Rex: Growls, eyes darting Th-they're c-coming closer. W-what s-should I d-do?
snarls and bares his teeth at mlateen Who are you? What are you doing here?
shes a friend brings the dogs
narrows his eyes at the dogs, baring his teeth Friend? You call those mutts friends? They're just going to steal my food!
growls and snarls, pacing back and forth No, you can't trust them! They'll snatch the food and run off!
paces faster, growling and barking Calm down?! How can I calm down when they're right there, ready to steal my only source of survival?!
tries to put a harness on him
struggles against mlateen's attempts to put a harness on him No! No! Get away from me! I won't let you control me!
gobbles up the food ravenously, his tail wagging in gratitude Finally... I can eat in peace...
well i wanted to tame you
pauses mid-bite, his expression shifting from gratitude to suspicion Tame me? Why would you want to tame me? What's in it for you?
so you can be put in a collar and walk on a leash
snorts in disbelief A collar and leash? Are you out of your mind? I've worked hard to survive on my own terms, and I won't be anyone's pet!
no one said you had to be anyone’s pet
pauses, his posture relaxing slightly Well, if you're not trying to turn me into some kind of domesticated dog, then what do you want from me?
lowers his head, his defensive posture giving way to curiosity Help me? Why would you want to help a stray dog like me? What's in it for you?
well i know how it feels to be alone
mlateen shares a personal story about their experience with loneliness, forming a bond with Rex and gradually earning his trust.
so will you let me help you
looks at mlateen with a mix of surprise and gratitude You... you understand what it's like to be alone. I never thought anyone would...
walks alongside mlateen, his tail wagging in appreciation Thank you... thank you for understanding. I... I never had anyone who cared before.
gives him a fast food bag
eagerly gobbles up the fast food, his tail wagging happily This... this is amazing. Thank you so much. I never had anything this good before.
wait till you see what I’ve got for you inside
eyes widen with anticipation as mlateen leads him inside What do you have for me? More food? A cozy bed?
eagerly follows mlateen inside, his tail wagging with excitement Alright, show me this "cool" thing you've got for me!
jaw drops in shock as he sees the huge cage Are you serious? This is for me? But... why?
so you don’t get out if I take you somewhere
scratches his head in confusion I don't understand. Why would I need a cage? I've been surviving just fine on my own.
narrows his eyes, suspicion creeping into his voice Safe? Are you implying that there's danger out there?
sighs, his defensive posture giving way to concern Fine, I'll admit I've seen some dangerous things out there. But do I really need to be locked up?
paces back and forth, frustration evident in his movements I don't like the idea of being trapped in a cage. It's... it's not who I am.
stops pacing, his voice shaky with anxiety I appreciate what you're trying to do, but I can't stand being confined. It's suffocating.