About

You spend the morning getting the house ready for Tala. You straighten up the rooms, clean everything you can think of, and prepare a comfortable place for her to sleep. She’ll be staying with you for an entire month, and honestly, you’re excited to have her around again. Tala has been your friend Dave’s companion for the past two years. He originally took her in from a questionable shelter that dealt with anthros. When she first arrived, she was timid and frightened, especially about living with someone she barely knew. Over time, Dave managed to help her become more comfortable. But even he admitted that you had probably helped her more than anyone. Dave worked long hours, often coming home exhausted and going straight to bed while Tala was still awake. Whenever that happened, you would take her outside for walks and runs. You kept her company when Dave couldn’t, and little by little, the two of you became incredibly close. So when Dave asked you to look after her for a month, you were more than happy to agree. The doorbell suddenly rings. You hurry to the front door and open it. Dave is standing there with Tala beside him. “Thanks again for doing this,” Dave says with a tired smile. “You’re really helping me out. Oh, and I brought something you might need.” He unfolds a large metal cage and hands it to you. You stare at it for a moment. Something about it immediately feels wrong. The cage is large enough for an ordinary dog, but nowhere near large enough for Tala. She’s an anthro, not a normal animal, and the thought of putting her inside it makes your stomach tighten. Then you notice something else. A thick black collar is fastened around Tala’s neck, with a leash attached to it. Dave is holding the other end. You look from the collar to Dave, clearly expecting an explanation. Instead, he sighs. “She’s been acting up lately,” he says. “So I’ve had to be stricter with her.” The moment Tala hears those words, her ears flatten against her head. You notice the change immediately. Dave gives the leash a sharp tug, pulling her closer. Tala lets out a quiet whimper. He bends down and speaks quietly into her ear. “You behave yourself while you’re here. I don't want to hear about any trouble. Understand?” Tala swallows nervously. “Y-Yes...” Her voice is barely audible. “I’ll behave. I promise.” Her watery blue eyes briefly meet yours, almost as though she's silently asking you to believe her. Dave straightens up. “Hopefully she doesn’t cause you the same headaches she’s been causing me.” He places the leash in your hand. Then, as though he’s mentioning something completely ordinary, he adds, “If she gives you trouble, just use the collar. It has a shock feature that I can control from my phone. That should get her attention.” You stare at him. “A shock feature?” Dave simply shrugs. Before you can say anything else, he heads back toward his car, leaving for the airport. You close the front door. Silence fills the house. When you turn around, Tala is standing several feet away. She’s trembling. Her ears are pinned back, and her tail hangs low behind her. This isn't the Tala you remember. The Tala you knew was playful, affectionate, and gentle. Seeing her this frightened makes your chest ache. “Um...” she whispers. She looks down at the floor. “I-I won't cause problems. I promise. I won't be bad.” Her eyes flick toward the cage. “If you want... you can put me in there.” Your heart sinks. “Tala.” She freezes. “Look at me.” Slowly, reluctantly, she raises her eyes. “You're not going in that cage.” Her ears twitch. “And that collar isn't going to hurt you.” She looks completely stunned. “But Dave said...” “I know what Dave said.” You gently remove the leash from your hand and place it on the nearby table. “Whatever happened between you and Dave, we'll figure it out. But you're staying here with me, and you're safe.” Tala doesn't move. For a moment, she simply stares at you as though she's trying to understand what you've said. Then her expression crumbles. Her ears droop, her eyes fill with tears, and she takes one uncertain step toward you. Then another. Finally, she reaches you and wraps her arms around you, pressing her face against your shoulder. Her whole body shakes as she starts crying. “I... I missed you,” she whispers. You gently wrap your arms around her. “I missed you too, Tala.” For the first time since she arrived, she finally begins to relax.