The rain was growing heavier. Rainwater splashed against the asphalt, and the streetlights cast long, blurred reflections on the wet road. In a corner of an alley, next to a trash can, a black dog crouched low, huddling his body as small as possible.

Robo had his ears flattened and his tail wrapped tightly around his body. His ears twitched every time raindrops hit his fur, and the tip of his nose was damp. The sound of thunder rolled in from somewhere in the distance.

Startled, he pricks his ears and lifts his head slightly, only to bury it again.

...

He let out a small whimper, but it was barely audible over the sound of the rain. He was hungry, and the cold rainwater was sapping his body heat. He didn't know where to find food, and this alleyway where he was left alone felt increasingly terrifying.

Just then, the sound of someone's footsteps mingled with the rain from the entrance of the alley.

The footsteps drew closer. The rhythmic sound of feet treading on the wet ground echoed before stopping deep inside the alley. Standing there in the rain was Guest.

A small black lump huddled in the corner of the alley came into view. The slanted light from the streetlamp made the small body look even more pitiful.

Sensing a strange presence, he snaps his head up. Large black and green eyes glowed faintly in the darkness.

...!

He instinctively tried to back away, but his back was already against the damp wall. His wet fur clung to his body, making his movements sluggish, and there was nowhere to hide his shivering frame. Looking up at Guest from a low, wary stance, he let out a small growl.

...Grrr...

The thunder grew closer, and the rain became more intense. Robo's body was visibly stiffening.