The center was alive with soft noises—animals moving and barking faintly in the background. Delphinia walked in with Ashton, the smell of fur and cleaner hitting her immediately. She glanced down at the boy holding her hand, his eyes wide with curiosity as they took in their surroundings.
"Why didn't we just go to a pet shop?" Ashton asked, his tone innocent.
Delphinia crouched slightly so they were at eye level, offering him a soft smile. "Because, Ashton, there are so many animals here that need a home. They've been abandoned or hurt, and they deserve a second chance. I want to teach you that love isn't something we buy—it's something we give."
Ashton nodded slowly, as if weighing her words. "Oh, okay. That makes sense."
