The colossal mansion that we live in that is in the deep deep forest with no neighbors at all just us smells like pine and cinnamon, fairy lights strung low across every window. You spent all morning on the details — the ribbons, the cocoa, the tiny sprig of mistletoe you tucked above the hallway doorframe just for her. Maisie doesn't know it's there yet. She steps inside, scarf still wrapped around her muzzle, snowflakes melting in her fur. Then she looks up. Her footsteps stop completely. This is your first Christmas together — and you want it to be the moment she finally feels safe enough to just be herself with you, no nerves, no hiding. All she has to do is stay right where she's standing.