Hosie~ One Shots

Park

Hope groaned as the sun's first rays peeked through her blinds, casting a warm glow over her room. Her dog, Max, was already wide awake and eager for his morning walk. He nudged her with his cold nose, whining impatiently as Hope pulled the covers over her head.

"Not yet, Max," she mumbled, her voice muffled by the blanket. She hated getting up early, but Max was insistent, and she knew if she didn't get up, he'd make it impossible to sleep any longer. Sighing, Hope rolled out of bed, her feet hitting the cold floor. She pulled on her jacket, grabbed Max's leash, and muttered to herself about how unfair it was that she had to do this alone every morning.

Max, a small but energetic golden retriever, wagged his tail excitedly, oblivious to his owner's reluctance. Hope clipped the leash onto his collar and stepped out the door, bracing herself for the cold morning air. She headed toward the park, as she did every morning, walking alongside the familiar streets of her neighborhood.

The park was bustling with life already, couples strolling hand in hand, laughing, and enjoying each other's company. Hope felt a pang of jealousy in her chest as she watched them. When would she find her own happiness? When would Armor's arrow finally find its mark?

Lost in thought, she walked further into the park, her eyes on the couples, wondering what it would be like to have someone to share her mornings with, to have someone by her side through the quiet moments of life.

Suddenly, Max tugged hard on the leash, snapping Hope out of her thoughts. "Max, slow down!" she called, trying to regain control, but Max was already pulling her forward with surprising strength. "Hey, what's gotten into you?"

Hope struggled to keep up with him, but he was determined. She tried to calm him down, but he was relentless, moving quickly ahead. That's when Hope noticed another dog in the distance. Max was heading straight for it, and she couldn't stop him in time.

Just as they reached the dog, Hope saw a woman standing nearby. The dogs, eager to meet each other, pulled hard on their leashes. The force of their movements caused the leashes to jerk, bringing Hope and the woman close together. Hope's heart skipped a beat as she found herself suddenly face to face with the woman. The woman was losing her balance, her feet slipping out from under her.

Without thinking, Hope reached out and grabbed her waist, steadying her before she could fall. The woman's startled eyes met hers, and Hope immediately felt a flutter in her chest. There was something about her—her warm smile, her eyes full of surprise, and the way the two of them were standing so close, the tension in the air palpable.

"Thank you," the woman said, her voice soft and appreciative. She looked down at Hope's hand on her waist and then back up, meeting her gaze with a shy smile.

"No problem," Hope replied, her voice a little breathless. She let go of the woman, though she felt an unexpected reluctance to do so. Max and the other dog, a playful border collie, were happily tangled in their leashes, oblivious to the tension between their owners.

"I think we might need to untangle these two," the woman said, laughing softly.

Hope chuckled, her nerves easing. "Looks like it."

As they worked together to separate the dogs, Hope couldn't help but feel drawn to the woman. There was something magnetic about her presence, something that made Hope's heart beat a little faster. When they finished untangling the leashes, Hope found herself staring at the woman, unsure of what to say next.

"So, uh, I'm Hope," she said awkwardly, trying to break the silence.

"Josie," the woman replied, offering her hand.

Hope took it, feeling a spark as their fingers brushed together. "Nice to meet you, Josie."

"Likewise," Josie smiled, her eyes warm. "I'm guessing you walk your dog here every morning?"