A Bedtime Ear Scratch

I padded across the quiet floorboards toward the warm hearth rug where my giant buddy had curled up for the night. He gave a tiny whimper in his sleep, his velvet ear twitching against his front paw. Reaching up with both hands, I gently hooked my fingers into the soft, glossy fur right behind his ear and gave him a slow, soothing scratch. His entire ribcage expanded with a deep, content sigh, and the steady rhythm of his breathing instantly settled. Leaning comfortably against his warm, massive shoulder, I let the cozy night hush wrap around us both.