It was so utterly expected, thought Tiffany, and yet still so utterly adorable, that Ginger would get tired five minutes into his first exposure to the universe. They had set out in the late morning, with Taeyeon carrying the puppy and Tiffany holding his leash, a water bottle, poop bags and some treats, for the park two blocks from their apartment building.

Once they had arrived, they’d clipped on his leash and Taeyeon had put him on the ground carefully, so carefully that it looked like she expected him to break if she let go of him. But eventually she had stepped back and for a moment they just stood there, watching as Ginger sniffed curiously at the leash. 

“Go on,” Taeyeon had said, squatting down to give him a pat. “Go play!"

He’d looked around for a bit before dashing off suddenly; if Tiffany hadn’t had the leash coiled around her wrist, he would have pulled it right out of her grasp. So then they’d spent a few minutes running after him as he investigated everything in his path. It had been the cutest thing ever. So cute. 

But not even ten minutes in, and he was already flopped over on the ground with his tail wagging slightly in exhaustion. 

“Really, Ginger?” Tiffany laughed at the sorry sight. “You’re done already?"

Taeyeon bent down again and his head gently. “Tired, baby?” She looked up at Tiffany. “Should we go home?"

“I guess. If he’s had enough, we should let him nap."

“Home it is, then, Ginger.” 

Tiffany picked the puppy up; she winced at the slight stickiness on his fur but relented when he snuffled cozily into her neck. It was a very nice day, sunny but breezy, halfway through fall, and it was almost cathartic to be out like this, just the three of them. Briefly, as they headed home, Tiffany considered their current situation — wasn’t this like some mismatched family outing? — and didn’t know if she wanted to laugh or cry.

Just as they were about to cross the road, Tiffany stopped short as Taeyeon held out an arm in front of her. “Wait,” said Taeyeon, “there’s a car.” 

Maybe it was the exhaust fumes from the car as it blew past, or maybe it was the sun: but for a moment, Tiffany felt an old yet famiilar sense of warmth stir. Taeyeon’s concern was all for Ginger, Tiffany knew this. But to think they went from not speaking for days to...this, to now? 

Tiffany hugged the puppy tightly.