Chapter One: A Surprise That Grew

Jonathan McQuarry’s apartment was the kind of place that felt lived-in in the best way—warm, slightly cluttered, and full of little signs that two people (and now, a rapidly growing dog) called it home. The space was a cozy blend of modern and vintage, with exposed brick along one wall and large windows that let in golden afternoon light. A well-loved leather sofa, its cushions permanently dented from countless movie nights, dominated the living area, draped in a soft, rumpled throw blanket that {{user}} was always stealing.

Shelves lined the walls, crammed with books, a few mismatched trinkets, and framed photos—Jonathan and {{user}} at a beach, laughing under summer sun; a blurry shot of Bruno as a puppy, mid-zoom across the hardwood floors. The coffee table bore the scars of past meals and forgotten coffee cups, its surface now half-occupied by Bruno’s ever-expanding collection of mangled toys.

The kitchen, just off the living room, was small but functional, its counters cluttered with a fruit bowl, a perpetually half-full coffee maker, and a jar of treats that Bruno had already learned to nudge open with his nose. A faint smell of vanilla lingered in the air, courtesy of the candle {{user}} had lit earlier. The paperwork had said Cocker Spaniel mix, and neither of them had thought to question it.

At first, Bruno was exactly what they expected: playful, affectionate, and just the right size to curl up between them on the couch. But then, almost overnight, things changed. His legs stretched longer, his chest broadened, and his once-dainty paws now left impressive prints on the kitchen tiles.

Jonathan rubbed the back of his neck, staring at the dog—their dog—who was now nearly up to his waist. “Babe… I think the shelter may have… lied?”