A Gentle First Greeting
The quiet hallway felt calm and wide. When I blinked, my soft fingers curled against my palms, alive with warmth. Just ahead sat a large, furry black dog with kind amber eyes, watching me silently. I paused, taking in the steady rise and fall of its breath. Very carefully, I took one soft step forward across the wooden floor and raised my small hand in a quiet, friendly wave. The dog blinked slowly, leaning forward just enough to share a calm, silent understanding.