The days that followed Akira's departure were quieter. Saera hadn't realized how much she'd come to rely on his quiet, reassuring presence around the estate, nor how much time they had been spending together. Though they had argued regularly, she had enjoyed his honest company equally as often. As always in times of loss, the dogs provided her greatest source of companionship, and she spent much of her time in the kennels with the newest stray dog's litter of puppies.
Saera was there, taking comfort in the energy of the young animals, when she sensed eyes upon her and turned. Jin stood in the doorway, his wide shoulders almost filling the space.
"You rarely come here!"
"I never want to be a nuisance to you. You're so good with them." Jin knelt next to her where she kneeled on the floor, playfully tugging a piece of cloth away from a puppy. "It's so small."
