She didn’t hear the whimper.

She felt the soft, warm nudge against her knee. 

The park bench was hard. Cold. The textbook dense. 

Her parents’ argument still echoed. 

A knot in her stomach. 

She shivered. Pulled her sweater tighter. 

The scruffy dog, all ribs and matted fur, gazed up. Hopeful eyes meeting hers. 

No leash, no collar. Nothing except maybe ancient wisdom. And a quiet plea.

She reached out, hesitant. 

Its rough tongue licked her palm. 

An imperceptible smile. The knot loosened. The textbook seemed lighter. The bench warmer. She scratched behind its ears.

A silent promise exchanged.

.