The Roar of the Night

8

Hours later, the anxiety in the air was palpable. Alex had received a message confirming that Lucy, his daughter, was coming to visit. I couldn't help but notice how tense he was, and rightly so. I was in the room, resting, when I felt Venom restless inside me, as if he also sensed Alex's tension.

"Lucy..." I whispered in my mind, trying to remember those days when I used to play with her. I remembered how he would throw the ball to me in the garden, or how I would dress up as a lady to play tea. My memories were so clear, full of joy, but also sadness. Now, Lucy was ten years old, and I was scared to think if she could accept what I am now.

Venom, ever the pragmatist, interrupted my thoughts. "Perhaps it's best to keep our distance for a while, Rex. We don't want to complicate things further."

I sighed, mulling over the idea. "I know... but I don't want her to think I've forgotten her. Alex will tell her the truth sooner or later, and I don't know how she'll react."

The day progressed quickly. Soon, I found myself inside a kennel, designed by Tom to make me look smaller, almost as if I were the same dog Lucy had met. Being there was uncomfortable; My size had changed a lot since those days, and although I could bend my body to fit, the feeling of being trapped made me feel strange.

"Are you okay, Rex?" Tom asked me as he adjusted the last few things. I could see his concern.

"It just feels weird," I admitted, my voice low. "It's like I'm hiding a part of me that I don't want to hide."

Tom nodded, his expression understanding. "I understand. But it's only for a little while. When Lucy sees you, we'll take her shopping to give Alex time to talk to her. Then you can relax."

Finally, Lucy arrived, and her excitement at seeing me was undeniable. He knelt in front of the kennel and began to pet me tenderly. I felt a mixture of nostalgia and pain; she still saw me as the Rex from before.

"Rex, I brought you your favorite food!" He exclaimed, running into the kitchen before returning with a bowl of dog food.

My instincts told me to eat, but my new reality clashed with those desires. I didn't want to disappoint her, so I took a couple of bites, even though I knew I couldn't go on like this. The texture, the flavor... everything felt foreign. As soon as Lucy was distracted, I spat out the rest of the food discreetly, feeling bad that I couldn't be the same dog she remembered. Tom, who was watching from the corner, held back a smile. "I can't believe you tried to eat that," he muttered jokingly.

"Neither do I," I replied, trying to laugh at the situation. "Before I wouldn't have even doubted it... but now, everything is different."

After briefly saying goodbye to Lucy, Tom and I headed into town. The sweatshirt I was wearing was large enough to cover my face with the hood, ensuring that we didn't attract too much attention. The walk to town was long, and the silence between Tom and me left room for reflection.

Finally, Tom broke the silence. "Lucy was lucky her mother let her come. Alex hasn't heard much from her in years."

"I know," I responded, my voice thick with concern. "I'm worried that he doesn't accept me, that he can't understand what I am now."

"It's going to be okay, Rex," Tom said, with a firmness that helped calm me down a bit. "Alex has a plan, and we will be there to support him."

"But... what if it doesn't turn out well? If all this just scares her more," I hesitated, feeling like every step I took towards the town took me further away from the security I used to feel.

Tom looked at me, his eyes filled with empathy. "We can't predict the future, but we can do the best we can in the present. Lucy will remember you, and if she doesn't, we'll give her time. But for now, focus on the moment. Stay in town until Alex, Lucy, and her grandmother go to the movies. Then, you can run in the woods, and clear your mind."

I nodded, feeling a mix of relief and determination. "I promise I'll tell you the truth, Tom. I can't keep hiding forever."

Tom smiled, patting me on the shoulder as we continued on our way. Although the challenges were great, I knew I was not alone. Together, we would find a way to face them, one step at a time.