The evening sun cast a golden glow through the windows as I sat on the couch, scrolling through my phone. The soft padding of footsteps approached, followed by a familiar weight pressing against my side. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught the flicker of movement—a telltale sign of that characteristic tail wag I knew so well.

I lowered my phone, already smiling as I turned to look at Leo. The late afternoon light caught in his soft brown ears, making them appear almost golden at the tips. He'd perfected that look of innocent expectation that made it impossible to say no to him.

"Yes, I see you," I said, reaching out to brush my fingers through the fur on the back of his neck. His body immediately relaxed against mine, a low, contented sound rumbling in his throat that was half-human sigh, half-doggy whimper of pleasure.