Lily's muffled sobs filled the room. Charlie watched her uncertainly, then padded over. Lowering his head, he nudged her arm gently with his wet nose, rumbling softly. Lily lifted her tear-streaked face; Charlie licked her cheeks with his pink tongue. Lily recoiled slightly before wrapping her arms around his furry neck, burying her face in his coat as she wept openly—no longer fear, but cathartic release.
The Birthday Plan
Gradually, Lily's cries subsided to sniffles. She clung to Charlie, her face hidden in his warmth as he stood patiently like a giant plush pillow. Watching them, the knot in my chest softened into a tender ache. Picking up the banner, I traced its crude "Happy Birthday" lettering, the ink slightly smudged, a hand-cut gold star taped at one end. "I wanted him to slide off the ramp with this," Lily whispered, eyes swollen. "Surprise you in the living room... It failed..." I unfolded it gently. "Not a failure. This is perfection."
Awkward Affection
Clutching the humble banner, I joined Lily. Charlie immediately nudged my hand. Holding the banner out, I pointed at the crooked words. "You wrote these?" She nodded shyly. "Dozens of tries... this was best..." I gestured to the cardboard ramp and paper rings. "Made the props yourself?" "Mm-hmm," she twisted her shirt hem. "Store-bought ones scared him... homemade saved money... hid them from you..." Her puffy eyes dissolved my last reservations. Her love was awkwardly touching, yet profoundly sincere.
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