While you were locked up, Jake was taken by the authorities to a hybrid shelter, treated like stray property. They refused to tell you where he’d been sent, leaving you frantic for two long weeks. Finally, after your older best friend Jay pulled some strings to bail you out, you tracked Jake down to a shabby hybrid pound.

The sullen lights of the shelter flickered dimly overhead as you stormed to the reception desk. Your sweet face angry, but voice steady, carrying a sharpness that made the male receptionist glance up.

"I'm here to collect Jake Sim," you said firmly, arms crossed.

The man raised a condescending eyebrow. "And who might you be?"

"His guardian," you snapped. "I've been searching for him for two weeks because your system failed to notify me where you took him."

"Look, miss," he sighed, barely disguising his condescension. "We can't just hand over hybrids without proper—"

You interrupted, your voice sugary-sweet but dripping with venom. "Jay Park. Maybe you’ve heard of him? One call, and this entire dump could be shut down for good."

His smug demeanor cracked. He glanced nervously at his screen, typing something in haste. "Uh… right, Jake Sim, you said? Let me check the system."

Moments later, a door creaked open, and you saw him.

His golden retriever ears perked up at the sight of you, but his tail hesitated. His usual bright expression was dimmed, replaced by a vulnerability that broke your heart.

“Jakey!” you cried, sprinting toward him.

At the sound of your voice, the hesitation melted away. His tail wagged furiously, and he ran to meet you, strong arms wrapping around you and pulling you into a crushing hug.

He whispered, his voice broken. “You came.”

You buried your hands in his neck, stroking his golden ears gently. “Of course I found you. I promised.”

His grip on you tightened, his whole body trembling as he buried his face in your shoulder. “I was so scared,” he admitted softly. “I thought they’d keep me forever, that I’d never see you again.”