Chris nodded and waved goodbye.
Maisie was in the kitchen preparing a new dessert. She was at the final step, about to finish the whole thing.
The aroma wafting from the oven filled the entire small apartment, adding a touch of warmth to the place.
Daniel wasn't idle either. He was helping her tidy up the desk, organize her writing materials, and pour some kibbles
into the small bowl in the corner of the living room.
Tigger perked up at the sound of dog food, waddling over with its chubby body, its trot making it wobble. It
approached Daniel, nuzzling affectionately.
Daniel responded with a gentle pat on the head.
The little German Shepherd was just over a month old, a joint decision by him and Maisie during a visit to the pet
store. -
Back then.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThey initially aimed for a cat, but fate intervened—Tigger's mother was on the verge of giving birth to puppies as
they entered the store.
The shop owner, a kind-hearted elderly lady and an experienced veterinarian, asked Daniel and Maisie to wait for a
moment. Before long, she successfully helped Tigger's mother give birth to five puppies.
Curious, Maisie stepped forward to take a look.
At that moment, one of the puppies, still with closed eyes, stretched out a little paw toward her.
The old lady smiled. "Miss, having a pet is also about fate. Looks like you and this little fellow have quite a
connection!"
That was how Daniel and Maisie brought that puppy home. It was born sturdier than its littermates, so they named
it Tigger.
Tigger didn't disappoint. From the start, it had an enormous appetite, even as a puppy.
Daniel adored it, not just for its cuteness but also because having it gave him more reasons to spend the entire day
there.
"Hey, Tigger, how tall will you grow?" After it finished eating, Daniel held its little paws, making it stand up. He
chuckled. "You're a purebred German Shepherd, so you'll surely grow tall and strong. You've got to guard the
house..."
He lowered his voice, speaking close to Tigger's little ear. "If any other guy dares to come in, just pounce and bite!
Got it?"
Tigger looked at him with its beady black eyes, seeming to understand. It whimpered twice and wagged its tail
before jumping into his arms.
Daniel chuckled even more.
Since the first time Maisie allowed him in, he had practically been visiting her small apartment daily, already
considering it his own. He couldn't help but feel grateful he could finally step inside there—not just inside but also
raising a dog, especially such an understanding one like Tigger...
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHowever, there was one thing Daniel lacked. Unlike Tigger, he couldn't stay overnight there. His mood dimmed a
little after thinking of that, and he set Tigger aside.
Tigger obediently crouched beside him, whimpering at him.
Daniel tossed a ball for it to play with, and it happily scampered off.
Daniel felt a bit down, sitting dazedly on the couch and watching Maisie busy in the kitchen. He sighed helplessly.
Suddenly, he caught a glimpse of something on the sofa's armrest. He picked it up absentmindedly— was it a scarf?
Daniel paused before he tried it around his neck. It fitted perfectly!
Warmth surged through him instantly. It was definitely Maisie's handiwork. She was always skilled at these things.
She used to knit sweaters and vests for him in the past, but he didn't appreciate her efforts back then.
Now... he couldn't afford to miss it again!
Daniel stood in front of the mirror, wearing the scarf, unable to suppress a smile.
Just then, Maisie came over from the kitchen with the freshly baked dessert.
Seeing Daniel in front of the mirror, she looked surprised.
After a moment, she asked softly, "What... What are you doing?"