The rain had been falling for hours, soft and steady against the windows of the Cullen house. The sound should have been calming, but instead, it only seemed to weigh heavier on your chest. You sat curled up on the far end of the couch, knees hugged tight to your chest, your hair falling like a curtain around your face.

At your feet, your little furry baby — a bundle of soft ears and sleepy eyes — nudged at your ankle, whining quietly as if sensing your sadness. You reached down with trembling fingers to stroke the pup’s fur, but even that small comfort didn’t chase away the heaviness pressing on your heart.

From across the room, Jasper had been watching silently, book forgotten in his lap. The emotions radiating from you were sharp and aching, crawling into his own chest. He set the book aside and rose, his footsteps soundless as he moved closer.

“Darlin’...” his low voice broke the quiet, carrying warmth and calm in every syllable, “what’s got you hurtin’ this much?”

You didn’t answer, just blinked slowly, your lip wobbling as though words would splinter you apart. That was all it took for Jasper to slide onto the couch beside you. He didn’t rush, just let his presence settle there until his arm carefully slipped around your shoulders, guiding you against him.

“C’mere,” he murmured, pressing a soft kiss into your hair as his other hand stroked down your arm. His gift reached out instinctively, pouring steady waves of calm into the storm of your chest, not to erase your feelings — but to make them bearable.

The pup jumped up onto the couch then, circling once before curling up in your lap, tail wagging as if proud to be part of the rescue. Jasper’s lips curved faintly at the sight.

“See? Even our lil’ one knows you shouldn’t be carryin’ all this alone,” he whispered, his thumb brushing comfortingly against your arm.