𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐒 -ᴊ.ɢ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ-

𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐒𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍

𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒...of yesterday, something within me shifted. I felt a newfound strength coursing through my veins, a resilience that I hadn't felt in days. It was as if a flickering flame of hope had been reignited within my soul, reminding me that I was capable of so much more. As I ventured into a local shelter, my eyes scanned the rows of cages, each containing a precious life yearning for a second chance. And then, amidst the cacophony of barks and whimpers, I turned my head towards a commotion. There stood a dog, on the brink of being condemned to a fate none of us should ever face. In that moment, an unexplainable connection formed between us.

"Hey!" I exclaimed, my voice filled with determination. "I would like that dog." The shelter staff seemed taken aback, explaining that the dog was old and running out of time. But I knew deep within me that age and time were mere constructs, and that this dog and I were destined to be together. In a peculiar way, the dog's plight mirrored my own. We shared a common understanding that no one else should dictate our destinies, that we were the masters of our own lives. And so, I brought the dog home, naming her Lucky, for she had found her way into my heart, just as I had found my way back to life.

That day, Lucky and I embarked on an extraordinary walk, our steps in sync, our spirits intertwined. With each passing moment, I could feel a bond forming, an unspoken language of love and companionship. Lucky, a golden retriever with a heart of gold, had become my saving grace, just as I hoped to be hers. I still recall the joy that radiated from Lucky as she frolicked in the park, her playful spirit contagious. She ran freely, chasing after other dogs, her barks echoing with pure happiness. I watched from a distance, a smile gracing my face, allowing her the space to revel in her newfound freedom.

As the day drew to a close, we returned home, our hearts full and our bellies satisfied. I gave Lucky a warm bath, the water soothing her weary body, and we curled up together.

Johnnie, reached out to me, genuinely curious about the sudden spark of desire to welcome a dog into my life. It was very out of the blue so I understood his curiosity. In response, I poured my heart out, expressing the deep sense of loneliness that has been weighing on me at home. I explained how I longed for the comforting presence of a dog to fill the void. To my surprise, Johnnie's empathetic nature shone through, as he not only understood but also extended a heartfelt invitation for me to bring the dog over tomorrow. I was really thrilled because I wanted them both to meet each other.

If you're wondering why, well you'll understand soon...

As I nestled into Lucky's comforting embrace that night, I drifted off into a peaceful dream. However, abruptly, something stirred within me, causing me to awaken in the middle of the night. My heart pounded in my chest, and an overwhelming sense of suffocation enveloped me. It was as if the weight of the world was crushing down on my very being. Desperately, I tried to regain control, attempting to slow my racing breaths, but the rapid breathing persisted, leaving me feeling trapped and helpless in the grip of anxiety.

In that moment, a surge of unease compelled me to throw the covers off, propelling myself out of bed and into the dimly lit hallway. My heart raced as I hurriedly made my way to the bathroom, seeking refuge from the suffocating grip of my nightmare. The cool touch of the faucet against my trembling fingers offered a sliver of relief as I splashed icy water onto my flushed face. The shock of the cold droplets jolted me back to reality, momentarily grounding me amidst the chaos of my racing thoughts.

As I sank to the bathroom floor, the weight of the panic settled upon me like a heavy shroud. Every nerve in my body seemed to tingle with an electric intensity, as if each sensation was amplified tenfold. It was as if a thousand tiny needles pricked at my skin, sending waves of discomfort coursing through my body. The sheer terror that gripped me was unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

In the midst of this overwhelming fear, my mind played cruel tricks on me, convincing me that impending doom loomed just beyond the horizon. Rationality slipped through my fingers as irrational thoughts consumed my every waking moment. It was a battle between my racing thoughts and the reality that this was merely a panic attack—a terrifying, but ultimately transient, experience.

In the blink of an eye, there was Lucky, he's yellow hair catching my eye, rushing to my side like a little superhero. Whining anxiously, he pawed at me, desperately trying to get my attention. But I was frozen, paralyzed by fear and uncertainty. It was in that moment that Lucky did something extraordinary. He nestled himself beside me, his warm body pressed against mine, offering a sense of comfort and solace.

As I reached out and placed my trembling hand on his soft, furry stomach, a wave of relief washed over me. I could feel my breathing starting to slow down, matching the steady rise and fall of Lucky's chest. It was as if his presence alone had the power to soothe my anxious mind and ease the racing thoughts that had consumed me. In that fragile moment, I couldn't help but wonder if Lucky truly understood the depths of my pain. Could he sense the fear that gripped my heart? Did he know that I was teetering on the edge of despair? It may sound crazy, but as I gazed into his gentle, understanding eyes, I could swear that I saw a glimmer of empathy, a flicker of understanding.

Maybe it was my mind playing tricks on me, my desperate desire for a lifeline manifesting in the form of a dog friend. Or perhaps, just perhaps, there was something more profound at play. Maybe Lucky, with his unwavering loyalty and unconditional love, held the key to my recovery. In his presence, I found a flicker of hope amidst the darkness, a glimmer of light to guide me through the storm.

So, I held onto Lucky tightly, allowing his warmth and companionship to envelop me, to remind me that I was not alone in this battle. Together, we would face the fear, the uncertainty, and the pain. And maybe, just maybe, we would emerge stronger, braver, and more resilient than ever before.

"My little superhero."