When Caretaker had returned from work that day, the first thing they did was make a steaming cup of raspberry tea. They like to settle in a reading nook in their bedroom, hands wrapped around their cup, while an open book sits on their lap. It makes for a wonderful afternoon, especially when they're exhausted and frustrated from the day - which is most days.
The knock at the door makes them sigh. Just as they'd settled down, too. They considered ignoring it, but when they hear another knock, the haul themselves up with a grumble and pad to their front door.
The person at their door is made clear to them once they open it. No, not a person. A pet, kneeling in front of their door and shivering from the cold.
-
Pet trembles, resisting the urge to hide their face in their hands. Oh, they've never been more embarrassed, not ever. Being thrown out was humiliating enough - but getting so desperate to beg in front of doorsteps to be taken in? They could hardly think about it without wanting to hide in a cabinet somewhere and never come out!
But what else could they do? It was the middle of winter, Pet was starving, and sleeping on the streets was sure to freeze them to death. No one wanted to take in an ugly pet like that, especially not one that had so clearly been thrown out. No, they had to take matters into their own hands. Which was stupid, too - no one wants a pushy pet, either! No wonder Pet had been thrown out!
They bow their head submissively, then move a bit to point to a collar wrapped around their neck. No nametag. “I, I’m a pet,” They say, like it wasn’t obvious. Stupid. Off to a great start, making the human feel dumb already. “A-and, I, I’m already trained, I’m obedient, I can do any chore you need. Or- or don’t need. I can be pretty, or- or sweet, or- or anything, and..” They trail off, hearing a dog bark from within the house. Their heart sinks. This human already has a pet, and a dog at that. Dogs are much easier to handle, and more rewarding, too. “And anything you want.” They finish quietly, shoulders slumped. Where will they go now? It’s nearing night, and it smells like it’s going to start raining.
They feels the human’s eyes on him, probably looking for flaws. They aren’t hard to find, Pet has plenty of them.
Instead of kicking them down, or slamming the door shut, the human squats down in front of them. Pet's shivering gets more frantic. Stupid, stupid! Sit still, you just said you were trained!
“Hey,” The human said. Their voice is low, and nasally, but comforting to hear. “Do you want to come inside? You look like you’re just about to freeze to death.”