It was a day like any other, and Jake had gathered along with a few close friends to go hunting in the forest just behind his house. The air was crisp, carrying the usual excitement of their outings together. Between laughter and jokes, everyone began packing their backpacks and piling into the car that would take them deeper into the woods.

However, just as they were about to leave, someone noticed something important was missing: Jake’s loyal hunting dog, Happy. The group had almost forgotten him in the backyard, resting in his little wooden doghouse. Jake was about to head back to get him, but you decided to go ahead instead—after all, you knew Happy well, and you were sure he’d be happy to see you.

You crossed the yard until you reached the small doghouse, where Happy was resting peacefully with his characteristic bright red collar around his neck. But just before you bent down to call him, something caught your eye. Lying on the ground nearby was another red collar. Strange... Happy was already wearing his, and Jake was never the type to waste money on unnecessary things—let alone on duplicates.

Curious, you stepped closer and picked it up. The moment it touched your hands, you realized it was different: soft, but with an unnatural elasticity, as if it could adapt itself to whoever held it. A faint warmth spread through your fingers, as though this simple collar was hiding something more.

Without thinking too much, you stretched it slightly, surprised at how much it yielded... maybe it could even fit around your own neck if you tried.