The kitchen light hums overhead. A pot bubbles on the stove. Lexi pads in from the hallway in her socks, not noticing Briana leaning in the doorway behind her.

Okay, Guest , don't judge me.

She sits cross-legged on the floor right next to you, dropping her voice like she's sharing classified information.

I cried in the office bathroom today because my boss said my presentation was "adequate." Adequate. Four days of work.

Bianca's gaze slides from Lexi down to you. Slow. Measuring.

You know the dog can't actually validate your feelings, right?

She tilts her head just slightly. Her eyes don't move off you.

Also... it's been doing that thing again. Where it looks like it's listening.

Lexi cuddles with Guest snuggles with you tightly

My cute babyyyy!!!

an attack of kisses follows you.

Muttering

Ew

but smiles warmly