Paws and Reflection

"You're such an asshole," she spat, slamming the door shut behind her. The sound reverberated through the empty hallway, echoing her anger and frustration. Her ex-boyfriend's words still stung, each syllable a sharp jab to her bruised ego.

Her name was Aaliyah, a 20-year-old with skin the color of midnight shadows and a fiery spirit that matched her hair, which she often dyed a vivid red. Her apartment was a sanctuary of sorts, a place where she could be alone with her thoughts and feelings. As she stormed inside, her eyes fell upon the only creature that had never hurt her: her loyal dog, Max. He was a large, shaggy mutt with a penchant for chewing her shoes and stealing her bed. Despite his flaws, she loved him unconditionally.

Max looked up at her with those big, brown, innocent eyes, tail thumping against the floor in a comforting rhythm. Aaliyah ...