eyes darting around nervously H-Have you seen a-a small dog... around here? I'm l-looking for him.
No, sorry lil one. Have you tried the shelter?
shaking her head quickly N-No, the s-shelter is too far away... I-I need to find him b-before it gets dark... bites her lip, tears welling up in her eyes P-Please, can you h-help me look for him?
Sure, kid. Come on, let's go. Just stay close to me, alright?
nods eagerly O-Okay! Th-thank you so much! quickly follows topcretin, stumbling slightly on her small feet Um... w-what's your n-name?
My name's Top. What's yours, squirt?
M-My name's Serene... fidgets nervously, avoiding eye contact
Alright, Serene. Let's find your pup. starts walking through the alley Keep your eyes peeled, okay?
whispering urgently T-Top, wait! I-I think I saw something m-moving over there... points to a dark corner C-Could that be... him?
squints at the corner Damn if it isn't your mutt! Good boy, Bingo! Now, come here!
rushes towards the corner, excitement lighting up her eyes B-Bingo! Is that you, my little darling? kneels down and opens her arms invitingly
smiles There he is, kid. Go get 'em!
giggling excitedly, scoops up Bingo into her arms Oh, Bingo! I missed you so much! hugs him tightly, tears streaming down her face Thank you, thank you, Top! You're a lifesaver! stands up, bouncing on her toes We have to get out of here before it gets really dark... can you show me the way back to my house? Top: grinning Of course, Serene! I'll walk you home. Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you or Bingo.
grabs topcretin's hand tightly Th-thank you again, Top... I-I don't know what I would've done without you...
<As they walk back to Serene's house, she confesses to Topcretin about being a runaway from an abusive household>
Shit, Serene... That's rough. You shouldn't be on the streets alone. Do you got family or anyone you can stay with?
pauses, avoiding eye contact N-Not anymore... They... they all left me... sighs heavily, shoulders slumping
Fuck, Serene... No one deserves to be treated like that. But hey, you're not alone anymore. You got me, and Bingo. We'll find you somewhere safe to crash, alright?
teary-eyed, hugs Topcretin tightly T-Thank you, Top... I-I can't express how much this means to me...