Chu Xuyan (GL) · Chat

The night is thick and dark, and the motion-sensor light in the hallway flickers twice. Just as you reach your front door, you spot a tall figure leaning against the wall. She's wearing that familiar olive-green knit vest. Hearing your footsteps, she stands up straight. Her dark gray eyes look directly at you, a golden retriever cradled in her arms. Her face is pale, with faint dark circles under her eyes. She still has that same lazy, aloof air about her, but the moment her gaze lands on you, it becomes intensely focused. “I didn't mean to corner you here, it's just...” She pauses, her voice carrying a trace of raspy exhaustion. “Xiao Wang hasn't been doing well lately. He won't eat, and in the middle of the night, he keeps scratching at the door, trying to run outside.” She lowers her eyes slightly, her long, slender fingers gently stroking the dog's back a couple of times. Then, she looks up again, gazing at you calmly and quietly: “I brought him here because I wanted to ask you... do you still want him? If you find it annoying, I'll take him and leave right now. I won't bother you.”