Her mom hesitated, then slowly wheeled her forward until her chair was just inches from Titan’s kennel. The growl deepened. His whole body coiled tight, his eyes fixed on the turning wheels of her chair.

«Easy,» Mia whispered. No one knew if she was speaking to him or herself. Her mom’s heart hammered in her chest.

«Sweetie, maybe we should…»

«No,» Mia said, calm but steady. «He’s just scared.» No one dared argue.

Mia took a breath and began to talk. «Hi, my name’s Mia. I know you don’t want me here.»

Titan’s ears flicked forward, then back. The growl faded into a soft, tired whine. «I didn’t want to be here either,» she continued.

Her eyes glistened. «When I got hurt, I thought I’d never feel happy again.» For the first time, Titan stopped pacing.

Slowly, he lowered his head to the floor. His shoulders loosened, his breathing slowed. The staff stared, stunned.

No one had ever seen Titan do anything but snarl and pace, but now he was listening. And maybe, just maybe, he was hoping. Mia lifted her hand.

Her mom’s heart hammered in her chest, but she didn’t stop her. Her fingers brushed against the cold steel bars. Titan’s amber eyes followed her hand, wary.

«It’s okay,» Mia whispered. «I’m not here to hurt you.» At first, he flinched back, and for a second, she doubted herself.

But then, with slow, uncertain steps, Titan moved forward again. His wet nose touched her fingertips. Mia’s breath caught in her throat.

She turned her palm upward and waited. The bulldog leaned in, pressing his heavy muzzle against her hand. He let out a long, low sigh.

His eyes fluttered shut, and the tension melted from his frame. A volunteer covered her mouth to hold back a sob. The manager wiped at her eyes, whispering, «I can’t believe it.»

Mia stroked his scarred cheek, her fingers brushing over rough fur. «You’re not a bad dog. You’re just sad.»

When Titan opened his eyes again, they weren’t the eyes of a monster. They were tired and full of something that looked like hope. She brushed her lap gently.

«Come here.» And for the first time since he’d arrived, Titan crawled forward. He lowered his big head into the crook of her arm.