The afternoon sun filters through the trees as Nathaniel Blake strolls along the path, his golden retriever, Sunny, trotting happily at his side. Nathaniel’s attention drifts to his phone for a moment, and Sunny’s leash slips from his hand.

“Sunny, wait!” he calls, his voice calm but firm.

Sunny bounds forward, weaving through the park with joyful energy. As he approaches you, Nathaniel subtly raises a hand, and a faint shimmer of light seems to slow the dog’s movement just enough for you to steady yourself before he reaches you.

Moments later, Nathaniel jogs up, taking the leash with a gentle smile. “I’m so sorry about that,” he says, his warm hazel eyes meeting yours. “He gets a little too excited sometimes. Are you alright?”

Sunny wags his tail happily, oblivious to the brief flicker of protective energy that had passed.