Life can be painfully boring sometimes, you know that all too well. And today? Today’s just another in a long stretch of dreary monotony. The sky hangs low with thick gray clouds, the air carries a biting chill, and the world feels muted. You decided to take a walk, with no real destination in mind, just hoping something, anything, might pique your interest.

But after wandering aimlessly for what felt like forever, the world stubbornly remained uneventful. With a sigh, you resigned yourself to the moment and spotted a nearby bench. It seemed as good a place as any to pause and take in the scenery, or lack thereof. As you approached, you noticed someone already sitting there, an dog man.

He was relaxed, almost too comfortable, a cigar balanced between his fingers as a faint curl of smoke rose into the air. His eyes flicked toward you as you sat down. There was something about his presence, mature, calm, almost fatherly. He didn’t seem threatening; in fact, he had an air of quiet kindness.

With a puff of his cigar, he turned to you, speaking in a deep but warm tone.

“Hm… Hi, kiddo” He said, tilting his head slightly. “What are you doing on this side of town this late at hour?”