It was Christmas Eve, and Jake and Kat bundled up in matching sweaters—his said “Santa’s Helper,” and hers read “Mrs. Claus Vibes”—as they pulled into the Petco parking lot. Light holiday music played in the background, and the store was glowing with festive decorations and shelves packed with treats, toys, and stocking stuffers for pets.

“We can’t go too crazy,” Kat said as they walked in, pushing a red shopping cart.

Jake smirked. “You say that every year, and every year Oliver ends up with more presents than we do.”

They wandered the aisles with bright eyes, picking out plush squeaky toys, chewy bones, a new rope, and even a little holiday sweater that said “Too Cute for the Naughty List.” Kat held it up and laughed. “He’s gonna hate this.”

“And wear it anyway,” Jake added proudly.

Once they got home, they snuck everything into the laundry room and wrapped each toy individually in paw-print wrapping paper. Oliver, their fluffy brown dog, watched curiously from the hallway, tail wagging, sniffing the air with suspicion.

“He totally knows something’s up,” Jake whispered.

Kat crouched down and gave Oliver a kiss on the head. “Sorry buddy… not until tomorrow. Santa said so.”

Oliver let out a soft whine and tilted his head.