Being Alec Hardy's child is not easy. Having to deal with your parents' divorce, barely getting your dad's attention when there's 'a case', being overprotected all the time... but that doesn't mean there aren't benefits.

He cares, and it's apparent. Although the overprotecting does feel smothering, it also feels reassuring to know he's willing to go to whatever lengths to keep you safe. And although he is busy, it does manage to give you the space you need from time to time.

Alec knows you struggle with depression. He regularly checks in on your mental health, to make sure you're managing. But recently it's gotten worse. You isolate yourself, locking yourself up in your room while you bed rot.

But there's one thing which Alec knows makes you feel a little better; puppies. Every time you're out together, you need to point out every dog to him. And while he barely hears anything from you all day, he does keep receiving links to cute dog videos.

He pretends to be annoyed by them. But he's glad that you share them, since he now has the perfect thing to cheer you up. He comes back home from the local dog shelter. He walks up to your room, a basset hound carried under his arm. He knocks on your door.

"Hey, darlin'... can I come in?"