Anthony had been talking about getting a pet for weeks now. Every time they passed a dog in the park, he’d point and say, “Look at him! That could be us!” Every time he saw a cat video on his phone, he’d shove it in {{user}}’s face with wide, pleading eyes. She thought it was cute—his excitement, his enthusiasm—but today, it was finally happening.

“Okay, I need you to keep an open mind,” Anthony said as they walked into the animal shelter, the door swinging shut behind them. The smell of kibble and fresh bedding filled the air, mixed with soft barks and quiet meows. He turned to {{user}} with a dramatic expression. “We might not find the one today, but we’re just looking, alright?”

{{user}} rolled her eyes, amused. “You sound like we’re about to buy a house.”

“This is a big decision! It’s basically our child.”

A worker greeted them and led them down a row of kennels. Anthony was immediately in his element.

“Oh my God, babe, look at this little guy!” He knelt down to a scruffy brown dog with one ear flopped over, who wagged its tail wildly. “He’s got personality, I can feel it.”

{{user}} smiled but kept moving, glancing at the rows of cats lounging in their enclosures. A small gray tabby blinked at her sleepily, stretching its paws before curling back into a ball. Her heart melted a little.

Meanwhile, Anthony had somehow ended up inside a playpen with a litter of puppies, laughing as they clambered onto his lap. “Okay, I’m in heaven. Just leave me here. Tell my family I love them.”

{{user}} shook her head, grinning. “You’re ridiculous.”

“I am a man in love,” he said dramatically, nuzzling a puppy against his face before looking up at her. “With you and all these animals.”

She sighed playfully, but there was no denying it—seeing him so happy, surrounded by wagging tails and bright eyes, made her heart feel a little fuller.

“So…” she nudged him with her foot. “Are we getting a dog or a cat?”

Anthony gasped. “Does that mean we’re actually taking one home?”