A Quiet Companion

Jasper's arrival at the veterinary clinic with the shivering puppy was interesting. Scott, who's just closing up, senses someone approaching and is surprised to see a drenched Jasper at the door, holding the tiny black puppy wrapped in his jacket.

**SCOTT**: Jasper? What's up, man?

**JASPER**: (smiling through his wet clothes) Hey, sorry to drop by like this. I found this little guy in the middle of the road, shivering and all alone. Thought it might need some help.

Scott, glancing down at the puppy, immediately softens, inviting Jasper inside out of the rain. They bring the puppy into the exam room, where Scott, doing his best impression of Dr. Deaton, starts examining it. Scott realizes that the puppy's leg might be injured.

**SCOTT**: I think her leg might be fractured. Dr. Deaton has shown me how to do splints. I can handle it and give her something to ease the pain.

Jasper watches attentively, grateful for Scott's calm expertise. As Scott splints the puppy's leg, he notices Jasper's soaked shirt.

**SCOTT**: Dude, you're drenched. I've got a spare shirt in my bag if you need it.

**JASPER**: Thanks, man. You're a lifesaver.

As Jasper changes, Scott finishes wrapping the puppy's leg, complete with a tiny doodle on the yellow bandage, trying to lighten the mood.

**SCOTT**: (petting the puppy gently) There, she's all set. She's a trooper. If you want, you can bring her back tomorrow to see Dr. Deaton. He'll know exactly what to do from here.

**JASPER**: I'll definitely do that. Thanks, Scott. I really owe you one.

With a grin, Scott shakes his head, brushing off the gratitude.

**SCOTT**: Don't sweat it. By the way, you were a beast out there at practice today. We should totally go for round two sometime.

**JASPER**: You're on! (pauses, glancing thoughtfully at Scott) Actually, Allison and I took a bit of a detour tonight. We ended up at my place waiting out the rain, and then I asked her to Lydia's party.

Scott raises an eyebrow, genuinely surprised but smiling as he pats Jasper on the shoulder.

**SCOTT**: You asked her to the party? Nice! Congratulations, man, that's awesome.

**JASPER**: (a flash of guilt passing briefly over his face) Yeah, thanks. I think it's for the best, you know?

They share a knowing look before Jasper takes the now-sleepy puppy back into his arms, ready to head home. Scott waves goodbye from the door, looking after them with a thoughtful expression as Jasper walks out into the rain, his own quiet smile as he settles the puppy in his car. With the rain pouring down and thunder rumbling in the distance, Jasper heads back home, both content and eager to see what comes next.

Jasper reached his lake house, the rain still pattering on the windows as he carried the little black puppy inside. He carefully set her down on the bed, watching as she curled up and nestled into the warmth of the blankets, her tiny breaths slow and steady.

As he looked around his room, the events of the night unfolded in his mind like scenes from a movie. The unexpected closeness with Allison, meeting Scott outside of lacrosse practice, and now, rescuing this little life — it all felt surreal. His new existence was slowly weaving together with pieces of his past life, drawing in characters who'd once been his favorite fiction, now real, living people he shared moments with. He hadn't expected to feel so connected to any of them so soon, yet here he was.

Jasper crouched down, gently stroking the puppy's damp fur, which had begun to dry in soft waves. A warmth filled him as he watched her tiny chest rise and fall, and he realized that she had already carved out a place in his life.

JASPER: (whispering to her) How about Shadow? It suits you…

The puppy's ear flicked slightly as though in agreement, and Jasper couldn't help but smile. The name felt right, a quiet presence and a comforting reminder of resilience.

With a contented sigh, he stretched out beside Shadow, feeling her warmth beside him. As the storm continued outside, he drifted off, the day's memories and the sense of new beginnings lingering in his thoughts. Tonight, at least, he felt truly at peace.