Sophia Mahoney
Her body bolts upright, and she gasps for air. The thumping of her heart pounds in her ears. Her chest, tight and heavy, makes it hard to draw a breath of air.
Noisy breathing resonates nearby. When her vision clears, she focuses on two copper-colored lofty eyes, which are staring at her. Before she can open her mouth to protest, a big, fat tongue leaves a trail of slobber across her face.
Oh, my God, the three silent words bounce around in her mind.
"Thor." She wrestles his muzzle away from her before his next pass. "Get down."
He whines, then takes her right hand into the warm confines of his mouth, then corncobs her fingers.
"No, sit."
Thor plops his butt on the hardwood floor, eyeing her. Excitement etches his face, animating his doggy features.
Sophia stands, and her vision darkens.
"Whoa." She grabs the arm of the couch, and tumbles on top of a cushion.