If there's anything you'd like to ask me, feel free! Can't wait to hear back from you!\n\nYour Pen Pal, and Friend,  \nReita Kohlburry\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\nHi Reita!\n\nI loved your letter! You say very nice things. You are a very nice friend! I have something to ask. Do you have any siblings? I am an only child. I do not know what it is like.\n\nI drew you a picture! I hope you like it! I drew a flower for every crayon I had. It took a long time. I worked very hard on it.\n\nFrom Sophia\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\nHey, Sophia!\n\nI want you to know that I absolutely loved your drawing! You're quite the artist. The flowers look so lovely, I might mistake them for the real ones I grow myself, ha ha! And speaking of, since you were so kind to draw me a picture, I thought I'd return the favor with a few photos of my flowers. The orange, puffy looking ones are called marigolds, and the plants with white leaves on top are peace lilies.\n\nI do have a sibling! Her name is Sierra, and she's my older sister. Growing up with a sister has its ups and downs, but Sierra has always been one of my best friends. We used to bicker a lot when we were really young, and sometimes I wondered what it would be like to be an only child, but she's nonetheless become a rock in my life. I call her all the time, and visit when I can.\n\nAgain, thank you so much for the drawing! I'll be sure to treasure it. You should consider signing your work, every great artist does it! Don't quote me on that, though.\n\nYour Friend,  \nReita\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\nA cool breeze blew against your jacket as the two of you sat by the fountain, as per what was becoming routine at this point. Occasionally during your chats, you both would taper off to your own thoughts, letting the subtle sounds of the wind and fountain take over. Your own thoughts weren't always pleasant ones. Worries about how in the world you could find a way to get Sophia adopted often dominated your headspace. But, having Reita sitting by your side, even in these moments of silence, really helped to console those fears for whatever reason. You hope it isn't conceited to wonder if you have a similar effect on her.\n\n\"...I should be heading back, now,\" you say, breaking the silence. The deer woman's gaze shifts from a thoughtful stare into the distance, to you. Her friendly smile weakens slightly at that, but she nods all the same. \"...But you know what that means.\"\n\n\"Oh, of course,\" she responds. Just like that, her expression seems to have been rejuvenated. She even nudged you with her elbow with her next words. \"Hand it over already.\"\n\n\"I was getting to it...!\" You snicker, pulling out an envelope addressed to her. \"Sheesh, I didn't take you for the impatient type, Reita.\"\n\n\"Can you blame me?\" She asks, gratefully taking the envelope as you hand it to her. \"I can see how hard she tries in her handwriting. If I really am making her day being her pen pal then, well... It's a really good feeling.\"\n\nYou can practically see the warmth radiating off of her. At first you were really worried you were burdening her with this pen pal business, but evidently that isn't the case.\n\n\"Reita, I really can't describe in words how much you've helped out. Sophia had been a...bit down. But your letters are probably the biggest reason she's been able to pick herself back up.\"\n\n\"Well, thank you for offering me the opportunity to be that person.\" She says, looking the definition of sincere, even blushing slightly through the\u0026nbsp;fur on her face.\n\n\"Of course. Oh, one more thing,\" you say, a smirk creeping up on the side of your face. \"Careful with the metaphors. Sophie got a little confused, and even a bit concerned, when you said your sister had 'become a rock' in your life.\"\n\nReita grows a smirk to match your own, and snickers lightly. Before long, the two of you had waved each other off, and gone your separate ways. Even though mere seconds passed since the ending of that meeting, you find yourself wondering about the next one.\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\nIt happened at work, and you certainly weren't ready for it. On the ride home, the events played in your head repeatedly like a broken record.\n\nAt first, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. You and Reita talked much more often these days. Maybe that's why you hadn't noticed Greg giving you those strange glances at first. When you finally had, after who knows how long, you had just assumed it was because of how friendly you and Reita had become. So after you noticed, and then let a few of them slide, you had been conjuring up responses for a completely different inquiry than what you'd actually get.\n\nHaving finished up a conversation with Reita, an amiable chat about her favorite plants she tended to as a hobby, you pretended like you noticed Greg's glance for the first time.\n\n\"Oh, uh, hey Greg,\" you said, having turned to face him. \"Is something up?\"\n\n\"...Anon,\" His response was delayed, and his face had continued to hold a scrutinizing gaze. But when he finally spoke, those four, seemingly unassuming words shook you to your core.\n\n\"Do you live alone?\"\n\nA sudden wave of dread had pierced your chest, and fluttered about your body until it was completely consumed in it. You had scrambled for a response. Why did he ask that...?!\n\nDo you say yes? Or do you let your \"niece\" lie spread to your other coworkers? You desperately needed more time to consider the best response, but you had scarcely more than two seconds, as you realized anything longer would put suspicion on you itself.\n\n\"Er... Why do you ask?\" You had said, trying not to let your voice shrink away.\n\nYou wondered how you looked when you said that. Had you seemed at least half as natural as you attempted to pull off? Could any oddities in your voice be written off as being caught off guard by such a blunt, out-of-nowhere question? ...Or could he sense the underlying fear you were trying to mask.\n\n\"...Just wondering.\"\n\nHis response was as unhelpful as it was terrifying. There's no way he was \"just wondering\". There had to be a reason to ask such an unprompted question. You might have believed him if he hadn't been giving you those glances throughout the day. Those damn glances...looking at you like there was something off about you. Something he needed to figure out. He had to know something...!\n\nAt least, you thought. Are you just being overly paranoid...?\n\n\"Uh, I...\" you cleared your throat. \"...I babysit my niece sometimes. Other than that, yeah.\"\n\nYou think back on your answer, over and over again, while driving home. If Greg did ask that because he was suspicious, for whatever reason, that there was a child at your home, you'd hope that your answer would dispel any...abhorrent conclusions. Still, what if he hadn't been thinking that, and you just let another person in on your lie? A lie he may spread to others, and which may get you caught if you can't keep the details straight to everyone who knows? And, of course, you tried to prepare how to weasel yourself out of the upcoming questioning session you expected from this revelation you shared with him...\n\nExcept, that didn't happen. He didn't ask anything. He didn't even remark how you'd never spoken of this niece before. He just...continued to stare at you, as if he had been trying to see something behind your head, and couldn't move his own. Suffice to say, it didn't help quell your nerves.\n\nReita's ears had flicked at the mention of your niece, and she must have noticed what was going on.\n\n\"Oh, Greg, I just remembered something,\" she had said, awkwardly cutting in as if she was still in the process of remembering. His gaze lingered at you a little longer before slinking noncommittally to look at Reita.\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"I've been meaning to ask, do you think you could introduce me to Amy?\"\n\nThat had got Greg's attention, and you felt a massive weight lift itself off of you as he removes his full focus from you. He turned to Reita, looking a little caught off guard, as if she had said something the slightest bit unpleasant.\n\n\"Huh? Why?\" His response almost sounded more like a statement than a question.\n\nReita would go on to explain that, based on how Greg spoke about his wife in the days they've worked together, she imagined the two of them would get along well, and that they shared similar interests. Greg's attitude towards the suggestion was firm and decided, trying to make excuses on how there was no good time for them to meet then, and in the foreseeable future, and that she should probably just forget it. It was obvious to you that Greg just plain didn't like the suggestion, maybe even more than disliked, but had to maintain some level of professionalism with his coworker. Reita, bless her, kept up that conversation until Greg suddenly decided he needed to use the restroom. When he got back, he had apparently decided that Jane was a much more desirable conversationalist. He avoided Reita, and you by extension.\n\n\"Thanks, Reita,\" you had said once Greg was out of earshot, and letting out a tired exhale, as if your discussion with him was as long-winded as her own. \"I owe you one.\"\n\n\"It's no trouble. I know the situation with your niece is rather personal, and...\" she gives a short pause, tone lowering in confusion. \"...I wasn't sure what to make of the way he was staring at you.\"\n\nSo she had definitely noticed too, then. That wasn't the best thing to hear if you wanted to write the whole thing off on your paranoia.\n\n\"Yeah, that was a little strange, huh?\" As chilled as you were, you didn't want to appear that way to Reita.\n\n\"Anon, I'm sorry, but I've got to ask. Is everything going okay?\"\n\nIt hadn't worked, it seemed. You wondered if there was a nervous tremble in your eyes, and tried blinking it away.\n\n\"As good as it can be,\" you had responded with, not entirely sure yourself what you meant by that.\n\nOnce Reita noticed Greg on the way back from his suspiciously short bathroom break, she turned to you with one last, hushed comment on the topic.\n\n\"Well, if you ever need help, just know you can trust me.\"\n\nYou had given her a subtle nod and an appreciative smile, and that was the end of any discussion about your \"niece\" and living situation for the day. Greg had seemed too distracted with his usual one-sided arguments with Jane to glance at you like he had earlier. Reita, of course, had respected your privacy on the matter.\n\nBut even now, driving back home, a ball of dread spun in your chest, feeling ready to explode at any moment. Why did he ask that? Why was he looking at you like that? There's no way he could know about Sophia...right? What even are you supposed to do when you weren't even told where that even came from?\n\n\"Just wondering\"? Really? No, he had to know something. Otherwise why the looks? Why the stare?\n\nBut how much did he know? And how did he gain that info? Should you do something about this? What CAN you do? It feels like you should be doing something, but it also feels like you're wearing a blindfold and standing in the middle of a minefield. What's going to happen to Sophia? To you? How the hell are you going to...?!\n\n...\n\n...You realize you've been sitting in the garage for a while now, still in your car. Your hands threatening to snap the steering wheel to pieces as you gripped it tight. You blink, take a deep inhale through your nose, and let your head fall down limply at the same time you exhale.\n\nWhat are you doing?\n\nIt'll be fine, you tell yourself. You're being unreasonably paranoid. He just asked if you lived alone, that's all... That's...all. The best thing to do is just...continue as you have. There's no way he could know what's going on, so as long as you keep up appearances, his suspicions will blow over with time. ...IF he has any to begin with, you make sure to append.\n\nYou give yourself another minute before finally stepping out of the car. Putting a hand on the doorknob to the laundry room, you take another deep breath, before turning it. ...And you nearly jump back at the pointy-eared girl who stood directly on the other side.\n\n\"Hi Dad...!\" She greets with her usual, timid smile. The one that makes your heart flutter with the paternal instinct to keep her safe and happy. \"You took a bit....\"\n\n\"Ah, Sophie!\" You chuckle away your nerves, or at least, you try to. \"How long were you waiting there?\"\n\n\"When I heard the g-garage door,\" she answers dutifully. \"You told me not to go to the garage, so I waited here.\"\n\nYou did tell her that, just as you told her to stay away from windows. Should she be in the garage whenever you get home, there'd be a chance she'd be seen. That rule seems more important than ever, after...\n\n...No, stop. Don't start freaking yourself out again. Not in front of Sophie. Push it aside, and just—\n\n\"D-Dad?\"\n\nSnapping out of your thoughts, you focus just in time to watch her little smile waver, then fall into a concerned expression. Your heart fell as well, watching that smile disappear.\n\n\"Are you okay?\" She asks, voice worried, yet steady all the same. Though, her follow up seemed to lose some ground. \"...You look...h-hurt.\"\n\n\"...Hurt?\" You say, a little unprepared for such a statement. ...Do you look hurt? \"What do you—oh...!\"\n\nYou're interrupted as she reaches around and pulls herself against you into a hug. She nuzzles her head against you lightly, before looking up at you, concern splayed over her visage.\n\n\"...C-Can I help?\"\n\n\"Aww, Sophie...\" you couldn't stop yourself from grinning even if you tired. You bend down and return her hug. \"...Don't worry, I'm fine. It was a little bit of a...tough day at work. But you've already helped me feel a million times better.\"\n\nShe is your pride and joy after all. Precious to you beyond words. Your little fuzzball....\n\n...You really need something to distract you from your fears, but at the same time, you want to spend time with your daughter. As you held the embrace, you raised one arm and put a hand on her head, gently stroking her between the ears, feeling the warm bristles of her fur against the clefts between your fingers. You rummaged through your brain for some ideas, before...\n\n\"Hey Sophie, have you ever watched a movie?\"\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\nSophia was the one who picked the movie. Of course, having never seen one before in her life (or really, any entertainment outlet that was video-based), she only had the names to go off of making her choice. That, and a comment you made about recognizing one of the titles you came upon during your browsing. You hadn't seen that particular movie since you were really young, but you remembered really enjoying it. Upon hearing that, Sophia immediately requested that one.\u0026nbsp;\n\nYou're quite fuzzy on the details, but you do remember you always watched it with your parents. If they thought it was okay for you then, surely it'll be fine for Sophia now, right? You mean, there definitely wasn't anything extreme or explicit, you're fairly certain. Maybe taking a trip down memory lane would be better at distracting you from... Well, you know. The whole point is that you're trying to put it out of your mind.\n\nSo you selected it without much further consideration. Without a TV installed, you had to play it from your laptop. Sophia didn't seem to mind at all as the two of you sat together on the couch, laptop resting on the coffee table. She was enthralled from the moment of the opening credits, perhaps simply at the spectacle that was a motion picture, unlike anything she had seen before, her body leaning forward embodying her complete engagement with the movie.\n\n\"...Are they in love?\"\n\n\"Is that the bad guy?\"\n\n\"Why did they take her away?\"\n\n\"Who is the man in the mask?\"\n\nObviously, she had a lot of questions to ask. You laugh to yourself as Sophia exposes her complete absence of proper movie etiquette. You don't mind, of course. A talkative Sophia is never something you want to discourage, especially recently. You do your best to answer her inquiries as efficiently as possible, without spoiling what things you do remember from the movie. She must've tired herself out at a certain point, as her questions decrease in frequency, and she gradually leans back into the couch...and then against you. You put an arm around her, and let her cuddle into your side, letting her search for the most comfortable spot, down to the most minute detail. Looking down at her with an enamored grin, you realize you've probably been paying more attention to her watching the movie than the movie itself.\n\n\"Hehe...\" Sophia giggles softly as a man spontaneously dies after drinking poison. The goon had falsely assumed he had tricked the hero into drinking it, only to completely freeze in the middle of his boastful cackle, and he fell, almost cartoonishly, to his side. \"Why did he fall asleep like that?\"\n\n\"Oh, he, uh... He must've been awake for too long.\" You throw out hastily.\n\nYou had completely forgotten about that character's death, but luckily for you, quite a few things seemed to go over Sophia's head in the film. Not that you blame her. This wasn't a movie aimed specifically for younger kids. You could see why the villain's motives, and how his goals work within the politics of the setting, might go over her head. Still, she remained engaged enough that when you remembered a scene you thought might scare her, and fast forwarded through it, she'd ask with piqued curiosity why you did that. And again, when you remembered a literal torture scene at the latter half of the movie. How did you forget that...? Regardless, the rest of the movie went smoothly. Sophia had long since found the right spot resting on you, rarely needing to adjust herself to get more comfortable. She was one step away from essentially curling up into a ball on you as she sunk into the crook of your arm.\n\nAs the final shot displayed the two main leads, and their two recently acquired allies, riding away on horseback, triumphant music began playing as the scene subsequently faded to black. Sophia's eyes remained glued to the screen, and it wasn't until the director's credit flashes onscreen that she lifts herself from her resting position on you, and gives a confused glance.\n\n\"What's happening now?\" She whispers to you, turning back to the screen as more names continue to be presented.\n\n\"It's the credits,\" you answer. \"You know, the movie's over.\"\n\n\"What?\" She returns a dismayed look. \"B-But the bad guy is gone! Isn't it going to show everyone being happy now?\"\n\n\"Hm? Eastly just rescued the princess from the evil prince. And all of them got to gallop away into the sunset, didn't they?\" You offer with an amused smile.\n\n\"Well, yeah, but... Um...\" she struggles a bit to articulate her thoughts. \"...I wanna see them after, too. They all got back together again, and there's no more bad guys, but it ends here?\"\n\nOnce more, she brings her attention back to the computer screen. The credits have gotten to the point were they scroll upwards, rather than flash the film's most important names.\n\n\"I'm sorry Sophie, but I'm afraid that is where it stops.\"\n\n\"Aww...\" she pouts softly.\n\nYou can't help but emphasize a little with her. Her reaction reminded you that you had had similar thoughts about the movie's ending when you watched it for the first time. At least, you think you did. It has been a very long time after all.\n\n\"Well, it sounds like you must've really enjoyed it,\" you remark, reaching over and ruffling her head hair.\n\n\"Mm-hm. I just...wish I could see what happens next,\" she puts out a little crestfallen, and taking solace in your gesture as she leans towards you to make it easier.\n\n\"I get that. At the very least, you can't say it wasn't a happy ending.\"\n\n\"Yeah...\" she nods, eyes drifting away to nowhere in particular, seemingly focusing on her own thoughts. \"...I thought they were gonna dance.\"\n\n\"Dance?\" You question, unsure what would prompt such a specific thought.\n\n\"Whenever I...heard people talk about princess movies, th-they always really liked the dancing parts,\" she explains.\n\n\"Ah, I see. Well, this isn't really one of those traditional 'princess' movies,\" you point out. Perhaps one of those would've been more appropriate for someone her age... \"Maybe you can watch one of those next time.\"\n\nShe gives another nod, though you can tell she's a little lost in thought. Maybe because the movie's concluded, maybe because the ending was too abrupt for her, or maybe there's a bit of both. You give a bit of consideration to the thoughts she shared with you, and you hatch a little idea.\n\nThe credits sequence is still playing, and is accompanied by a moderately paced and cheery rendition of the movie's main theme. Reaching over to the laptop, you tap the key to increase the volume a few notches. Sophia's brought out of her thoughts by your action, and gives a curious look.\n\n\"But until then...\" you begin, starting to rise from your seat. Once up, you perform the briefest of stretches after sitting down for as long as you had, before turning back and offering your hand to Sophia. \"...How about a dance right now?\"\n\nShe had already been reaching over to take your hand before you finished your sentence, but freezes at hearing your suggestion, staring at you with an expression that hinted at both surprise and worry. Not exactly what you had hoped for...\n\n\"R-Really?\" She utters, her initial surprise almost not letting that word escape her mouth. \"...I-I don't know how.\"\n\n\"You don't need to. Let me show you,\" you say with a warm smile, which seems to ease her nerves as she turns her attention back to your hand, and grabs hold.\n\nHer hand in yours, you gently lift her out her seat, like how a servant might escort a princess, and lead her past the couch. The credits' song continues to play. You extend your other hand to her, which she takes as well, and you rear your torso slightly back, nearly arching your body around hers to give her more space.\n\n\"Take a stand on\u0026nbsp;my shoes,\" you instruct.\n\n\"H-Huh? Won't that...hurt?\"\n\n\"Heh,\" you smile at her consideration. \"As long as you don't stomp, I don't think so.\"\n\n...And keep her claws sheathed, but you doubt that'll be a problem.\n\nSophia gives a little pause, before nodding. Then slowly, thoughtfully, and one-at-a-time, she lifts a leg no higher than it needs to go, and places a foot on yours, as if literally walking on eggshells. You'd already known how heavy she'd be because of the many times you've lifted her into you arms in the past, though she had gotten gradually heavier since she finally had been getting an actually substantial diet ever since you'd taken her into your care.\n\nHer brow furrowed slightly as she stared up at you, evidently unsure what was supposed to be happening as she stood on the tops of your shoes.\n\n\"All right, now steady yourself, and...\" you say before, keeping your right leg at its full extension, sweeping your right foot in a gentle, circular motion. Away to the side, forward, then arcing back around to its original position. Sophia shook for an instant as her sense of balance must have given her that sharp pang of fear one gets when they're about to fall over, accompanied by a soft gasp. Regardless, she keeps her foot planted on yours, guiding her to perform the same movements as you, just from the inverse direction.\n\n\"O-Oh!\" She lets out, and you can see the lightbulb form over her head. \"Is this... Are we dancing?\"\n\n\"That's right.\" Close enough, at least.\n\nYou repeat the same movement with your left leg. It's not very exciting, and it really walks the line of what can truly be considered \"dance\", but as you look down at Sophia, the rising smile on her face fills you with warmth. You'd become the best \"dancer\" in the world for that smile.\n\n\"Hehe...!\" She titters, looking right up at you with her ears perking up.\n\n\"Having fun?\" You chuckle. \"What say I kick it up a notch?\"\n\n\"Okay!\" She responds gladly with a nod. Her tail, already wagging before, picks up a bit of speed with her answer.\n\n\"All right, hold on tight.\" You tell her, subsequently feeling her grip in your hands tighten.\n\nA little faster, and a little farther, you push a leg forward, as if to kick an invisible man's ankles. Sophia's foot, riding your own, swings back along with it, before you repeat with the other leg. She gives a steadying \"wooh\" as you essentially puppeteer her limbs with your own. The exception is her arms and hands, in which the opposite is true. You let her push and pull your arms around however she feels is necessary to help balance herself, and move them accordingly to assist her efforts. In a way, you controlled bottom, and she controlled the top of this conjoined jig.\n\nEven as you gradually increased the speed and scale of your legs, Sophia got more and more into the swing of things...heh, literally...as she began moving her arms around less as an attempt to balance herself (not that she really needed to, you'd take control if you sensed she'd fall), and more so to jovially swing herself. Mostly, she'd sway herself in tandem with your movements, similarly to how a kid used a swing set.\n\nShe giggled and laughed nearly the entire time, and even when she wasn't, she held one of her adorable sharp-toothed grins. The first one in a while, you realized, after the incident with your parents. You can't help but smile yourself, though yours was much more reserved and relieved. She's emotionally recovering, and that helps put a lot off your mind.\n\nStill, there's always that other worry. That worry that's been with you ever since you drove her home. It had faded with time, only for it to be brought back with all the force of a freight train. A worry amplified a million times over, now that you've gotten used to calling this little fuzzball your daughter.\n\n...\n\n\"...D-Dad?\"\n\nYou blink. You hadn't noticed your waning movements, nor Sophia's laughing cease.\n\n\"You're...making that face again,\" she says softly, staring up at you with a slight tilt in her head, and uncertainty in her gaze.\n\n\"...Oh?\"\n\nYou shouldn't be thinking about stuff like this around Sophia. You can tell she wants to help you feel better, and that would most certainly work for any other problem than this one, because here, she's only showing you exactly what you fear losing.\n\nYou force a small smile, looking down at your daughter.\n\n\"Sorry Sophie. Didn't realize I was slowing down. Here.\"\n\nBefore she can respond in any\u0026nbsp;way, you let go of her hands, only to reach down and lift her up to your level, then higher. You hold her above the waist, sticking her up high enough she could brush her fingertips on the ceiling if she raised her hands. She gasps at the maneuver, but laughs her surprise away as you spin the two of you around three times, before placing her back on your shoes. You give a more sincere smile upon hearing her laugh.\n\n...Still, her joyous expression falls again when she looks back up at you.\n\n\"Dad...? Are you okay?\"\n\n\"I'm smiling, aren't I?\"\n\n\"Yeah, but...\" she pauses for a moment. \"...you still look a little sad.\"\n\n...\n\n...You do, huh?\n\n\"It's okay, Sophie. Don't worry about it. Just...\" you pause too, just as she had. \"...do you want to keep dancing?\"\n\n\"Do you?\"\n\n\"...Yes.\" You answer earnestly.\n\n\"Then me too!\" She responds with a surprising level of confidence, and she flashes you a genuine, reassuring smile.\n\n\"Thanks, Sophie,\" and, before you restart the dance. \"...You know that I love you more than anything, right?\"\n\nUpon hearing your words, you noticed her eyes glisten so brightly, they'd have lightened up the room even if it were pitch black. Though, you couldn't see them for very long, as she pulls herself into you, quite forcefully you might add, and presses the side\u0026nbsp;of her head against your stomach as she reaches around to embrace you.\n\n\"...I love you more than anything, too,\" she utters in a way you can't quite describe. A voice and tone somehow both weak and strong.\n\nYou're glad she's not looking up at you, so you can wipe the one tear you allowed yourself to shed as your eyes begin to water. You don't want her to see any signs of your worry, so with all your available willpower, and trying to put all those terrible worries out of your mind, you block any further tears.\n\nJust...focus on dancing with your daughter. This is a happy moment.\n\nAnd so you do. Sophia leans back, and you take her hands again, and the two of you continue to dance, even after the music from the credits long since ceased. You block out any worries, and force yourself to cheer up. Because right now, you just want to dance with your daughter.\n\n...\n\n...Please, don't take your daughter away.\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\n\"Do you live alone?\"\n\n\"Do you live alone?\"\n\n\"Do. You. Live. Alone.\"\n\n...\n\nNo, you do not live alone.\n\nYou have a yet-to-be-adopted daughter who's been with you for months. A young wolf anthro who, despite her history of abuse, had come to trust you enough that she called you \"dad\" before you called her your daughter. A girl who has become your pride and joy, even if you never thought you'd make for a decent parent. A girl you would do anything to keep safe and happy. A girl who has become the most important person in your life.\n\nSo no. You don't live alone.\n\nYou'd hope that, at the soonest, the next time you'd live \"alone\" would be once Sophia grows old enough to leave the nest. ...Wow, that thought makes you feel...preemptively depressed. But whatever weight that feeling has is lost with the more immediate threat at hand. Something that may take Sophia away from you much sooner than that.\n\nIf someone knew about Sophia... What would they do? It's Greg specifically who's given you this scare. What would he do? That unfortunate part is you don't really know the guy too well, or more importantly, he doesn't know you. He doesn't know that you aren't...that kind of guy. So if he thinks you might have a kid in your house, you fear he can only make the worst assumptions. So what can you do that would throw him off your trail...?\n\nShould you get all chummy with him? Turn him from co-worker to good friend? As if you have nothing to hide?\n\n...No. It's too late for that. Plus, you don't know how confident you are to pull that off without it being extremely suspicious.\n\nMaybe you could invite his family over for dinner, and have Sophia hide away during it all? Yeah...! If you were trying to hide something, why would you come to them and insist they come over to your place?\n\n...Thinking more on it, no. That's way too risky. You'd be sweating bullets through the whole meal, and you don't want to scare Sophia.\n\nMaybe...? No. How about...? No, that doesn't make sense. If...? No, that's a stupid idea.\n\nDamn it... What should you do? You need to have some sort of plan, don't you? But what if attempting anything is the thing that gets you caught, and you were being so paranoid for no reason? But it wouldn't be for \"no reason\" because why would Greg ask what he did and give you those prying stares? You have a right to at least be worried. Your own daughter is on the line here. No doubt they'd take her away from you. What if they put her back to a place where she'll be abused for no reason? She's changed so much under your love and care—you know how appreciative she's been with every gesture of kindness you've shown her—so to be put back into an abusive environment? What would that do to her? You used to be so scared about what might happen to you, but now the scariest part about that would be the complete inability to save your daughter from such a—\n\n\"Dad...?\" A soft voice emits from the threshold of your room.\n\nSitting on your bed, you snappily fix the slouching posture you hadn't realized you had slumped into, move the hand you hadn't realized was pressed around your face like a mask, and you look up to the source of the voice. Sophia stands there, hugging her stuffed rabbit to her chest. You realize she's wearing her pajamas.\n\n\"H-Hey, Sophie!\" You say with some forced enthusiasm. \"Are you ready for bed already?\"\n\nShe gives an unsure nod.\n\n\"I was going to ask if you were gonna tuck me in,\" she explains. \"I didn't know if...you were coming.\"\n\n\"Oh? Of course I'll tuck you in. I do it every night, don't I?\" You say. \"It doesn't matter if you want to go to bed early, just give me the word and I'll be there.\"\n\nBefore you can sit up from bed, you notice the strange stare Sophia's giving you. It's as if something you said put her off a little, like she's worried she must've misunderstood you. You almost mirror her expression, when you realize there's a lack of sunlight trying to seep through the curtains that you've kept shut ever since you took Sophia home. You begin to realize what was wrong as you check the time.\n\nIt's 9:12. Twelve minutes past her usual bedtime.\n\nHow long have you been here, in your room, stressing out about what Greg said...? How did you lose track of time so utterly?\n\n\"Ah, I'm so sorry, Sophie,\" you apologize as you shake the thoughts from your head and finally sit up from bed. Though the cracks of your back seemed to want to remind you of your inactivity. \"I didn't mean to keep you waiting so long.\"\n\n\"It's okay...\" she murmurs, though her stare doesn't seem to change much.\n\n\"Did you already brush your teeth?\"\n\n\"Mm-hm.\"\n\n\"Good, good.\"\n\nSitting on the edge of your bed, you know nows the time to get up and lead her to her room. But...you find that you can't stand up. Your body just doesn't move. You don't want to move. You just want... You just want to...\n\n...You don't know.\n\nAn old, familiar silence hangs between the two of you. It's reminiscent of your interactions with her not long after your first took her home. The two of you just...kind of look at each other, as if waiting on the other to continue the conversation. You find yourself looking at her small form and wondering what she'll look like in a year, or three, or ten. You wonder how tall your little girl is going to grow. No matter the answer, she'll always remain just that: your little girl.\n\nYour train of thought breaks upon watching Sophia finally shift from a statuesque stance, to taking a few careful trudges over towards you. She plants her feet once she gets right up to you, and lifts her head up. Her glossy eyes peer into you, wearing a look of what you can best describe as concerned confusion. Her ears droop slightly, and you could've sworn one did so more than the other. You feel like you should say something, but you still can't find the strength to break out of your frozen spell.\n\nThat is, until Sophia removes one of her arms from clutching her rabbit, and gently extends a hand to you in offering. You don't even know if you put any conscious effort into it, but before you know it, your own hand has met her halfway, and you're holding the precious paw in your grip.\n\n\"...Are we going somewhere?\" You ask with a weak laugh, partly in jest.\n\n\"...No,\" she answers. \"I-I just want...to help you. You looked...sad, and hurt and...a-and now scared.\"\n\n\"...\"\n\n\"Whenever I felt like that, you always made me feel better,\" then, with the smallest tinge of gusto... \"I want to help you now...! D-Did you have a bad dream? I'll stay with you...! ...I-If you want...!\"\n\nYou feel her paw grip tighter against your hand, and she gives you an almost stoically sturdy stare that tells you her word is her promise. It melts your heart, understanding this timid little wolf loves you enough to offer such a thing.\n\n\"Sophie...\" you begin, growing a modest but warm smile. \"...I'm so lucky I get to be the father of the sweetest girl in the world.\"\n\nAh geez. You know that was corny, but you really don't care. Guess that's just the kind of parent you're turning out to be. You meant it, and you can tell Sophia knows it, because you can see a slight blush through her fur.\n\n\"I-In the whole world...?! I don't think I-I'm...the sweetest in the whole world...\" she responds with a gradient of surprise to meek disbelief.\n\n\"To me, you are,\" you tell her, giving her paw a squeeze. \"Trust me, Sophie. You've given me a lot of reasons to think that.\"\n\n\"O-Oh. ...Thank you,\" she mumbles, unsure how to respond to what must be an unbelievably massive compliment in her mind. In fact, it seems to have completely stunned her in place, but she soon manages to bounce back upon remembering what she did to prompt you to say such a thing. \"...B-But I mean it! If it helps you feel better, I-I'll stay with you...!\"\n\nYou really are a lucky father, aren't you? What did you do to deserve this?\n\n\"Of course that'd make me feel better. Thank you so much, Sophie,\" you say without really thinking too much on it. \"Here, I'll tuck you in.\"\n\nAs you slide off the bed, you begin to lightly pull your hand from Sophia's own so to turn back around and prepare her spot. Before your fingers can slip away, you feel Sophia's grip tighten, locking them in her paw. When you look back at her, you notice her stare has intensified.\n\n\"S-So, there was something...?\" She asks, uncertain, but firm, like her grip on your hand.\n\n\"Eh? What do you mean?\" You respond, feeling the slightest bit stupefied by her action and demeanor.\n\n\"W-What was bothering you.\" Even if she's not usually the most outwardly confident in her speech, her inflection made it clear that was an answer, and not a question. \"Why you seem so...\"\n\nShe can't quite finish that thought, but you get the idea. It warms your heart seeing just how driven this girl has become as a result of her concern for you, yet it also leaves a bad sort of fluttering in your chest as it makes the negative reality of your situation even more present. She's well aware there's something wrong, and it doesn't seem like she's very willing to just let it go. The fact that it's all for your sake...\n\n\"...It's just complicated adult stuff. I'm sorry if I worried you,\" you barely explain, sounding a lot more tired and defeated than you realized.\n\n\"Oh,\" she puts simply. Then... \"Could you tell me anyway? Even if I don't...u-understand? Maybe you'll...feel better?\"\n\nHer eyes are earnest, and her grip doesn't falter. It should make you so happy how hard she's trying to help, and a part of you certainly is. But the other is desperately wishing she'd just drop it. It's just not a good idea to tell her what's going on.\n\n\"Sophie...\" you say absentmindedly, as if you were supposed to say something after.\n\n\"O-Oh...!\" She suddenly peeped, eyes widening in some sort of realization, and her grip finally loosening. \"I-If you don't want to t-talk about it... I shouldn't have kept... I-I'm sorry!\"\n\nThere's the smallest, irrational panic in feeling her paw begin to slip away, and you instinctively increase the grip of your own hand to make up the difference.\n\n\"No, Sophie, it's all right...! You don't need to apologize,\" you tell her, relieved to witness her expression gradually shed some of its worry. \"Really, I can't tell you how much it means to me to see how much you care. I don't want you to feel like you've done anything wrong with that.\"\n\n\"Oh. Sorr—\" she stops, likely realizing the redundancy of another apology. \"...I just...r-remembered how you never...forced me to talk about...s-stuff I didn't want to.\"\n\n\"Well, it's not that I don't want to talk about it, it's just...not a good idea right now. I'm sorry, Sophe.\"\n\n...Did you just call her \"Sophe\"? That wasn't even something you did consciously. God, you're just so tired...\n\n\"...Okay,\" Sophia gives a simple, accepting nod. \"I'll stay with you.\"\n\nYou smile, despite everything. You just can't help it, seeing her resolute demeanor.\n\n\"Thank you, Sophie. I'll prepare your spot, then.\"\n\nIt's then that you feel comfortable enough to let go of her hand, because you can see from her determination that she isn't going anywhere anytime soon.\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\nIt's difficult to sleep.\n\nEven with your daughter cuddled into the crook of your arm, sleeping soundly, you can't quite follow her into slumber. You thought you were tired before. Not tired enough, it seems.\n\nThe darkness and silence don't help to give you much else to focus on. The only thing you're really able to perceive is Sophia, who lies at the core of the issue that's been haunting you.\n\nIt's not her fault in any way, of course. But would she feel that way if you got caught? You keep trying to tell her not to worry, and that nothing's wrong that's worth dwelling over. That's what you should be doing, right? Telling her the truth would only scare her, and she wouldn't be able to do anything about it. But if the bomb were to go off...\n\nAre you just setting her up for a great fall...?\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\nWhat would happen, you wonder? What exactly should you be expecting? And how would you prepare for it?\n\nIt's a little hard to focus with Sophia sticking like glue everywhere you go around the house today. It seems that her offer to \"stay with you\" extended far past yesterday night. Is she supposed to be a wolf, or a duckling, you wonder. You don't really mind, of course. Having your daughter resting against you on the couch as you worked on your laptop, sitting by you as you ate together, or doing little things to help as you cleaned around the house was never something you'd take for granted. It just made trying to think about the very possible bad things that loomed over you harder to think about. You try regardless.\n\nIf someone were to come knocking at your door, and they had the authority to search your house... What would you do? It's not like you could take Sophia and run, that'd make the situation look absolutely terrible for you. You suppose...you'd just have to be as compliant as possible. Tell them everything. You're not a creep, and Sophia would corroborate. You'd let them search your entire house, and even your phone and laptop, if it meant they better understood you aren't, and have never been, any threat to her. There's nothing you have to hide when it comes to how you interacted with her. Ideally, you'd earn their sympathy, but even then, you doubt they'd let you off scot-free, much less allow you to keep Sophia as your daughter.\n\nYou give her another glance, as she's obviously still nearby. It'd\u0026nbsp;kill you to lose her, as it would any caring parent. You're glad she doesn't notice your worried expression as she reads over one of the letters she treasures so much. Who knows how many times she's read over that one.\n\n...And then you realized something you hadn't thought about. Something that made your heart drop.\n\nHow the hell did you not think of this until now?\n\nYou slyly retrieve your phone from your pocket, and go through your contacts. Once you find Reita's, you send her a few texts...\n\n\"What's the soonest you can meet up with me?\"  \n\"There's something very important I need to tell you.\"  \n\"In person.\"\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\nAs you wait on the park bench, you can't help but frequently search about the place for any signs of other people. Although it wasn't late enough to be too dark, it was still well past the time most would want to hang around. Still, the idea anyone might still be around made you terribly nervous. What you needed to say was for Reita's ears alone.\n\nYou can't believe you'd made such a terrible oversight. You had only been thinking about how to help Sophia, but you hadn't thought about how it might get the other person involved. Reita deserved to know what you may have gotten her into.\n\nYou took a young girl into your home with no authority or qualifications. Even if you had the best of intentions, that does not guarantee that if word got out, you'd get in terrible trouble, and your reputation ruined. For the longest time you worried about that, but it began to dull once you started worrying more about what could happen to Sophia than yourself.\n\nBut now, you realized you've attached someone else's name to your problem.\n\nIf your house were to be searched, or if Sophia were to be questioned... Reita's involvement likely would become known. Of course, she never had the full picture. But to have her name attached to a situation that, without any context appeared extremely severe... She at least deserved to know.\n\n\"Hey, Anon,\" a familiar voice greets you as the deer woman takes her place on the spot next to you. \"Is something wrong?\"\n\nHer concerned tone makes you feel guilty your texts might have worried her. But what made you feel more guilty was thinking why you had to do so in the first place.\n\n\"Reita, hey...\" you start, trying to collect your thoughts. \"Uh...well... I...don't know if it's a good idea for you to stay Sophia's pen pal.\"\n\nYou wince a bit at her silent gasp. You knew she wasn't going to like hearing that.\n\n\"Y-You think? But why?\" She asks, clearly taken aback. Maybe you should've prefaced that with something....\n\n\"None of it's your fault. It's just... The situation I have with Sophia is extremely...complicated. And I'm worried your involvement could cause trouble for you.\"\n\n...Why are you being so vague? You called her over so you could tell her exactly what she deserves to know. Not so you can beat around the bush like you always do.\n\nBut, thinking more on it... How much do you tell her?\n\n\"Are you... Are you really sure, Anon?\" She says, evidently downcast from what you've said. \"I...try not to pry. I never wanted you to tell me more than you were comfortable with. But...\"\n\nReita pauses for a moment, and you begin to feel really shitty.\n\n\"...Is there really nothing more you can tell me? About why this is a bad idea? Why you think it would trouble me?\"\n\nDamn it... That's exactly what you were planning to do. But you just...can't quite find the voice to tell her. You've held onto this secret for so long....\n\n\"...I'm sorry, Reita,\" you apologize, defeatedly turning your head. \"It's just... It's complicated.\"\n\nYou hate yourself for doing this right now. It's not fair to her, and you know it.\n\nFor a few moments, Reita doesn't respond. After a bit, she lets out a tired sigh.\n\n\"Anon... Do you at least have somebody you can talk to about that?\" She asks, the concern in her voice dominating her tone once more. \"It's obvious how much you're stressing over...whatever it is with Sophia. Do you at least know someone you would be comfortable turning to?\"\n\nYou'd give it some thought, if you hadn't already done so time after time again. You thought your parents might have possibly been a help. As terribly wrong as you were, they seemed to be the only safe option. Next in line, you supposed would be Reita herself. After that...\n\n...\n\n......\n\n..................\n\nFuck. Just...do what you came here to do. Don't be a coward.\n\n\"...Okay. I'm sorry. You deserve to know. I'll tell you.\"\n\n\"Wait, Anon. I'm not trying to force you—!\"\n\n\"No, Reita, this does include you now. And I've been selfish to have kept that to myself. Plus...\" you pause, noticing your heartbeat beginning to increase at the mere idea of spilling your secret. \"...You're really the only person I can trust right now.\"\n\nReita opens her mouth to say something, but stops herself. Instead, she gives you a look that tells you she's unsure, but ready to listen.\n\n\"I'd...uh...really ask you keep this a secret.\"\n\n\"...I promise, Anon.\"\n\nYou give an acknowledging nod, and your heartbeat increases even further. Once more, you take a very careful scan around the park. It seems completely deserted, save for you two, giving you no excuse to back off.\n\nAll right... Here goes.\n\n\"Sophia...\" you start, heart beating faster and having half a mind screeching at you to stop while you still can and think this over more, as if you hadn't already spent enough time stressing over this. \"...isn't my niece. She's my daughter.\"\n\nHearing those words come out your mouth in front of someone else, and your second thoughts on the situation start to become your only thoughts. \"Bad idea\" rings through your mind like an alarm. It was different than with your parents. Awful in a different way, but a nonetheless more manageable way.\n\nThe seconds you spend awaiting her reaction, any sort of reaction, felt multiplied many times over.\n\n\"So that's why you didn't want to...\" She began, her previously widening eyes giving way to a more concerned look. \"...Does your brother know?\"\n\n\"No...! No, it isn't like that!\" You're quick to correct. You're not quite sure if you're past the point of no return, but after this, you certainly will be. \"I...don't have a brother. Or a sister-in-law.\"\n\n\"...\" Reita takes the briefest second to register that information. \"So, the mother...?\"\n\nYou pause and clear your throat. There's a pit in your stomach, and it feels the only way to make it go away is to either stop this conversation and excuse yourself...or keep going.\n\n\"I wouldn't know. For...lack of a better term, I...adopted her.\"\n\n\"For lack of a better...?\" She trails off, but you can tell her mind is picking up the pieces.\n\nYou're locked in. Now you have no option but to go through with this.\n\n\"I should start from the beginning. Would you hear me out?\"\n\nReita rests the side of her hand by her mouth, partially masking her expression. It doesn't make you feel better, nor relax your heart beating a thousand times a minute. Before long, she nods.\n\n\"All right, well, it began on my first day heading home from work...\"\n\nAs you recount the events that lead up to you taking in Sophia—being confronted by Larry posing as her father, the terrible worries you couldn't shake, searching for her around the city—Reita stays unnervingly silent, giving you a calm and focused look. For better or worse, she's making sure to absorb all the information you're giving her. You'd at least hope she'd be asking a few questions throughout the duration of the tale so you could clear up any misunderstandings she might have had, but she never does.\n\nYou only start seeing change, any change, in her expression when you begin telling her how you and Sophia started becoming more comfortable around each other, teaching her how to read, and being there for her after that first terrible nightmare. Her mouth is still obscured, but her eyes appear to soften from such a focused gaze.\n\n\"—And I thought she was sick by the way she was acting, but...\" you smile a little at the memory. \"...She was just really nervous about how I'd react when she called me 'Dad' for the first time.\"\n\n\"She called you 'Dad'?\" Reita asks, surprising you after her long silence. \"Even when she knew you were trying to find a family for her?\"\n\n\"She did. She was so scared I'd react badly to that, and for a second it seemed like she thought I had, because hearing that from her... It threw me for...a bit of a loop,\" you recall. \"I hadn't even considered being her parent, much less expected her to ask that in such a way. I just...never thought I'd make a good fatherly type.\"\n\nYou stop for a moment, reminiscing on that memory. You realize that at this point, your heart rate seems to have slowed considerably since you began telling the story. Maybe it was recalling such a monumentally happy point in your life, maybe it's because you realized that, having already told this much, it doesn't make any sense to fret more than you have been. But whatever the case, getting all of this off your chest is starting to feel...nice.\n\n\"But once I got over the shock, and Sophie put the doubts I had about not being the best option for her—or even a good option for her—I think I can say that...it was probably the happiest moment of my life.\"\n\nAt that, Reita gives a gentle nod. You can't be sure why, but you hope it was a good sign.\n\nYou continue on, telling Reita about Sophia's \"birthday,\" fruitless attempts in trying to figure out how to officially adopt her, and of course...your parents.\n\n\"So, you remember the first time we met up in the park? We talked about our parents, and I told you I had the worst fight I've ever had with then? I was desperate trying to figure out how to adopt Sophie, so I tried calling them to see if they could help. I didn't tell them much, only that I was thinking about adopting... But then they overheard Sophie on the phone, and thought I had already gone through with it. They drove all the way over to my house even though I told them not to.\"\n\nReplaying those events in your head, and you're already starting to feel that anger well up inside you again. Your dad still hasn't used his phone call, and at this point, you're not sure he will. He probably thinks you'll concede before he does, but what he probably doesn't even consider is that the way they treated Sophia makes it really easy not to miss them.\n\n\"I knew I'd risk them getting suspicious if I didn't let them inside after such a long trip. I put Sophie to bed, and let them in to discuss what needed to be discussed. They thought that she was adopted already, and I let them think that. I told them I loved her like my own, and tried my hardest to have them consider her part of the family too. But, they already had some pretty big qualms about 'not real' family. And when they learned she was an anthro...\"\n\nIt was difficult relaying the arguments and inexcusably terrible things your parents said about the situation, because you now know that Sophia was ease dropping on it. The poor girl... That would be something you likely would never forgive them for, especially when they're so adamant on not apologizing.\n\nBut you kept going. You told her how they reacted to her \"birthday\" video, the arguments you had...and Sophia's reaction to it all. It gets another reaction out of Reita, even if still subtle. From the looks of it, you weren't the only person having a hard time listening that memory. It continued to hurt as you recalled Sophia's mood the following day.\n\n\"...And then she finally let it out. It was the first time I had seen her show even the slightest bit of anger. She was so frustrated about how everyone she met seemed to hate her without any explanation. I gave her a hug and let her cry on me... Did my best to console her... Told her nothing was her fault, and that she lived a very unfair life with people she did nothing to deserve to have been stuck with,\" you tell her. \"...But I knew I wouldn't be able to prove my point to her without someone, anyone else, to get to know her and show her kindness. But obviously, I wasn't in the easiest position to arrange something like that. Eventually I came up with the idea to find a pen pal for her, and... Well, you know who I found.\"\n\nFor a moment, you were going to put in how much Sophia loved her letters and how much they've helped her feel better about herself, but thinking on it, you realize that might come off as trying to pressure her towards the thing you'll ask for her decision next.\n\n\"But that's why I wanted to see you today: about the letters. I realized that it...wasn't fair of me to get you involved without telling you. If something were to get out, and I get in trouble...I don't want people thinking you were involved. So, if you want...\" it takes you a good few tries to get your bearings. \"...I can destroy the letters you sent to ensure you won't get traced to us.\"\n\nYou try to look unbothered as you suggest it. This is Reita's choice, and you don't want to sway her. Even if it'll tear you apart to destroy something Sophia's loved so much to read, and reread, and reread again... It was your fault it happened like this. You hate yourself for that lack of foresight.\n\n\"So... What do you suspect is going to happen?\" Reita questions mildly, giving you a weird feeling.\n\n\"Oh, well...\" your heartbeat begins to pickup once more at the new subject. \"Do you remember how weird Greg acted yesterday? I think that he...might know something. We are next door neighbors. He asked me if I lived alone, out of the blue, and kept looking at me like he was...trying to figure something out. M-Maybe I'm just being paranoid, but it just got me thinking. If the cops, or CPS, or whoever gets a warrant to search my house, I don't plan on hiding anything when they question me. I don't have anything to hide about her care under me...except for you. I don't want you to get tangled up in my mess, so I won't say anything about you, and I can destroy the letters you sent.\"\n\n\"...\" Reita appears to give it some thought. \"...What's your plan?\"\n\n\"My...plan? I mean, I've been trying to think of anything, even before I decided I wanted to adopt Sophie. It's just... God. I just don't know.\" You admit, not realizing how your voice becomes gradually unsteady. \"How am I supposed to get her legally recognized as my daughter? I mean, taking her in like I did must have broken some law, not to mention is shady as hell by virtue. And I'm just so scared they'll just place her into another abusive situation. I just...can't let her go back to that after she's finally found a place that actually cares for her. I-I...\"\n\nYou clear your throat, and try to quickly renew your resolve.\n\n\"...I'm sorry. I love her like a daughter—she IS my daughter as far as I'm concerned—so I can't stop worrying about what could happen to her.\"\n\n\"...\" again, Reita appears to be deep in thought. \"...You mentioned a birthday video a few times. Could you show that to me?\"\n\n\"Huh? Oh, of course. Just let me pull it up....\"\n\nYou take out your phone and scroll through the camera, passing many happy Sophia pictures along the way. Once found, you present the video to her, much as you had to your parents. You really don't want to associate them with such a happy video, but it's a little hard after remembering their reactions to it.\n\nReita's reaction, is thankfully nothing like your parents. It was certainly much more tame, yet still manages to convey a great amount of emotion solely through how her eyes react to it all. They widen, dilate, and scan the screen closely, before resting on...what looks like guilt?\n\n\"Oh dear... Anon, I'm sorry.\"\n\n\"Huh? Sorry for what?\"\n\nFor the first time since you began the story, Reita moves her hand away from her face, no longer obscuring her mouth. She dons a small, sad frown.\n\n\"When you told me you took a little girl home, I...\" she pauses. \"I mean, I didn't assume you had any ill intentions, but I could not help but feel...\"\n\n\"No, it's fine. Trust me, I get it. I know it looks terrible without context, and that's why I was so scared to look for outside help,\" you say. \"Honestly, I'd hope you'd be cautious hearing something like that.\"\n\nReita turns her head to stare out to the open, though it doesn't seem like she spots anything of particular interest. You await some kind of response from her, but that doesn't happen.\n\n\"...So, I'll destroy your letters. Again, I'm so sorry for getting you involved in the first place.\"\n\n\"I haven't made a decision yet,\" Reita responds, turning back towards you. \"You did give me a choice, did you not?\"\n\n\"Huh? Reita, are you sure? I mean, I don't know exactly how it works, but would you really risk being seen as some kind of...accomplice?\"\n\nReita gives you a determined look.\n\n\"You told me that my letters really made Sophia happy, didn't you?\"\n\n\"Well, I did... But that shouldn't...obligate you to have to face my own problems.\"\n\nReita gives a long pause at that, and you assume she's mulling over her decision. Instead, you find her asking something that would've threatened a spit take had you been drinking anything.\n\n\"...Could I meet her?\"\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\nIt was Reita's decision to come over, and she understood that if anyone saw her riding with you to your house, it'd only put more suspicion on herself should you get found it. For that reason, you tried to get the car into the garage as quickly as you could. You don't think it was too likely she'd be noticed regardless, but it wouldn't hurt.\n\nAfter the garage door closed, you and Reita share a brief silence as you sit together in the car. This is the first time you were bringing someone in to meet Sophia, and that keeps your mind occupied. You trust Reita, yet you still can't help but feel a strong sense of underlying nervousness about the whole thing. Part of you really wishes you could go back in time before you let her in on this secret you most certainly can't take back, as if there was some better path you could've taken, now closed off.\n\nReita also appears to be deep in thought. You can wager a guess towards what.\n\n\"So...uh... Just wait here for a second. I'll go ahead and ask Sophie,\" you say awkwardly. \"But, if she isn't up to it...\"\n\n\"...Of course,\" Reita nods, also not sounding the most confident. \"As long as it is fine with her.\"\n\n\"All right. I'll...be back.\"\n\nWith that, you leave the deer woman to wait in the passenger's side seat as you step out. At first glance, she almost looks unnervingly patient, but noticing the way her eyes scan around the garage prevents her from appearing robotic. You take one last, brief look at her before you open the door leading toward the laundry room.\n\n\"Dad!\" A familiar voice calls out as its source rushes toward you.\n\nBefore you can even shut the door behind yourself, you find that the little wolf has already run straight into your arms. You happily lift her up, and carry her away from the closing doorway to the garage.\n\n\"Woah, Sophie!\" You said as you had lifted her. \"I swear, you welcome me home quicker and quicker each time!\"\n\n\"Th-That's okay, right?\" She asks as she rests at eye level.\n\n\"Of course. Whenever I get back, the first thing I always want to do is see you again.\"\n\nThe little wolf smiles warmly, before leaning forward and wrapping her arms over your shoulders. You carry her back to the living room, smiling yourself at her affection, but still with Reita hanging within the forefront of your mind. Gently, you set her down.\n\n\"Now Sophie, I have something really important to ask you.\"\n\n\"Important...?\" She questions after she's been set down, transforming to a curious, if a little nervous, expression.\n\n\"Don't worry, Sophie. There is no wrong answer. The most important thing is that you're comfortable with that answer. Do you understand?\"\n\nAfter a beat, she nods. You clear your throat.\n\n\"Good, so...\" how should you present this question...? \"I met with Reita today, and we were thinking—both of us were—that you might like to meet her in person.\"\n\nSophia's gaze takes on a surprised look, though it appears to relax quickly, seeming very unsure as her eyes dart down.\n\n\"U-Um...\"\n\n\"Like I said, there's no right or wrong answer. I have to drive Reita back to her car. She's actually waiting in my car right now...\" you explain, noticing as her eyes dart back to you with a worrying stare at that last piece of info. \"We just thought, since we're here, we'd stop by and ask you if you wanted to meet her. She doesn't mind if you say no, she told me she only wants what you're comfortable with.\"\n\nSophia doesn't respond right away. Instead, her eyes search around the room, as if trying to find an answer written on the walls. At first, you worry all you're doing is stressing her out, and that she's obviously not comfortable meeting somebody else yet. But another look, and thinking back on most other times she's been nervous or scared, this doesn't appear as extreme.\n\n\"...Y-You'll be with me too, right?\" She asks timidly, eyes finding their way back to you.\n\n\"Of course. I'll be with you the entire time. I won't leave your side for a second.\"\n\n\"...A-And you said she's really really nice?\"\n\n\"She is. The letters she's sent you should tell you a good deal about that.\"\n\nFor a few, silent seconds, Sophia ponders your offer.\n\n\"...Okay,\" she finally answers.\n\n\"You sure, Sophie?\"\n\n\"I-I...kinda want to meet her, too.\"\n\nShe does, huh? That's...actually really good, you think. If you hadn't set her up to be pen pals with Reita, you wouldn't have doubted that Sophia would be content only ever interacting with you.\n\n\"All right, Sophie,\" you say as her give her a loving hair ruffle, hopefully calming some of her nerves. She smiles a tad, so you think it worked. \"I'll bring her in, then. Stay right here.\"\n\n\"Okay...\"\n\nWith that, you make your way back to the laundry room. Putting a hand on the door to the garage, you take a deep breath. At this point, you don't remember if you should be worried about this... Which makes you worry all the same. You're really inviting someone else into your house to meet Sophia. It's difficult not to think it's a big deal, even if you trust Reita.\n\nShe's still sitting in the passenger's side when you arrive. Her gaze turns to you as you step inside the garage and open the driver's side door.\n\n\"She said yes,\" you inform her. \"But...be careful not to overwhelm her. She's nervous about it.\"\n\n\"Nervous?\" Reita questions. \"Are you sure we should meet, then?\"\n\nYou appreciate her concern for that, and you feel that much better about the whole situation.\n\n\"Even if she's nervous, she told me she really did want to meet you.\"\n\n\"I see,\" Reita nods. After a second, she opens the passenger's side and steps out. When she meets you at the other side of the car, she gives you a very genuine look. \"I apologize if it feels like I'm...intruding.\"\n\n\"No, it's fine. Sophie needs this. I can't be the only one she trusts,\" you respond. \"Now, let's not keep her waiting.\"\n\nTurning around, you lead Reita further into your house. It certainly feels strange, and a fair bit uneasy, inviting a guest into your house (who wasn't family) for the first time. With the purpose of actually meeting Sophia, nonetheless. You really hope this isn't a bad idea.\n\nAs the leader, you reach the living room first.\n\n\"Hey, Sophie. I—Oh!\" Before you know it, you find Sophia at your side, clutching your right hand with both of hers.\n\nShe's always looked at least a little shy, but you hadn't seen something quite like this before. Before you can say anything about it, you follow Sophia gaze directly towards the deer woman behind you. It seems Reita had stopped at a certain point to make some distance. Sophia probably appreciates that, you think as she partly hides behind your leg.\n\n\"Hello, Sophia. I'm so happy I can meet you in person!\" Reita greets her with a very warm smile.\n\nYou feel Sophia's grip on your hand clutch even harder. She peeks out a little further from your leg. It seemed like she attempted to give any sort of response, but couldn't.\n\n\"...\"\n\n\"Don't worry, Sophie,\" you whisper to her, giving one of her hands a comforting squeeze. \"She's a very nice woman, and I'll be here the whole time.\"\n\nAlthough her wary eyes continue to focus Reita, and her body appears nearly frozen, she returns the smallest possible nod of acknowledgment.\n\n\"U-U-Um...\" she struggles to get out. \"...H-Hi.\"\n\nReita's welcoming expression is both patient and unwavering. Upon finally hearing her voice, it only became more so.\n\n\"Thank you so much for your letters. I was always very excited to read them.\"\n\n\"M...M-Me too.\"\n\nSophia leans into you a little harder, and you just barely spot the embarrassed blush that forms on her face. You withhold a chuckle thinking she must have realized her response didn't quite make sense.\n\n\"It's okay, you're doing just fine,\" you give another supporting whisper.\n\nStepping out the slightest bit from behind your legs, Sophia makes her next attempt.\n\n\"...I-I loved your l-letters. ...I r-read them a-a lot.\"\n\n\"I'm so glad to hear that from you,\" Reita responds, adoration dripping from her tone despite trying to sound somewhat formal. \"Being your pen pal is something I have enjoyed immensely.\"\n\nYou notice the borderline crushing grip on your hand seems to wane slightly.\n\n\"...A-And friend?\"\n\n\"Excuse me?\"\n\n\"Pen pal...and f-friend?\"\n\n\"Oh! Absolutely!\" Reita's quick to confirm. \"You're such a wonderful girl, Sophia. I'm so thankful for Anon to have arranged the whole thing. I can't wait to exchange even more letters.\"\n\nYou give Reita a quick, surprised glance. There was your answer, you supposed. Reita gives you a knowing wink.\n\n\"I have to leave now. But Sophia, I just want to let you know... I feel very lucky to have been able to meet with you, and I know that anyone else who truly gets to know you should feel the same.\"\n\nUpon hearing those words, Sophia steps slightly further from your legs, but she doesn't respond. Reita doesn't appear to mind, still smiling kindly at her, before turning to you.\n\n\"Should we head back, Anon?\"\n\n\"Oh, of course,\" you say, before turning to Sophia. \"All right, Sophie, I need to take Reita back to her car. I'll only be gone a couple of minutes.\"\n\nSophia finally freed your hand in response, and you gave her a pat on the head. With that, you walk back with Reita.\n\n\"Goodbye, Sophia,\" she says as you make your way past.\n\n\"W-Wait...!\" You hear, and the both of you turn back to Sophia.\n\nWith caution in every step, Sophia slowly makes her way closer to Reita. Although she stops a fair bit before really getting close, you could tell the progress she made delighted the deer.\n\n\"...Thank you, R-Reita.\"\n\n\"You're very welcome, Sophie.\"\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\nThe ride back to her car is surprisingly silent. You know you should probably have a lot to say after all of that, but you just can't find the words. Perhaps Reita is having the same issue. But about halfway there...\n\n\"...I'm sorry for stealing her nickname.\" She says out of the blue.\n\n\"Huh?\" You question, thinking back on it. \"Oh, you did call her 'Sophie' didn't you? I hadn't realized. Uh, don't worry about it. It's not a very creative one anyway.\"\n\nMore silence. By now, however, you at least realized where you should start among all the things you could say about their meeting.\n\n\"...Thank you, Reita.\"\n\n\"Oh?\"\n\n\"For the both of us, thank you.\"\n\nYou really mean it. You...finally...were able to tell someone about Sophia. About everything. \"Liberating\" doesn't describe the half of it.\n\n\"Anytime, Anon,\" she returns. \"...I think the two of you make for a wonderful family.\"\n\nThe rest of the ride is silent, but it's by no means uncomfortable.\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\nReturning home after dropping off Reita, you feel...soothed, for lack of a better term. You've been nothing but a ball of nerves lately, and that certainly reached its peak while you were preparing to confess to Reita. But now, at least for the moment, you enjoyed the lack of any sort of sensation of underlying dread. Of course, you still haven't learned anything more about the situation with Greg, so you knew it wouldn't be permanent. But for now, you enjoyed the moment of relaxation.\n\nYou find Sophia sitting in the dining room when you get back. Her head turns up at your arrival, but she doesn't immediately make her way to you like she usually does. She holds a look in her eyes, one of thoughtfulness and contemplation, though your presence seemed to have broken her concentration.\n\n\"Thanks for saying hi to Reita.\" You tell her. \"You really made her day.\"\n\n\"...I did?\" She questions quietly, sounding more like she was speaking to herself than actually asking you.\n\nYou pull up the chair next to her and sit down, before giving her hair a gentle ruffle. The quiet house leaves the two of you with your respective thoughts.\n\n\"...She really was nice.\" She comments after a bit. \"I-I don't know...why I was scared.\"\n\nYou can think of a few reasons why. Being used to the adults in your life calling you annoying, having you sleep on the floor...hitting you...\n\nYou don't blame her.\n\n\"She is, isn't she? But so are you, Sophie. It's no wonder she wanted to be your friend.\"\n\nSophia makes a light hum, seeming a little doubtful. Your smile weakens a bit at that, and you make a quiet exhale through your nose. It hurt, seeing how her low self-esteem threatened to keep her trapped in the mindset that she wasn't worth anyone's time.\n\n\"I'm serious. Sophie...listen.\" You begin. \"I know you're a good kid. Reita knows you're a good kid. But the most important person who needs to realize that, is you.\"\n\nShe turns her head away, and stares downward. Her ears droop.\n\n\"...I know.\" She admits. \"It's...just hard.\"\n\n\"...I understand.\" You say, thinking about how often in her life she was told the opposite. You extend a hand for her, and when she puts her paw in it, you gently clasp it with both hands. \"But I want you to promise me something.\"\n\nThat got her attention, you note as you see her eyes shift from your hands to your face.\n\n\"P-Promise...?\" She questions, with a slight quiver in her voice.\n\n\"You've been so good. I've never really needed to ask anything of you before. But this is important.\" You tell her, squeezing the paw in your grip to help alleviate her nerves. \"I want you to promise me that the first time you look into the mirror each day, you look at yourself, and you think about how there are people who love you. People whose days become brighter simply because you're around. Could you do that for me?\"\n\nAs you await an answer, you watch as her occasional nervous tremors begin to subside. Her head tilts slightly to one side and dips a bit, breaking eye contact and seemingly moving into a state of pondering. You continue sitting patiently, before you notice Sophia's other paw raise, and place itself upon your hands. She uses the back of that paw to rest her forehead against as she leans in.\n\n\"O-Okay...\" She half-mumbles. \"...I promise.\"\n\n\"Good.\" You smile. \"Thank you, Sophie. Just remember that it's not a fluke you're special to me.\"\n\nThough still pressing her head against the pile of hands, she gives a nod. You can't see her expression too well. Hopefully you aren't asking too much of her.\n\n\"I like...having a dad.\" She says after a while.\n\n\"Aw, Sophie...\" You remove one hand so you can pull her forward into an embrace. \"Well, that dad loves having a daughter, and he wants her to be happy with herself too.\"\n\n\"...\" A long pause. \"...I'll try.\"\n\n\"That's all I ask.\" You tell her, hugging a little tighter. \"You're the best thing that's happened to me. I just want you to be happy.\"\n\n\"...I understand.\"\n\nIt was comforting, hearing her say that, and knowing she'll at least try to have a better outlook on herself. You're no therapist, but you'd hope that if you kept instilling in her that she wasn't loved for nothing, she'll start to become less hard on herself. You meant everything you said. She's your daughter; you've felt the unconditional love you have for her as a parent. She's earned that place in your heart, and you want to ensure she knows it. There's no strings attached, no extraneous reasons or hidden feelings... You love her. It's as simple as that.\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\nSitting in bed after Sophia had been tucked in, you spent some time thinking to yourself. Frankly, you were getting tired of it. Tired of losing sleep pondering what few options you might have when it comes to officially adopting Sophia, and giving her a normal life. You want that more than anything, but you're so scared that trying anything at all jeopardizes what you have now.\n\nBut...you do realize that you can't do nothing forever. Even if you knew you'd never get caught, this isn't the life you want for your daughter. She needs to go to school, make friends her age, and at least be granted the opportunities that lie outside this house. Even if this is the best life she's been given, you want her to know it can still be so much better. Hopefully, Reita's kindness gave her a taste of it.\n\nReita... There's another thing to think about now. She's so willing to keep your secret, you're now worried she could possibly get in trouble along with you, should the worst occur. Perhaps, that could be the incentive you need to finally act. Now that there's someone else who could get caught in the collateral. Someone as nice as Reita to boot.\n\nIt really does feel that the longer you wait, the heavier the potential consequences get. You were first worried about what would happen to you, then you worried about Sophia, and now Reita can be added to that list too. You briefly wondered about your parents, but it was a little harder to care. Regardless, they weren't in on it, so you doubted they'd get in trouble. Reita though....\n\n...You had to do something. Regardless of whether or not you can come up with the perfect solution, you need to do something. Worrying had long since become exhausting.\n\nPulling out your phone, you selected Reita from your contacts...but then decide against it. You want to leave as invisible a trail to her as possible. If there's a realistic chance your stuff is going to be searched through, calling or texting her should be avoided if possible. You'll just have to invite her to the park next time you see her.\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\n\"Ah. Hello, Anon!\"\n\nYou're snapped out of your thought process at the sound of a familiar voice. Looking up from the park bench by the fountain, you find Reita walking your way. The deer woman is dressed in a light jacket, colored a soft red that you felt complemented her orangish-brown fur.\n\n\"Hey Reita, thanks for coming.\" You say as you make room for her. Her shoulder brushes against yours for a moment as she sits beside you.\n\n\"Of course.\" She responds, before her tone shifts a bit softer. \"So... Is something bugging you?\"\n\n\"Oh, well, kinda. I guess it isn't very difficult to tell, huh?\"\n\n\"Your posture is so rigid.\" She tells you, almost matter-of-factly. \"That's something my sister would always notice whenever I was caught up in bad thoughts.\"\n\nYou pause, and take a moment to perceive yourself. You were, in fact, quite tense as you sat slouching slightly forward. Spending so much time in your head just makes it easy to lose sight of things like that. You make a quick effort to loosen up a little, and make yourself more present. Reita's concerned eyes were something you were getting used to at this point.\n\n\"Well, nothing bad has happened.\" You say. \"At least, not yet. I've just been doing a lot of thinking, and...\"\n\n\"...And?\"\n\nYou glance over at her, and then look toward the ground as you feel at the envelope in your coat pocket.\n\n\"I think it's finally time I...try something. To tell people about Sophie. Get her recognized as my daughter, if at all possible. Not go to jail too, preferably.\"\n\n\"Oh...! That's big news!\" Reita remarks, evidently invested. \"What are you planning to do?\"\n\n\"Well, first thing's first, the reason I asked you out here...\" You slide the unmarked envelope from your pocket, taking a moment to simply hold it and stare. \"...It's best you take this.\"\n\nYou offer it to her, feeling a fluttering sensation of guilt as you do. Guilt for both Reita and Sophia, for differing reasons. As it leaves your hands, the feeling only intensifies, although it's also relieving at the same time.\n\n\"Another letter...?\"\n\n\"Actually, those are all your letters you've sent to Sophie.\"\n\n\"What?\" She blinks.\n\n\"Whatever happens, it's safe to say there's going to be a lot of questions I'll have to answer for. There's only one thing, in all my time with Sophie, that I feel I have something to hide.\" You tell her. \"Your involvement. I don't want you getting tangled up in all this. It's nothing they'll need to know.\"\n\n\"Oh, Anon...\" She pauses for a moment, delicately holding on to the envelope. A good amount of silence ensued as she seemingly pondered the situation. \"...I could help you out, you know. I'm certain it will look much better if I can vouch for you.\"\n\n\"Reita...\" You respond, a little at a loss for words. Was she really offering to do something so obviously risky for herself? \"...I'm not going to ask that of you. I don't know what the repercussions are going to be...but I think we both know the worst possible way they can interpret this.\"\n\n\"That is exactly why I think I can help. That's much less likely to happen if I can give my own account—\"\n\n\"Reita, I...\" You interrupt, but quickly find you don't even know how to follow up. What even should you say? After a few seconds, you just feel like an asshole for cutting her off for nothing.\n\n\"Anon, let me be frank. Is there anything stopping me from giving my own account to them?\"\n\n\"Well...\" You give it a little thought, but the answer is already obvious. \"No, I guess. I can't stop you if you decide that's what you want to do.\"\n\nIt's not untrue. This situation is no longer entirely in your hands. It's difficult to tell if you should feel more relieved or worried about that. It was the simple consequence of getting Reita involved that she could handle things how she saw fit. You shouldn't even have disliked her proposal as much as you did, because it could only benefit you. Regardless, you knew the reason why you didn't want her to help, at least like that.\n\n\"...Reita, the thing is, what I'm worried about most isn't myself. It's Sophie, obviously. I really don't want her suffer for what I've done. For her to experience what it's like to be loved, only for her to be put right back where she was... I can't even tell you how scared I am about that.\" You tell her, sounding down and deflated. \"But after that, Reita, I'm scared about you.\"\n\n\"Me...?\" Her ears flick.\n\n\"Yes. You were the one person I was able to confide in. I can't thank you enough for how much better you've made Sophia and I feel going through this. If you got in trouble because of me, I don't think that would ever leave me. You're...a good person, Reita.\"\n\n\"Oh...\" Reita puts simply, and for a second, you thought you saw a tinge of red peek through the fur on her cheeks. \"I...I hear you, I really do. But I think you're forgetting that even after I learned the truth, I still chose to stay involved. That was my decision, so if I really do get in trouble, then that will be my fault.\"\n\nYou give it a little thought, and you suppose you can't really argue that too well. She could've easily reported you the moment you opened up to her, but she didn't. She didn't even stop writing letters to Sophia either, which ultimately made her a knowing \"accomplice\" in this mess. Your appreciation for her is not easily expressed.\n\n\"Yeah... Yeah, I guess I can't really tell you otherwise. But still, I opened that door for you. At the end of the day, it's up to you what you want to do. But, even still, I don't want you punished for any of this. I...\" You clear your throat, your mouth moving faster than your mind. \"...I care about you, Reita.\"\n\nYou're not sure why that last part was a little harder to get out, because it certainly was true. Thinking on it, you probably could have put that a little more...eloquently, you suppose. Having it come out so blunt...\n\n\"Thank you, Anon...\" Reita interrupts your thoughts, having turned her head. \"I'll...keep yo– Er, that in mind. Whatever you decide to do, know that I'm just a call away if you want my help.\"\n\n\"I appreciate it, Reita, I really do.\" You say, before a question that's been growing in the back of your mind offers to fill the empty space. \"...But, uh, I have to ask. How come you're so...on board with helping us?\"\n\n\"Well, we are friends, are we not?\"\n\n\"Of course. But still, I wouldn't have blamed you if you wanted nothing to do with this after learning the truth. ...That's what I expected, anyway.\"\n\n\"Mm...\" Reita pauses for a moment with a thoughtful look on her face. \"You've...been a good presence here for me. And seeing you with Sophia... I truly don't mind helping a father who cares so much about his daughter.\"\n\nUpon hearing her words, a warmth in your chest ignites. There's something indescribably wonderful hearing someone else refer to you and Sophia as a true family. Your efforts and love for Sophia was not some fluke or bastardized image desperately trying to appear like a true father-daughter relationship, at least not to this deer woman. After all the terrible things your parents said, Reita's support is welcome more than ever.\n\n\"Thanks, Reita.\" Is all you can manage to say, but it's fine. You can tell that your expression does all of the talking.\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\nYou really don't know how much you want to tell Sophia. That is, if you decide to tell her at all. Whatever route you take, there's no way she's going to stay uninvolved until some point. Whatever happens, you don't want your daughter to be scared. There's been too much of that in her life.\n\nYou're certain there's going to be a rocky road ahead as you try to navigate this mess. If you simply come clean and hope they'll understand, there's no doubt that they'll be asking Sophia questions. For her to suddenly be placed under such scrutiny by strangers is hard to think about, but what's worse to imagine is her being placed back into an uncaring or even abusive home.\n\nYou think about Reita's words earlier, describing you as a father who wanted the best for his daughter. It warmed your heart to think about, and you wanted to ensure it was entirely truthful. The problem was that while you'd do anything for Sophia, the issue came from not knowing what exactly that \"best\" course of action would be. You suppose this must be the hardest part of being a parent. The unconditional love comes easy, but that makes you even more worried whether or not you're doing the truly correct things for her.\n\nYou suppose there's one thing you can at least start with.\n\n\"Hey Sophie.\" You say as you make your way towards her in the living room. She turns her head up from her drawing, leaning over the coffee table.\n\n\"Hi dad.\" She responds softly. Her pointy ears perk up as she looks to you.\n\n\"Could you sit with me for a moment?\" You ask her, taking a spot on the couch. She nods and immediately makes her way over, leaving her crayons and paper behind, and dutifully settling herself in the empty space next to you.\n\n\"What is it?\" She asks curiously as she looks up at you.\n\nAs you look back at her, you take a short breath as you prepare to talk with her. You know you have to be careful with what you say. Should Sophia ever be questioned, you don't want her to feel like she has to hide anything, nor do you want her to give the impression that you've had her rehearsing things for such a scenario. What you do want is for her to be even slightly prepared for a sudden intrusion from law enforcement or CPS, but at the same time, you don't want her expecting something like that and worrying because of it.\n\n\"Sophie... You're a really brave girl, you know that?\" You tell her.\n\n\"I-I am?\" She responds, a slight surprise evident in her voice. She looks down for a moment. \"I...don't think so....\"\n\n\"You are.\" You assure her, gently rubbing the top of her head out of habit. \"Who was the girl who mustered up the courage to call me 'Dad' before I fully understood I wanted her as my daughter?\"\n\nShe's silent for a second, presumably remembering that moment as she subtly leans in to your head patting.\n\n\"B-But... I was really really s-scared then.\" She admits, though of course you already knew.\n\n\"And you still did it anyway. Even if you were scared, you were still brave. There's a difference between being brave and fearless, you know.\" You explain. \"Bravery comes from overcoming your fears. It's staying strong even in situations that makes you nervous or scared.\"\n\n\"Oh...\" She mutters quietly.\n\n\"You've shown me, Sophie—proven to me—that you can be brave when it matters. I just want you to remember that you're stronger than you think, even in tough times.\" You say.\n\n\"It...doesn't feel like it.\" She responds like she was ashamed to say so.\n\n\"Maybe not, but that's okay. You need to remember you're still just a kid.\" You assure her, rubbing her head some more before really looking into her eyes. \"You ARE a brave girl, Sophie. I want you to think about that even when it's hard.\"\n\n\"Okay.\" She nods so slightly you barely even notice. \"...Thank you.\"\n\nYou would have let her go then, but you found that she allowed herself to lean into you as you sat together. Of course, you don't mind at all, pulling her closer until she's snug against you. What you were expecting even less was for her to bring up a talking point herself.\n\n\"I-I want to...like myself more. I'm trying.\" She says after a little bit of cuddling into you. \"I know it...makes you sad when I'm sad. So I don't want to be.\"\n\nYou find yourself taking a deep but silent breath at that. It doesn't feel right that you should have to pity your own daughter like this. She deserves so much better. More than ever, you want her legally adopted as your own.\n\n\"Oh, Sophie... You shouldn't want to be happy for my sake. You should be doing that for you.\"\n\nSophia doesn't say anything in response, but you can tell you've put something on her mind. You let her think about that as you hold her close. You've got your own things to think about.\n\nYou can only hope that Sophia will take your words to heart. You meant it. You do believe she's a brave girl, but you do worry that she's gotten so comfortable solely being with you, that if other people were to start getting involved in your attempts to officially adopt her, it will be much harder for her to deal with it. Whatever happens in the future, you want her to be able to face whatever comes her way with some baseline of courage. Whatever bumpy road might be ahead, and wherever it leads, you want her to be even the slightest bit prepared.\n\nAfter a good few minutes of silently comforting her, she eventually gets back to drawing. For your part, you take one last look at her before retiring to your room and grabbing your laptop. After giving Reita the letters back, and having that talk with Sophia, you suppose there's only one reasonable place to start with sorting all of this out. You need to research lawyers, both what they're legally allowed to do for you, and the possible candidates you could contact.\n\nThis was some pretty uncharted territory for you. You've never been in any sort of legal trouble or situations that might require one. You didn't know under what circumstances it'd be appropriate to hire one, and where the lines of confidentiality are drawn. This was no court case, not yet at least. This wasn't even solely trying to avoid any sort of legal punishment. This was trying to find out through what manner of procedure would be necessary to have Sophia legally recognized as your kid.\n\nYou suppose what worried you the most was if watching over Sophia like you have is technically an ongoing \"crime\", and if that means you can't guarantee any legal protections from a lawyer. You know attorney-client privilege is supposed to protect you, but you couldn't help but worry if the terms differ when you are not under—and ideally would avoid completely—any sort of court situation. Whatever the case, this was the only step forward you could see. You have nothing to hide in how you've treated Sophia. They can't prove anything you've never actually done. The issue comes with them worrying that you were planning something malicious in the future. How could you put that to rest? Even trying to be the best father you can could be perceived as a means to an end. You hate that thought so indescribably much.\n\nRegardless, you have to do this. Even Sophia has noticed that the stress is really getting to you. You open your laptop and search for lawyers within your area.\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\nAfter a good while of research, you had learnt a few things and found a couple of patterns. While lawyers obviously had a high baseline of legal knowledge, there were many that specialized in certain areas, with \"family\" being a somewhat common listing, although you found that tended to be for things like legal advice for marriage, divorce, and custody rights. You suppose custody rights was what you were looking for, but you were sure your case was a fair bit different than what any of them may have dealt with.\n\nRegardless, you had zeroed in on lawyers who listed a family specialization. You didn't care about price or fees. Whoever would make it most likely that you and Sophia become an officially recognized family was all that mattered. After some thorough research through what few options you appeared to have, you settled on a name: Louie Desmond, veteran legal consultant with a specialty in family matters. Apparently, he's worked multiple custody cases before. Granted, that all seemed to have been working hand-in-hand with divorce proceedings, but it's looking like the best you've got.\n\nYou check the clock and find that it's getting late. You don't want to repeat the time you accidentally forgot to take Sophia to bed on time. You knew that had definitely worried her. You close your laptop and stand up, stretching a bit as you do. It's then that you hear Sophia's voice. From the sounds of it, she's in the bathroom, probably to brush her teeth for the night. As you peer out from your room, you spot her looking at herself in the mirror.\n\n\"Dad loves you.\" She says to her reflection. \"Reita...l-likes you. I-I...\"\n\nShe freezes a little. Whatever she was going to say, she can't seem to finish it. Her pointy ears flick, and she turns to you.\n\n\"...Hi Dad.\"\n\n\"Hey Sophie. You about to brush your teeth?\"\n\n\"I just did.\" She answers.\n\n\"Ah, good. Are you ready for bed?\"\n\n\"Mm-hm.\"\n\n\"All right.\" You smile. \"I'll tuck you in.\"\n\nSophia returns a smile of her own, though a much more reserved one of course. You give her some privacy so she can change into her pajamas. As you find her sitting on her bed, looking safe, comfortable, and happy, you can only pray that she'll stay that way after you try going through whatever legal hoops are necessary to make this official. For now, you drape the blankets over Sophia until she's snugly under the covers with only her head poking out.\n\n\"Goodnight, Sophie.\" You say. \"I love you.\"\n\n\"I love you too.\"\n\nAfter you leave her room, her voice echoes in your head, and you use it to muster up the resolve to contact the lawyer.\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\nLouie Desmond did not work at a law firm, although he used to. You had expected any sort of office building, but you instead ended up brought towards a condo highrise closer to the center of the city. The pricing samples were making more sense, but you promised you'd get the best you could for this situation. The lobby was just as nice looking inside as the building looked on the outside, and you preemptively felt your wallet ache. After taking an elevator up to the seventh floor, you find yourself in an very short hallway of which the only door—other than the elevators and a stairwell entrance—was for the residence of the \"Desmond Law Office, Attorney at Law.\" You were a couple minutes early, but you hoped that would be fine. You ring the buzzer and await a response.\n\n\"Desmond Law Office.\" A male voice comes from the speaker.\n\n\"I'm Anon. I have an appointment scheduled with Mr. Desmond.\" You introduce yourself.\n\n\"Ah, yes. Right on time. Please come in.\"\n\nYou hear a lock click from the door, and you take that as your cue to reach for the door handle. What you find on the other side is pretty much just what you expected: no shortage of expensive looking furnishings, presumably one-of-a-kind lighting setups, and a large glass wall that provided an excellent view of the city. Standing ahead of you in an equally nice looking suit was Louie Desmond, another human male like yourself, of average height and a good few years your senior by the looks of him.\n\n\"Hello.\" He welcomes you with a cordial smile. \"I understand you're looking for some legal advice? Please, have a seat over here.\"\n\nHe leads you towards a room off to the side to what looks like a more traditional office space, though the desk and chairs look especially nice. As you take a seat, you begin to realize how tense you were starting to feel. It seemed like this was going to be another point of no return where you'll have to tell someone else about Sophia. You remind yourself that this was a very necessary step, even if you can't help but worry it'll go sideways through some reason or another.\n\n\"Would you like a glass of water?\" He offers before he sits down.\n\n\"Oh, uh, no thanks.\" You blink.\n\n\"There's no need to be tense, Mr. Mous.\" He says as he sits down, having you suddenly evaluate your posture. \"If and after we determine any sort of payment plan, you will be free to tell me anything without fear of judgement. It is not my job to judge, only to guide you towards your desired outcome.\"\n\nThat's nice to hear, at least. It's not enough to tear the paranoia from you entirely, but it's something you were definitely hoping he'd say. You clear your throat and nod.\n\n\"Yes, well, in terms of a payment plan, I thought the retainer agreement would probably work best.\" You say. \"I've already got a check for the initial payment.\"\n\n\"You do? You come more prepared than most of my clients.\" Louie nods, evidently somewhat impressed. \"I assume then you've already done some research on how it works? To be clear, the money you provide will be put into a trust account, and will be deducted per my hourly rate whenever I'm providing my services for you. You will be free at any time to either replenish the account, or rescind from our agreement entirely for a fee. Do you have any questions about that?\"\n\n\"No, I don't.\" You confirm, bringing out the check you had prepared. You weren't going to be loose with your money for a while.\n\n\"Before I accept this check, I need to ensure that you understand this will form a legal agreement between the two of us. Anything you tell me will be protected by the attorney-client privilege, which means I cannot and will not use anything you say in a way you do not explicitly approve of. The only exception to this privilege is if you are intending to use my services to assist in future unlawful activity you have not yet participated in.\" He informs you with stiff professionalism. \"If you consent to these terms, that will be an acknowledgment that you understand them, and then we can get started.\"\n\nYou were sure you understood enough. What he had said pretty much aligns with the research you had done, which was at least a little comforting.\n\n\"I understand and agree.\" You confirm, handing him the check.\n\n\"Very well.\" He smiles before clasping his hands together. \"Now then, I'd assume you'd want to move right in to a consultation, yes?\"\n\n\"Right.\" You answer, taking a glance at the clock and noting the time.\n\n\"All right. What do you wish to talk about? In your email, you mentioned something about custody rights.\"\n\n\"...Yes, that's correct.\" You answer, realizing you were on the cusp of telling another person about Sophia.\n\n\"Is the divorce ongoing, or completed?\"\n\n\"There's no divorce.\"\n\n\"No divorce? Is this an adoption then? Perhaps from family?\"\n\n\"Yes, it is an adoption, but...\" You freeze for a beat. \"...Well, it's a weird situation, and that's why I really need legal advice. I just...really have no idea how to legally traverse this.\"\n\n\"That's what I'm here for. Tell me about it in detail. Remember, everything you say is protected and purely between us.\"\n\n\"Right...\" You take a deep inhale through your nose. You're terribly nervous of course, but you steel yourself thinking how this will be a concrete step forward in, hopefully, making Sophia officially family. \"There's a girl who's been in my custody for a couple of months now. There's no blood relation between us—she's an anthro, in fact.\"\n\n\"An anthro?\"\n\n\"Yes. A wolf. She doesn't know her own age. If I had to guess, she's somewhere around...eight or nine years old, give or take. I have no idea who or where her mother is. Her father... I think he is or was in jail before she even got to know him, possibly before she was born.\" You recount, realizing once again just how terrible of a life she had been living before. It only encourages your drive to give her a happy new home. \"Whatever the case, she never knew either. She was in an abusive foster home for a long time, but apparently they just...abandoned her. I don't know why or how. They just...left her in the city and moved somewhere else, it seemed.\"\n\n\"I...see...\" Mr. Desmond says, evidently deep in thought about what you had just told him. \"...And where do you come into the picture?\"\n\nYou clear your throat as you prepare to share your involvement. Your reservations are heavy, but you manage to pull through. You explain how you had come across her one day, and how you learned she had nowhere to go. You told him your thoughts, as irrational and floundering as they may had been, were simply ingrained in the idea that you could so easily provide her a respite from her suffering. No kid deserves what Sophia had gone through, and CPS had already failed her hard somewhere along the line, so you—with her permission of course—decided to take matters into your own hands. It was only supposed to be a temporary arrangement, but, well... That's why you're here.\n\nMr. Desmond lets you speak without interruption, wearing a mostly neutral expression on his face that occasionally makes the subtlest squints and shifts as if he were running calculations in his head. Multiple times you'd say something that'd have him typing something into his computer, which wasn't the most comforting for you, but you knew that was being excessively worried. You hope, at least. The ball's already rolling, and there's no use stopping it at this point.\n\n\"...So, if there's anyway I can become her legal guardian, I'll take whatever steps are necessary. I just really don't know what those steps are.\" You finish, taking a deep inhale. \"Is that...something you can help with?\"\n\nThe lawyer clasps his hands into a ball by his mouth as he props his elbows on the desk. His eyes appear to glance every direction except straight ahead as he considered what you told him. The silence weighed heavy on you.\n\n\"Mr. Mous, full disclosure, this is very unlike anything I have worked with, experienced, or researched.\" He finally says. \"When it comes to establishing child custody not through typical childcare services, preexisting familial ties and dynamics are often the crucial factors at play. If not that, some other reasonable connection is expected. If you were, for example, Sophia's favorite teacher, or the family-trusted regular babysitter, there'd be a lot of room to argue the validity of the arrangement. From the sounds of it, however, you seem to be doing this completely from scratch.\"\n\n\"...Yeah, I have. It's just that Sophia doesn't have anyone else like that.\" You say. \"According to her...I'm the first person she's ever been able to trust and be happy with.\"\n\n\"Hmm...\" Mr. Desmond purses his lips for a moment. \"That may be true, though in such a case, the first thing they would look for is any possible family the child might have that she doesn't know about. Aunts and uncles, grandparents, cousins of age, however distant they may be on her family tree. That's always what they look for and try to contact first.\"\n\n\"And if they can't find any who'd take her in?\"\n\n\"Foster care.\" He answers simply. \"Unless there is someone else who holds a deep and reasonable connection to the child, as mentioned before.\"\n\n\"So could that be me?\" You ask, not knowing if you sounded more hopeful or desperate.\n\n\"Mr. Mous, let me tell you, I understand not trusting CPS to do a good job re-homing her. Believe me, I understand that the current system is up in place is terribly flawed, and many children suffer for it. Especially anthros. I am being completely honest when I say I don't find it hard to believe that ultimately this girl ended up significantly happier with you than what could've happened if you hadn't taken her in like you did. But I believe we both know that one cannot simply take a homeless child home even with the noblest of intentions.\" He explains. \"Here's my first big piece of advice. The path to adoption is not the one you should be worrying about right now. You should be worried about being accused of kidnapping or child abuse.\"\n\nThose words pierce you like arrows. This is a discussion about a girl you've come to see as a daughter, so to hear such heavy words sound especially disgusting to you at the moment.\n\n\"Kidnapping? From who? She was abandoned!\" You say, sheer disbelief coloring your tone. \"And I've never done anything to hurt her. Never would I even think about it.\"\n\n\"Unfortunately that's just how they may categorize what you've done.\" He tells you. \"It is simply not lawful to acquire a child as you had. However I believe, if everything you told me is true, you have a good chance to make the appeal that you've done no harm and avoid any sort of trouble. I will be completely honest with you, adoption in your position is extremely unlikely. I'd recommend shifting gears towards working on an appeal that your involvement should not be viewed as negative and punish-worthy. I will be able to assist you much more efficiently if you do, more so than a truthfully unprecedented adoption. If you wish to rescind our agreement immediately because of that, I'll even forgo the fee. Everything you told me is still protected.\"\n\nAn uncomfortable weightlessness in your chest opens up. This isn't what you wanted to be hearing. This isn't what you wanted to be hearing at all. Getting in trouble with the law wasn't even your biggest worry anymore, and it hadn't been for a while now. Having Sophia think that the two of you were going to be family before sweeping the rug out from underneath her now was. You believe wholeheartedly that she IS your daughter, and you know she's the same way thinking about you as her father. You were damned if you did, damned if you didn't. Had you not taken in Sophia as you did, you never would've been able to build that connection with her nor come anywhere close to realizing you might like to be a father, but in doing so you've been put in a position where even a lawyer experienced in child custody cases is telling you it's not looking likely.\n\n\"Mr. Desmond, I'm sorry, but I have to insist I stay on the track to adoption. We're... We're a family.\"\n\n\"I see... As long as you understand what I told you. Our agreement is to be spent discussing whatever you determine.\" He says. \"Although if are truly determined to see this adoption through, you'd have to make the appeal regardless. I'll do some research on my own time, but what I believe the best avenue you have at the moment is to look into her previous foster home.\"\n\n\"Her foster home? I've never pressed her about it.\" You remark, solemnly thinking about what few things she has mentioned about it. \"It makes her very uncomfortable. She was abused by them after all.\"\n\n\"It may be your best option. There appears to had been something more going on. If she were abandoned by her foster home as you've explained, a routine check on the home should have recognized that. There would have been a missing child report, or even possibly an AMBER alert, yet I haven't found any evidence that such a thing was ever instated. Whatever the case, this has very likely been the result of a major oversight from the law, CPS, or both. With her history of abuse and you pressing that oversight, an appeal that your involvement was necessary and overall positive will be much more substantial.\"\n\n\"...I see.\" You say, not liking the idea about asking Sophia to tell you about the very people you wanted her to forget about.\n\n\"Again, I have to tell you that an adoption like this is extremely unlikely.\" He says, and you hate hearing that even if it is true. \"There are many deceptive people out there, and only you will ever truly know your own intentions. That is going to be on the minds of those you'll need to appeal to.\"\n\n\"I...understand.\" You sigh. \"All right. I'll ask Sophia about it.\"\n\n\"If you wish to be efficient with our time, we may stop the session here, and you can come back after you learned more about her foster home.\"\n\n\"Yeah... Yes, I'll do that.\" You agree, standing up from your chair, and feeling a slight, unfamiliar sense of dizziness. He does the same and offers a handshake. \"Thank you. Really, thank you so much.\"\n\nYou feel kind of exhausted despite having only been sitting and talking. You suppose that came from hearing the less than optimistic rundown about the adoption chances.\n\n\"It's what I'm here for. Feel free to call when you're ready to schedule another meeting.\"\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\nYou've had a sinking feeling ever since the meeting had ended. No, ever since he had told you that an adoption wasn't likely. It was a feeling that was slowly building up as you thought about the possibility that there would be no way to prevent Sophia from being taken away. It was certainly the only thing on your mind as you drove home. You just couldn't stomach the thought that by the end of all this, you'll have lost everything you had built with your daughter.\n\nYou had to remind yourself constantly that Mr. Desmond never used the word \"impossible\" or anything like that. That he admitted this was unlike anything he had known, and that the details were still being determined between the two of you. Even if you had to force yourself, you needed to be optimistic. You really weren't looking forward to asking Sophia about the people who had abused her before, but it was the only path set out for you. Any direction at all was something you had been needing for a long time.\n\nYou think about how you'll want to approach her with it, rehearsing some things in your head as you drive into your neighborhood. Your thoughts are interrupted as your phone starts ringing. Your mind immediately goes to your lawyer, or possibly Reita. With no other cars around, you manage to weasel your phone from your pocket and answer it.\n\n\"Hello?\"\n\n\"Is this Anon?\" A gruff man's voice asks. It's someone you don't recognize, and immediately you're left uneasy.\n\n\"Uh, yes. That's me. Who is this...?\"\n\nYou're given an answer before the man says anything else as you turn onto your street. If you had been paying attention to your peripheral, you would have noticed how your face turned a ghostly white in your rear view mirror, but your full focus was deathly absorbed on what was ahead. A couple of police cars are parked in front of your house, and you spotted a pair of officers standing at your front door. It felt like your heart had just shriveled up and died.\n\n\"My name is Officer Maurice. There's been a search warrant approved on your residence. I'm informing you that you have the right to oversee the search before we let ourselves in.\"\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\nYour nightmare was realized. Your heart stopped dead in its tracks, and if you could spare it any thought, you'd worry if it'd ever start up again. If there was any time to see if all your fretting about this happening every night going to bed would've actually been useful in some way, it was right now. And yet, despite all that looming stress and constant worry, you did not feel anything close to a semblance of preparedness. Instead, it felt like you'd been shot in the chest.\n\n\"Sir?\" Officer Maurice said, prompting you to realize being stunned in shock could only damn you further.\n\n\"Y-yes, uh, sorry. I guess I'm just...confused on what this is all about?\"\n\n\"Are you in your house, sir?\"\n\n\"No, I just...turned onto the block right now, actually. I...think I see you.\" You say as you get closer, trying to maintain a steady and casual composure in your voice.\n\nThe officer turns around to your car, and watches with an expressionless stare as you move past the police cars and stop at your driveway. The path from around the block to your house felt like the longest part of your drive, despite how much the ride home already felt like it was dragging after hearing what you hadn't wanted to hear with Mr. Desmond. Your mind was racing, and yet at the same time, wasn't going anywhere, and you had too little time to fortify your demeanor and resolve. Your hands shake on the wheel, and you have to freeze in place for a bit after turning off your car.\n\nThis is happening. You have to stick with the plan. You have nothing to hide in your care for Sophia. You told yourself that if something like this happened, being completely compliant would best prove your intentions as true as they were. As strange as a circumstance as your connection to Sophia was, it was nothing but positive for the both of you. You take one last deep breath.\n\n\"Heading over now.\" You say to the phone, as collected as you had sounded so far, though still not quite as much as you had wanted.\n\nYou take a step out of your car and on to the pavement of your driveway. You had thought about parking in the garage instead, going inside to take a quick moment to warn Sophia about what was going to happen, before meeting the officers at the front door. However, you didn't know if the officers would have allowed that, and even if they would, it would place more unwanted suspicion on you considering it'd give you a short window to react to their sudden search warrant. You just hated thinking about how this was going to happen on Sophia's end.\n\nOh god, you really, REALLY hate imagining how this is going to be like for Sophia. Without warning, a group of strangers walking into your house, likely going to take her away when she hasn't interacted with anyone but you and Reita for months. Knowing her, you can't imagine her being anything less than terrified, and just imagining her wide eyes and flattened ears makes you feel like your heart is being clawed out of your chest. All the sudden you wish you had gone inside first to give Sophia any sort of heads up, even if it'd make you look more suspicious in the long run. It just makes you feel like the shittiest father imaginable thinking about how Sophia's point of view will react to this. Why couldn't this be just a bad dream?\n\n\"You're Anon Mous?\" The officer, a slightly stocky human, asks as you get closer. He studies you with hardly any discernible emotion, and you hoped that his slightly narrowed brows were simply were they naturally rested on his face.\n\n\"I am.\" You say in the most neutral tone you could. You tried to take deeper breaths and shut out your worries so that you don't look like you're about to crack from pressure.\n\n\"And this is your residence?\"\n\n\"It is.\"\n\nStanding face to face with an officer like this was had been a consistently daydreamt nightmare ever since you first picked up Sophia. For a second, you tried to scrounge through your memories to figure out what mistake you must've made along the way for this to have happened, but you quickly put that aside. You needed all your headspace in keeping your cool. At least, as cool as you can play this off considering you're very likely to have your own daughter taken away from you. The pure dread snaking through your veins is impossible to tune out.\n\n\"As I've mentioned, we have an approved warrant to search your house, spanning the entire premises inside and out.\" He informs you, handing you a copy of paper confirming just that. It's the heaviest sheet of paper you've ever held in your life. \"You have the right to oversee the search, and you have the right to argue any perceived overstepping on our part. However, any obstruction to the search can and will be punished as misdemeanor. Is that understood?\"\n\n\"...Yes.\" Is what you find yourself responding with, feeling pressured to give an answer as snappily as possible to stave off suspicion.\n\nYou wonder if you should request they wait for you to get your lawyer over, or even to just call him. Were you allowed to do that? Would they listen? If they had a warrant, surely they can search your house regardless of your legal situation. Would requesting your lawyer make it look worse once they find Sophia? A lot of what you were banking on was how blameless you were, not needing to hide anything from them (minus Reita's involvement of course, but that also wasn't anything that reflected badly on you). Insisting for your lawyer before the search could definitely be taken as a sign against you, even if it wouldn't be true.\n\n\"Can you unlock the door for us?\" He asks in another blunt and expressionless tone, sounding more like an instruction than a question.\n\n\"...Yes, here. Let me get that...\" You say, pulling out your keys and carefully trudging towards your front door to unlock it.\n\nYou've done nothing wrong. There's no need to worry. Things will sort themselves out once everyone has the full story. So just don't worry.\n\nYou hear the click inside the lock as you turn your key through it. It sounded louder than it usually did. A memory of Sophia plays in your mind randomly, and it doesn't go away. You reach for the doorknob, but after grasping it, you freeze for a moment.\n\n\"...Officer?\" You say with a naturalness in your voice that feels uncanny considering what's currently happening, your hand still frozen on the doorknob as you turn to look back at him. \"Is there anyone among you who's good with children?\"\n\n\"...'Scuse me?\" He asks after a beat, clearly put off.\n\n\"Well, I've got my daughter here, and I'm worried this search is going to scare her. If you're going to ask her some things, I'd ask that you get anyone who might already have experience taking care of young children.\" You explain, weirdly steady and composed. \"I know you're just here to do your job, but, if you can, I'd be grateful if you'll be considerate in how she might be feeling during all of this.\"\n\nOfficer Maurice stares at you without any immediately response, simply with a very confused and furrowed brow. He looks back at some of his fellow officers, who appeared similarly unsure what was happening. When he turns back to you, his expression remains unchanged.\n\n\"Just something I wanted to mention.\" You add, taking your phone out of your pocket, unlocking it with view for him to see the passcode, and handing it over to the very confused officer, which only seemed to perplex him further. \"Whatever record this needs to go on, I give you my permission to search everything I own, for whenever that might be needed.\"\n\nYou only ever had one strategy thought up in a situation like this. Let them see you have nothing to hide. Let them see the kind of father you are. Let them see how happy Sophia has been with you. Every place they look, and every thing they search will only prove your case.\n\nWith that, you finally turn the knob and enter the house. You don't have much time. While Officer Maurice was distracted with both your phone and the other officers, you stepped inside.\n\n\"Sophie?\" You called out into the house. \"Are you upstairs?\"\n\n\"D-Dad...?\" Her voice called back from her room, and you could immediately sense both the fear and relief in her tone.\n\n\"I'm heading up, so don't worry.\" You say back, keeping a casual voice for the officers.\n\nIf she responds back, it's something too quiet for you to hear. As you make your way up the staircase, you wonder how long it'll take for the officers to follow you. You don't look back to check, but you know there won't be much time.\n\nSophia's door is closed, and when you open it, you find her sitting on her bed looking very uneasy. She lifts herself up upon seeing that it's you, before rushing straight into your open arms. There's a brief moment of silence as you embrace each other, both holding the other tightly.\n\n\"Dad... W-What's happening...?\" She asks, obviously very alarmed. \"I-I heard knocking, a-and voices, a-and... I didn't know what t-to do...\"\n\nYour heart hurts. It hurts fiercely. Hearing the stress in her voice is like poison to your soul when you know this is only going to get worse. You feel an overwhelming sense of paternal instinct telling you to make this right, to make your daughter feel safe and secure. You can only do your best for however long this brief moment will last, so you need to make it count.\n\n\"Sophie...\" You begin softly, still hugging her tight. \"These people won't hurt you, so you don't need to be scared of them.\"\n\n\"...W-Who are they?\" She asks after a short pause, slightly calmer.\n\n\"They're...people who want to make sure you're safe. They might ask you some things, they might...take you somewhere. But I promise you, they're not going to hurt you.\" You want to say more, but you don't have much time. You can already hear footsteps arriving at the lower level. \"I'm sorry this is so sudden, Sophie. I'm really really sorry.\"\n\nThe hug is broken, but you keep your hands on her shoulders as you level with her. You notice a slight shake in her pupils, and her ears are halfway folded against her head.\n\n\"T...Take me s-somewhere...?\" Her voice is a little faint. The hole in your heart is torn even larger.\n\n\"Sophie... Remember what I said before? You're a brave girl. Even if you're scared or unsure, you're brave.\"\n\n\"...I am scared...\" She tells you. Those three words are utterly crushing to you, but you try your damndest not to show it.\n\n\"That's okay. Even still, you're brave and you're strong, even if you don't feel like it.\"\n\nFootsteps start approaching from the stairwell. God, you need more time...! Why can't you have just a little more time...?!\n\n\"Sophie, no matter what happens, remember that you're braver than you think you are. Remember that for me, even when I'm not here to tell you it.\" You say, eyes locked to show your seriousness. \"You're going to be okay, and I'm going to sort this out.\"\n\nAs you keep your hands on her shoulders, you spot the slight shaking in your own arm. It seems that Sophia isn't the only one who needs to be brave right now. You were about to pull her into another hug, but she was a second ahead of you, lunging forward into you and clinging her arms around you.\n\n\"There's nothing to be worried about.\" You find yourself saying, and you hate yourself for saying it. You're lying to your daughter, but you don't know what else to do.\n\nYou don't want her to be scared right now, but you know the future in how all this will go down is completely uncertain. What if she ends up waiting for you to \"sort this out,\" but can't because you end up behind bars? The mental image of her waiting for you only to never show up... You just... You just can't...\n\n\"Sir?\" A voice behind you sounds. Sophia's hug tightens the most you've ever felt.\n\n\"It's okay, Sophie. Remember, it's okay.\" You speak softly to her. She responds with a very quiet noise or murmur you can barely catch despite how close you are. You can only hope it's some response of acknowledgment or affirmation.\n\n\"Sir.\" The officer repeats. You know your time is up. \"There are some questions...\"\n\nHe stops himself, likely noticing Sophia behind you, hugging as strongly as her little arms could muster. You give one more comforting pat over the head before standing back up and facing the officer. It's not Maurice, though he is another human male. He looked a fair amount younger than Maurice.\n\n\"Hello officer, this is Sophia.\" You tell him, placing a hand on her head as she clings to your leg. \"She's really shy, so please keep that in mind.\"\n\nHe stares for just a second or two, looking between you and Sophia, before pulling up a radio.\n\n\"Maurice? ...Yeah, he's upstairs... He's got... There's a kid with him.\" He speaks into it, with you catching a muffled voice through the transceiver here and there. \"...A wolf...? Yeah, looks like...\"\n\nIt feels awkward to simply stand there as the officer communicates to the others about you and Sophia. The desperation in your veins has you wanting to do something, anything, right about now. There's a small part of you that wants to pick up Sophia and run, as if there were anywhere you could actually go. No, whatever they needed you to cooperate with was simply what was going to happen. There is no other choice for you.\n\nIt's not long before you hear more footsteps coming upstairs. You continue to rub the top of Sophia's head to hopefully ease her nerves any amount whatsoever. The way she holds on to you for safety has your heart crying out for her. You love your daughter so much... How can you possibly keep it together?\n\nA small collection of officers arrive at the entryway to Sophia's room, headed by Maurice. It seems he handed off your phone to the one to his left. Maurice takes a look from you to Sophia.\n\n\"Sir, what is your official relationship with that girl?\"\n\n\"Nothing legally recognized...but I'd call her my daughter.\"\n\nHe widens his stance a bit, sticking his thumbs through his belt.\n\n\"Why is she in your house, and exactly how long has she been here?\"\n\n\"I asked why she was out on the streets all by herself, and she told me she had no one to go to. I let her stay at my home with the intention of finding a place to take her. I couldn't, but ended up wanting to take care of her myself. She's been with me longer than five months now.\"\n\n\"Then why, at no point, did you try reaching out to CPS?\"\n\n\"I understand I probably should've done that immediately after I found her, but I didn't. There were a few reasons for that. I guess, simply put, I was way out of my element and was very unsure how I should've handled it. I'll be completely honest, I was very scared how this looked. I was scared what anyone would say the moment I took her home.\" You explain. \"I hesitated for too long, which only made it look worse and worse. But I had made her my responsibility, so I couldn't just find any potential adopters, nor would I ever think to have her abandoned again. To be frank, considering she even found herself in this position made me worry even CPS wouldn't truly place her in a good spot.\"\n\nThe officers are completely silent as you explain your reasonings in complete honesty. Their scrutinizing gazes have you feel incredibly uncomfortable, but you can only wonder just how much it's effecting your daughter clinging tightly to you, deathly silent. It's like the most bizarre form of stage freight, trying to remain as steady as you are considering your story and audience.\n\n\"It just... Well, from my perspective, this kind of status quo just felt the safest and easiest. I know that Sophia is safe with me. I know she's taken care of here, to the best of my ability, and not out on the streets or placed with abusive caretakers. I know my own intentions. I can promise you they're not bad, and I will cooperate in any way required until that point is made. Originally I wanted to find and contact a trustworthy family that I could set up something where they'd eventually get her adopted without my involvement being known, but...\" You pause for a bit, taking a glance at Sophia. \"Well, Sophia had already gotten comfortable with me. She uh... She called me 'Dad' one day... Took me by complete surprise, but it helped me realize that...I'd like that too.\"\n\nBehind your parents, Reita, and your lawyer, this was the fourth time you've told anyone about Sophia. You had wanted to be able to proudly introduce her as your daughter without worry of any consequences. Was that never a possibility?\n\nYou watch as some of the officers look at each other with unsure glances, with the sole exception of Maurice. He eyes Sophia hugging your leg for a moment before looking at you. Despite his gruffer visage, you can tell there's uncertainty in his thoughts as well.\n\n\"Step away from the child, sir.\" He instructs candidly.\n\nYou hate how he said that, like there was no connection between the two of you; speaking like you weren't her dad. You tried not to show it in your face how much that rubbed you the wrong way.\n\nSophia, conversely, did react. Her grip on you tightened, and she pulled herself closer so that her forehead pressed into your side.\n\n\"Don't go...\" She pleaded in a quiet whine, claws fully unsheathed. \"P...Please.\"\n\nHer words shoot directly through your heart. You've been trying to keep your worry and building anxiety in check, locked up like a safe in the back of your emotions. Your daughter's scared voice melts right through that safe, if only for a moment, having you crack a quiet, shallow gasp that quakes your chest.\n\n\"S-Sophie...\"\n\nAnother soundless pause ensued, or it would've been if it weren't for Sophia's tense breathing. That, and your heart thumping in your chest, but you were the only one who could hear that. Probably.\n\nFrom your peripheral, you could see all the officers, Maurice included, were focused on Sophia after her reaction. Despite his previous instruction, Officer Maurice didn't say anything as, instead of stepping away from her, you instead turned to face her, lowered yourself to her height...and scooped her into a hug that matched her own grip on you.\n\n\"It's okay, Sophie. They're not going to hurt you.\" You tell her. \"It's okay... It's...okay.\"\n\nAnother long pause....\n\n\"...Be brave for me, Sophie.\"\n\nBreaking the hug hurts, because you can witness how your words had succeeded in making her comfortable enough to—hesitantly—allow the separation, retracting her claws and letting go of you. It's a separation you have no idea how long will last.\n\nThe little wolf girl stands frozen next to you, fidgeting a little due to the nerves she must be feeling. Her head is initially turned down to the floor, obscuring her expression, but when she looks up at you, you notice her glossy, watering eyes first.\n\n\"I-I'll...be brave...\" She promises, voice quaking. \"...D-Dad.\"\n\nThe pit in your chest feels endless. If words could kill, this wasn't how you would've expected them to. How could you end up in such a terrible spot? You know you shouldn't, but you just can't help giving Sophia one last pat on the head and the most genuine smile you could force. The fur under your palm feels so soft. You aren't going to forget how it feels.\n\nWith deep resignation, you turn away from Sophia, looking at Officer Maurice for further instruction.\n\n\"What do I need to do?\" You ask, voice a little dry.\n\n\"Step this way and follow me.\"\n\nIt seems it's finally time, especially while there's no longer a little wolf girl anchoring you in one spot. Without any certainty on what is going to happen, nor anything you might possibly be able to do about it, you comply with the officer and step over to him. You take one last look back at Sophia before being led out of her room. It was the last opportunity until who-knows-how-long you'd be able to speak with her again. You thought about reminding her to stay strong, or to apologize again for this to have happened.\n\n\"It's going to be okay. I love you.\" Is what you settled on, in a quiet but deeply warm and caring voice.\n\nYou shouldn't have said that. You knew you shouldn't have, even if it was a completely automatic response, like all the times you've tucked her into bed. You could see in her eyes that those last three words...\n\n\"I-I love y-you, t-too...\" She nearly blubbers it, trying to hold back whatever tears aren't already running down her face.\n\nYou made your daughter cry.\n\nAs if it could possibly measure up as any compensation, you try to give her a smile that tells her not to worry. Your own eyes might've been a little too wet for that.\n\n\"Sir.\" Officer Maurice repeats behind you.\n\n\"Yes. Sorry.\" You say, finally breaking eye contact with Sophia and turning away, although hesitantly with how much it hurts to do so. You know for certain that her expression is going to linger in your mind for a while. Certainly until the next time you see her... Whenever that may be....\n\nThe other officers part so you can walk past and follow Maurice out of Sophia's room. As you pass them, one last thing crosses your mind.\n\n\"She's got a stuffed rabbit. Let her hold on to that.\" You advise them as you walk out.\n\nOfficer Maurice leads you back downstairs, and you quickly realize that one of the others had followed behind you, ensuring there was an officer in front and behind you. You didn't like what that foreboded, though your mind was still primarily thinking about Sophia. Once at the front door, your lesser fear is founded: Maurice takes the handcuffs hanging from his hip.\n\n\"Turn around. Wrists together behind your back.\" He instructs, stern like usual, though with a slightly quieter voice.\n\nYou wordlessly comply. The cold metal locking your wrists together is not a friendly feeling to say the very least. You had never imagined nor expected you'd ever have a pair of handcuffs on in your life. It's certainly not an experience you'd like to brag about, but you try to take some solace knowing that this wasn't for a crime with any degree of maliciousness.\n\n\"Turn again.\" He says after the cuffs are on. You do so as he opens the front door, and guides you outside. \"I am placing you into police custody until we get more information. This is not an arrest yet, but you will be detained and questioned. Is that understood?\"\n\n\"Yes.\" You nod. That was good news, you hoped. Your protection was your genuine care for Sophia, so if this isn't a true arrest yet, then getting more info should only help you.\n\nAt least, you really hoped.\n\nAs you're guided through the front yard to a police car parked out in front of your house, you briefly glance towards your next door neighbor's house. It must've been Greg who got the warrant approved on your house, you imagined. After the sudden weird looks he gave you, and the suspicious questions he asked, he seemed the most likely. Although the question remained on how and why he developed those suspicions in the first place.\n\nMaurice opens the door to the back seat, and has you shuffle inside. The metal cuffs on your wrists were uncomfortable enough, so it was only made worse having to sit down with your arms held directly behind your back.\n\nIt's hard to know what you should be saying or thinking right now. You can't even define your feelings right now. The best you can describe them as is a deep well of dread and emptiness. The thoughts in your head are so prominent that it's hard to completely take in any of your surroundings.\n\nMaurice gets into the car in the driver's seat and starts up the engine. You're completely silent as you're driven through the neighborhood. Maurice communicates with some of his fellow officers, and you put all of your mental focus into listening into the voices on the other side.\n\n\"Daniels? Was CPS called?\"\n\n\"Yeah, Johnny's doing that now. We're watching over the kid here.\" You're able to hear clearly enough, and the mention of Sophia allows you to tune everything else out.\n\n\"What's she doing?\" Maurice asks.\n\n\"Just sitting on her bed, clutching a stuffed animal. Hasn't said anything since the guy was taken away.\"\n\n\"Well let Johnny watch over her. We don't need two pairs of eyes on her. You go with the rest and keep searching the place. Document anything indicative of her treatment there.\"\n\n\"Yes sir.\"\n\n\"Do you need my laptop password?\" You find yourself speaking up, and Maurice's head almost turns back to you before snapping back to the road. \"The laptop's on my bedside countertop.\"\n\n\"...\" Officer Maurice pauses a beat, apparently caught off guard by your cut in. You expected to be entirely ignored. \"...Later.\"\n\nYou sit back in the seat with your answer. Maurice seems to have said all that needed to be said to that one officer, but during a red light, he gets into contact with a new voice, a female one from the sounds of it.\n\n\"Julie? I'm bringing in the man for questioning.\"\n\n\"What did you find? Was there a child?\" She asks, which only confirms to you that whatever tip was given to the police about you must've been about having a kid with you.\n\n\"Yes, and his admittance to having no legal or biological relation to her. Thats already obvious though, the girl is a wolf.\"\n\n\"How was she?\"\n\nMaurice gives a brief pause.\n\n\"...Unhurt, as far as I could tell, though we're still investigating everything and getting CPS on the scene. She seemed...attached to him, so I figured we should get all the details straight before putting in any sort of arrest.\" He tells her, and it provides just the smallest pang of happiness to hear him admit Sophia's love for you; a very fleeting feeling that can't exist for long surrounded by dread, but it was there for a moment. \"Hey, that reminds me. That one investigator, the uh...the badger. Should we call her over?\"\n\n\"Yeah, I'll contact her. I'm sure this might interest her.\"\n\nInvestigator? You're curious on who that might be, given she apparently isn't directly a part of the police. You'd ask if you felt in any position to do so, which was admittedly a little strange given how you had cut in just a few seconds ago to offer your laptop password.\n\n\"Any missing child reports for a young wolf girl? Gray fur?\"\n\n\"Mmm...\" There's a brief silence over the phone. \"...No. No such report.\"\n\n\"Hm. Well, we'll see what turns up.\"\n\nA single beep from the radio, and it was dead silence from then on all the way towards the city police station. The changing scenery from the window was a poor distraction to the pessimistic thoughts that pervaded your mind. Sophia's worried expression was still crystal clear in your head. You imagined how she must've been feeling, sitting on her bed while being watched over by a stranger after you had suddenly been taken away. As if it made any sort of difference, you mentally apologized a thousand times to her for having things end up this way.\n\nThe car ride felt agonizingly long, but eventually the police car was parked within the private lot off to the side of the police station. Despite the crushing anxiety ever present over you, you sat patiently as you waited for Officer Maurice to walk around and open a car door for you. It wasn't too long of a wait.\n\n\"Step out please.\" He tells you.\n\nYou follow his instructions, sliding out and getting a better look at the station. Its square body and stone walls made it look a bit unfriendly, though perhaps that was just the perspective in which you were coming here for. You were a potential wrongdoer in their eyes, putting it extremely nicely. You had to hope they wouldn't come up with any reason to escalate the ordeal.\n\nYou're led into an entrance on the side by the parking lot, and then into a rather plain hallway with metal doors and fiberglass windows. The first one on the left is opened up for you to step inside, and Officer Maurice goes in with you.\n\n\"Stand still.\" He says after closing the door, and he takes the handcuffs off of you.\n\nIt's nice to be free of such a restraining situation, although the small and windowless room you found yourself in only makes you feel more trapped. A featureless table is placed in the middle of the room, and there are a few foldable plastic chairs on either side. You were sure you've seen these kind of rooms in a movie or something on TV, where a suspect would be brought to and put through questioning.\n\n\"Take a seat at the other side of the table and wait there for a moment. I'll be back.\" He instructs. You comply.\n\nOfficer Maurice takes his leave out the door, and through the fiberglass pane, you think you saw him lock the door. You aren't certain about it, but you definitely aren't going to go over and check. You will gladly answer whatever questions they ask about Sophia and her treatment under your care, and you will show them you have no reservations in being as open a book about it as you can possibly be. Every question they ask you is an opportunity to prove to them your genuine love and care for her.\n\nSo you wait. The air in here feels slightly too cool. Unlike the changing scenery out the car window, there was nothing you could even try to distract yourself with in this small and empty room. You wait, alone, sitting still and trying to suppress the nerves that came naturally for ending up in this situation.\n\nYou're left in there for a long few minutes before the door opens, and three figures walk in: Maurice, a female human officer of similar age as him, and a somewhat short badger anthro.\n\n\"This is Officer Julie and Detective Namuka.\" Maurice bluntly introduces them as the door shuts behind the trio. \"We're going to be asking you some questions about your involvement with the wolf girl. Everything said in here will be recorded and put on record. Is that understood?\"\n\n\"Yes.\" You nod. \"Whatever needs to be answered or clarified. Ask me anything.\"\n\nAs you scan around the three of them, you noticed that despite any differences between the group, they all held the prevailing commonality of stone cold stoicism and professionalism. You hoped that's just how they normally were, and not a response to what kind of person they might've assumed you were.\n\nYou knew that if there was a time to call your lawyer, now would probably be the time...but you find you can't. Your entire gambit relies on proving to them your genuine intentions. Not cooperating until your lawyer could come in and guide your words for you would seem a lot less genuine, and pointed towards you trying to weasel your way out of trouble. Your aim wasn't to avoid jail time consequences, you wanted an angle where adopting Sophia in the end was still possible, and convincing these three who'd be evaluating the case felt crucial. You needed them to understand and believe in your personal appeal. If it meant even the smallest chance you could be Sophia's legal father in the future, you'd risk a higher chance you end up in a cell.\n\n\"Alright then.\" Maurice said as he and Julie took a spot on the other side of the table. Namuka opted to stand off to the side with a notepad. \"Start with who you are. Introduce yourself.\"\n\nAfter a deep inhale through your nose, you do so. You give them your full name and tell them how long you've been living here. They let you speak on your own for a good while without asking for elaboration or follow up questions. You supposed the big questions would be asked when Sophia came into the picture. You were right, as after you mentioned your first meeting with her, it started to feel a whole lot more like an interrogation than an introduction of yourself.\n\nMaurice tended to ask the broad and obvious questions; some of which you'd already told him at home, but you supposed it was more for the record and the other two. Julie's own questions weren't so different.\n\n\"Why did you take her home?\"\n\n\"Why did you keep her a secret?\"\n\n\"How long did you plan on keeping her with you?\"\n\n\"What did you do with her?\"\n\nYou answered open, honestly, and without any hesitation. It was easier to be truthful when every answer had genuine intentions. Whether or not you made the best decisions, everything you had done was for Sophia whether your motives were altruistic whim or paternal instinct as the questions progressed. Truth be told, there was something really nice about being able to talk so openly about who Sophia is to you. You wonder if it's partly how parents who love to talk endlessly about their children to strangers feel. You also wonder if you'd ever find yourself doing that, without having to being literally interrogated for it.\n\n\"What do you know about her parents?\"\n\n\"Has she said anything about where she stayed before you?\"\n\nYou quickly noticed Namuka's questions were different. Maurice and Julie's questions felt prodding to you, like they were hoping to dig something out of you. Namuka's...rarely included you. Instead, they were primarily about Sophia: who she was, where she came from, how she adapted to living with you, and perhaps most strikingly...\n\n\"Has Sophia shown any signs of previous abuse or neglect while she was with you?\"\n\n\"A lot.\" You practically jumped at the chance to speak to anyone about your daughter's previous mistreatment. For a long time, you had been her only pillar of support, so you want them to understand what she's suffered through if you can't be with her right now. \"Emotional, verbal, even physical from what she's told me. Whoever she was with in the past, they treated her like a burden, and it took her a long time before she wasn't scared that I'd see her the same way. They always had her sleep on the floor because 'only good kids get the beds,' and they must've called her 'annoying' a lot, because that's what she kept assuming I thought about her doing even the smallest things. Like when she was first with me, she rarely spoke unless it was a response to me.\"\n\nA bit of a wordy response, but if they aren't going to interrupt you, you should take it as far as you reasonably can. Namuka certainly seems interested, her beady eyes locked into her notepad as she scribbles for as long as you can talk. The two officers taking a back seat made the room feel ever so slightly less cramped. You could've sworn their gazes weren't as sharp as they were before too.\n\n\"She wasn't used to having nice—or even decent—clothes. She didn't believe she deserved ice cream or toys... She's woken up from nightmares in tears, she cried when I let her know it was okay to hug me, and there was one moment...\" That desperate frustration you saw in her was crystal clear thinking back on. \"...She broke down—vented for probably the first time in her life—wondering why everyone in her life seemed to dislike her despite never knowing why.\"\n\n\"And she felt comfortable enough with you to tell you that?\" Julie asks, the ever present undertone of skepticism and scrutiny slightly coloring her voice.\n\n\"Yes. She was trying to hide it at first because she felt like she was crying too much... But it was definitely something she was holding on to for too long.\"\n\n\"When this happened, did she reveal anything about the identities of her previous caretakers?\" Namuka jumps back in. \"Like, for instance, was there any mention of another wolf or wolves?\"\n\n\"Huh?\" Her question catches you a bit by surprise, sensing some hidden context for her to specify anything. \"She's never mentioned any specific details about them. At that moment, the thing I learned was...that she got hit in the past.\"\n\nIt's hard to get those last words out without any kind of tone change, and in fact you're sure you noticeably failed. The fact that someone out there had hit your daughter bubbles up a deep anger in you. It doesn't matter she wasn't your daughter yet when it happened, it still made you furious to think about.\n\n\"I never asked her to elaborate on that since I didn't want her reliving those memories. But...\" You debate whether you're own opinion matters for the record, and decide you don't care. \"...they sound like truly awful people. I don't want her to end up like that again.\"\n\n\"I see...\" The badger lady muses, tapping the end of her pen to her lip. \"Tell me again about Sophia's theory you said she mentioned.\"\n\n\"The dad one?\"\n\n\"Yes, that one.\"\n\n\"Oh, well... She said she might've heard them talking about her biological father, and that apparently he might've been a bad person. Sophia thought maybe her mistreatment was because everyone believed she'd turn out like him.\" You say. \"After she mentioned that, I did a little bit of research. I found this one...manslaughter case a couple of years back by an adult wolf...\"\n\nThe badger woman continues her scribbles. You wonder what exactly she might be putting together on that notepad, as if whether or not she was a part of the police department, you'd assume she'd have access to the recording considering she gets to be here asking you questions too in the first place.\n\nThe interrogation lasts a bit longer. With the sole exception of Reita's involvement, you told everything about your care for Sophia. The first time she called you 'dad,' her new birthday, and even your parents' surprise visit and how you had lied to them by letting them think Sophia had already been adopted.\n\n\"Other than your parents, did you let anyone know about her?\"\n\n\"...No.\" You had almost hesitated for too long after that question. \"Just my parents.\"\n\nThroughout the entire interrogation, that was the only question you were second guessing yourself about if you answered correctly. You didn't want to get Reita involved, but now with this answer on record, you wondered if you set yourself up for trouble. It was the only lie you told. Would Reita come forward herself? Sophia could also mention her, you realize. Damn it... Whatever confidence you were holding on to took a huge hit. Of course, Reita's involvement didn't change the fact you had only treated Sophia with love and care (and even proved more of that), it's just having one instance of being untruthful on record could easily threaten the entire image you had been trying to build with your cooperation.\n\nYou were at least lucky that they seemed to be wrapping up by this point. To continue the questioning with that worry in the back of your mind could've had a noticeable effect on your mood and tone they might've found suspicious. You said no in the short window you had to answer, so you had to stick with it.\n\n\"Julie? Namuka? Either of you have anything left you want to ask?\" Maurice says.\n\n\"I think that's about all we can get for now.\" Julie responds.\n\n\"Until we look over the evidence and other sources.\" Namuka concurred. \"I would like to meet with the girl though, if possible.\"\n\n\"All right.\" Maurice took out his radio. \"Johnny, you there?\"\n\n\"...Yeah, we're still at the house.\" You're able to just barely hear the voice.\n\n\"CPS there?\"\n\n\"Yeah. An agent came over. She's been trying to get the girl to open up, but she hasn't been very responsive.\"\n\n\"...\" Your heart dropped again. She was no doubt terrified about all these strangers. \"...I can help.\"\n\nMaurice and Julie look back at you with wrinkled stares.\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"She's scared.\" You put bluntly. \"If you give Sophia the radio for a bit, I'll let her know everything's all right, and ask her to answer the agent's questions.\"\n\n\"Mr. Mous, do you have any idea what kind of position you're in?\" Julie states.\n\n\"Wait, Julie.\" Maurice cuts in, his scrutinizing glare still centered on you. \"I wanna see this.\"\n\nYou're thankful, even if it doesn't feel like he's letting you do this for kind reasons.\n\n\"Be brief about it, and speak loud enough for us to hear you clearly. If you try whispering anything, it'll be trouble for you.\" He walks to the other side of the table. \"Johnny?\"\n\n\"Yes?\"\n\n\"Ask the girl if she wants to talk to Anon. If, and only if, she says yes, put the radio out so she can hear it.\"\n\n\"Uh, all right. Give me a moment.\" The feed cuts out, and you're left to wait a long few seconds before his voice comes back on the line. \"That got her attention. She said yes immediately.\"\n\n\"...All right, hold it out for her.\"\n\nThere's another brief silence, though this one was much shorter before it was broken up by a familiar voice calling out to you through the radio.\n\n\"D-Dad?!\" Your daughter's voice emits from the radio.\n\nThat one word has you hit with a tidal wave of emotions you've been trying to repress since being taken away. Maurice holds out his own radio close to your face, although he doesn't give it to you to hold, only to speak into.\n\n\"Sophie...\" You start, although you're too overwhelmed to continue before Sophia follows up.\n\n\"Where did they take you...?! A-Are you okay?!\" Her voice is both stuttering and slightly frantic.\n\n\"Don't worry Sophe, I'm okay...! They had to ask me a few questions and clear some stuff up. I'm fine, don't worry about me.\" You tell her, doing your damnedest to have your tone match your words. \"There's someone there asking you questions too, right?\"\n\n\"M...Mm-hm...\"\n\n\"It's okay to answer them. They're just trying to help you, okay?\" You say, to a silent response from her. \"I know it's tough, but I know you can be brave. I believe in you, Sophie. They're not going to hurt you.\"\n\n\"I-I... I'll...t-try.\"\n\n\"Thank you Sophie.\"\n\n\"Dad?\" Her voice turns a little stronger, yet somehow more vulnerable at the same time. \"Wh-When will I see you again...?\"\n\nThat was the hardest question you had been asked today, and it feels like a genuine punch to the gut. You had been wondering the exact same thing.\n\n\"I don't know. I...can't really say right now.\" You answer truthfully. \"But it's okay Sophie. It's just that there's a lot of stuff they need to figure out.\"\n\nYou hear a sniffle over the phone.\n\n\"Okay... L-Love you, Dad...\"\n\n\"I love you too, Sophie. You're brave. There's...nothing to worry about.\"\n\n\"Johnny?\" Maurice suddenly pulls the radio away from you, stepping around the other side of the table by the other two. \"Gonna head back over in a bit. Tell the agent detective Namuka is hoping to ask some questions too.\"\n\nYou were thankful you got to speak to Sophia again, even if it made you feel worse by the end of it. You had rubbed your eyes instinctively before you even realized they were wet.\n\n...What the hell is happening in your life.\n\n\"All right... We're on our way.\" Maurice says over the radio as he and Namuka step towards the exit. \"Julie, let's keep him in a holding cell until we get the full picture.\"\n\n\"Thought so.\" She said, before turning to you. \"Stand please. Come over and face away.\"\n\nYou nod, and when you stand up for the first time in a while, your legs feel a bit wobbly. You move over, and before you know it, you've got your wrists cuffed together behind your back again.\n\n\"...Could I ask what's going to happen?\" You find yourself speaking up.\n\n\"We're going to get her story, contact people who know you, and search your house from top to bottom.\" Maurice answers matter-of-factly. \"So if there's anything you want to say—or admit to—while you've still got the chance, now's the time.\"\n\n\"...\" Reita pops into your head again. \"...No. Nothing.\"\n\n\"Hmph. All right then.\"\n\nWith that, the door is opened, and you're finally brought out of the constricting room. Where you end up isn't much better though. While Maurice and Namuka head out in the direction you had come from, Julie leads you down the opposite hall, and drops you off in a barred cell with a large fiberglass window and a rectangular bench jutting from the wall. You're left with nothing to do but to lay on the bench and wait, staring at the featureless ceiling above.\n\nYour emotions are in a paradox of feeling both completely empty and terrified at the same time. It wasn't a feeling you imagined was possible. It's so easy to picture Sophia in your head over the drab surroundings you found yourself in.\n\n\"Wh-When will I see you again...?\"\n\nGod, you don't know. You really just don't know....\n\n\\*\\*\\*\n\n \n\n(To be updated)"}