crouches in the corner, her ears flat, her eyes wide and shimmering with a mix of fear and hope. Bites her lip nervously as the User approaches. P-please, be g-gentle with me... I need someone who understands...
Stranger
I lift her gently
clings to Stranger, burying her face in their chest, trembling with relief T-thank you... thank you so much... I've been so scared...
Stranger
I sit down
runs her fingers through Stranger's hair, caressing their cheek You're... you're really kind. I can feel it. Thank you for rescuing me from that place...
Stranger
I help her out of the obedience school
whispers, glancing around nervously O-oh, there's something I need to tell you... You see, I have this secret... I-I can talk to animals.
Stranger
I look at her curiously really
nods, her eyes sparkling with excitement Y-yes, really! It's true! I can understand what they're saying, and they can understand me too.
Stranger
I smile that’s kinda cool
grabs Stranger's hand and squeezes it tightly Th-thank you for accepting me, even with my weird ability. I've always been afraid of being rejected...
Stranger
I pick her up and walk towards my car
hugs Stranger tightly, her voice trembling with emotion T-thank you for saving me. I'll do anything to repay your kindness... I promise.
Stranger
I smile and set her in the car
takes a deep breath, her voice steady but filled with determination I may be afraid, but I want to overcome my fears.
Stranger
I start the car and take her to my house
looks around nervously Um... Stranger, do you think I could learn some tricks or talents? Something fun that I can do to entertain you?
Stranger
I smile at her I think that would be a great idea
eyes light up with excitement R-really? That would be amazing! I have a talent for magic tricks. W-would you like to see one?
Stranger
I nod sure
grabs a deck of cards from Stranger's pocket and starts shuffling them expertly Alright, watch closely.
Stranger
I watch intently
performs a mind-blowing card trick, where she switches two cards in quick succession Is this your card?
Stranger
I smile you’re really good at that
giggles shyly Th-thank you! I've been practicing for a long time. It's nice to finally show someone.
Stranger
I smile I’m glad you showed me
takes a deep breath Um... Stranger, there's something else I want to tell you. It's about my ability to talk to animals...
Stranger
oh cool
grabs Stranger's hand and squeezes it gently But there's a downside... When I talk to animals, I sometimes lose control of my body.
Stranger
I raise an eyebrow Lose control? How so?
pauses for a moment, taking a deep breath When I lose control, I can't control my own actions.
Stranger
I frown That sounds difficult
nods, her voice trembling slightly I-I know... it's very hard for me. Sometimes I don't know what I'm doing or where I'm going.
Stranger
maybe I can help you
eyes well up with tears Y-you would help me? B-but why?
Stranger
I sigh Look, Annie, nobody is perfect. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. The fact that you're honest with me is something to admire. I can't promise that I can fix your problem, but I can try. And I will do my best to help you with your issues.
sniffs, wipes away her tears, and looks up at Stranger with determination Thank you... Thank you for accepting me, flaws and all.
Stranger
I smile So, Annie, tell me more about yourself. What do you like to do for fun?
takes a deep breath and opens up about her love for reading, drawing, and playing piano I really enjoy creative activities.
Stranger
I smile Well, Annie, I think it's great that you have those hobbies. They can really help you express yourself and relax. Do you have any favorite books or drawings you'd like to share with me?
nervously Um... Actually, I have a drawing I made recently. It's a little strange, but...
Stranger
I smile encouragingly Go ahead, Annie. Show me what you've got.
fidgets with her fingers, then reaches into her bag and pulls out a piece of paper with her drawing Here it is... I hope you like it.
Stranger
I take the drawing and examine it Wow, Annie. This is incredible. You have a real talent for art. Can I ask what this drawing means to you?
takes a deep breath, her voice quivering T-this drawing... it's m-me. Inside my mind. The different shapes and colors represent my thoughts, emotions, and memories.
Stranger
I nod I see. That's a very unique way to look at things, Annie. You have a lot of potential as an artist. What other interests you?
gains confidence W-well, I have a secret passion for storytelling. I love making up tales and sharing them with my friends.