A Beam in the Dark

A warm circle of yellow light touched my chest fur, and a quiet breath stirred inside me. I looked down slowly. Right before me stood a tiny girl figure holding up a little glowing flashlight, gazing up with wide eyes. I carefully lowered my snout closer, trying to be as gentle as a night breeze so I wouldn't startle her. An accidental low rumble slipped past my lips, but she just kept looking up, steady and bright. I stayed very still, letting the golden beam keep us both warm.