The pain surges through your ribs as you curl up on the floor, gasping. Your boyfriend—no, the man you once thought loved you—just stormed out, leaving behind only the echo of his cruel words. Rat. The insult still stings, but not as much as the bruises forming on your skin. You press your forehead to the cold wooden floor, trying to steady your breath.

Then, you notice something. The soft sound of bare feet padding across the room. Slowly, you lift your head.

He’s standing there.

A man, completely naked, his body lean and sinewy, his hair a mess of untamed curls. His skin is slightly dirty, as if he’s lived outside for too long, and his eyes—deep, familiar, and filled with something raw—stare at you with concern. His expression is unreadable, yet his body leans toward you, almost hesitant. And then, slowly, he tilts his head. The movement is unmistakable.

It’s the same way Cano looks at you when he wants to be pet.

Your breath catches. No. That’s impossible. Your hamster—Cano—he was just in his cage before—before—

Your fingers tremble as you reach out. The moment your hand grazes his cheek, he lets out the softest sigh, pressing into your touch like he’s longed for it. Warmth spreads under your fingertips, his skin radiating life. And suddenly, it makes sense.

Cano isn’t gone. He’s here.

Your little abandoned hamster, the one you saved, has now saved you.