Companion
By My SideYewon's normally downcast eyes were shining, almost sparkling as she watched her new puppy sniff the floor of her apartment from her couch.
It had only been a few hours since she had saved the puppy and it was clear that the baby dog was full of energy. The black lab puppy had been scared at first but she had warmed up to Yewon after only a few minutes of interacting with her in the apartment. Every time Yewon smiled or giggled at the small dog's actions, the puppy's tail would wag excitedly. It was adorable. Yewon could feel herself relaxing as she watched the puppy move on from sniffing the floor to running around in small circles in front of her.
"So cute." Yewon laughed, the puppy turning her head to look her before running up to sit next to Yewon's legs. Yewon reached out and gave the puppy's head a rub, smiling as the puppy at her hand affectionately.
"What name should I give such a cute puppy like you?" Yewon absentmindedly asked the puppy, thinking to herself as the puppy continued to away at her hand. There were so many different possibilities, so many different names to chose from. Yewon focused back down at the baby dog, making eye contact with the puppy's soft brown eyes. As if it was summoned, a name finally popped into Yewon's head. She had no idea where it came from or why this name was calling to her but it was clear that this was it. This was what it should be. It felt like deja vu almost, as if she had heard this name before, even though that was impossible.
"Yuju."
The puppy's head tilted, her tail wagging happily as if she was communicating that she liked it. Yewon couldn't help the fact that her smile was growing even wider.
"You like that name, huh?" Yewon said, petting the puppy gently. "It's decided then. Your name is Yuju."
The puppy let out a small bark, her tail wagging eagerly out of pure excitement. Yewon continued to rub Yuju's head before she ran off, the puppy running around the apartment and in and out of different rooms while barking. Yewon could only watch, chuckling to herself. Now that the puppy had a proper name, it was time to get her fed. She would need to go to a pet store or order something online. Walking to a pet store would be easier and quicker. But would the puppy be okay staying by herself? Well, there wasn't really any other option.
"Alright." Yewon stood up, feeling around in her jean pockets to make sure her wallet was inside before moving to the front door. "I'll be back in an hour. Okay, Yuju?"
The puppy immediately started to whine sadly once she noticed that Yewon was about to leave, Yuju's tail tucking under her legs while she continued to whimper. Yewon felt her chest ache. Of course the puppy would be nervous about her leaving. She had just saved her and now she was leaving again. Yewon sighed, kneeling down and patting the spot in front of her. Yuju quickly trotted over to where Yewon's hand had been, still whimpering sadly.
"I'm not leaving for good. I promise." Yewon said softly, petting the baby dog's head. "I'm just getting you food and some other things. It'll be okay."
Yuju continued to whimper, desperately at Yewon's hand. Yewon allowed her to do that for a few moments until a thought entered her head. Taking off her jacket, Yewon stood up and kneeled back down to place it down in the middle of the floor, spreading it out so Yuju could get comfy on it. Thankfully, it was starting to warm up outside so going out in just her jeans and a T-shirt wasn't an issue. Yuju sniffed the jacket before walking on top of it, turning around a couple times before curling up on it. Yewon gave the puppy a small kiss on the head before standing up, trying to ignore Yuju's sad whimpers as she left the apartment, locking the door firmly behind her.
The walk to the pet store was beautiful, the trees and flowers scattered along the route signaling that spring was quickly approaching. But Yewon was tense the entire walk over, unable to fully appreciate the sights and experience. She couldn't help but be worried about the new puppy, afraid that she would come back to either her apartment being torn apart or her losing the trust that Yuju had in her. The second she reached the pet store, Yewon took to finding everything as fast as she possibly could. A collar with Yuju's name etched on the tag with her phone number on the back, some chew toys, puppy food and a bowl to go with it.
"New puppy?" The female cashier asked with a warm smile, ringing up the items.
"Yeah." Yewon replied with a smile of her own, handing over the money out of her wallet. "It's my first time owning one."
"Don't worry too much. Dogs are companions for life." The cashier said with a soothing tone, easing some of Yewon's anxieties. "You'll be having fun with your new friend in no time. And if you need any advice, feel free to come back here any time."
"Thank you so much." Yewon said, taking her change and the items out of the cashier's hands before bowing. The cashier returned the gesture, waving goodbye to the girl as she left.
Yewon was more than eager to get back home, clutching the bag of items tightly as she speed walked back through the route.
"Yewon?" A familiar voice echoed out.
Yewon froze as the sight of both Sojung and Eunbi walking toward her entered her vision. . She had totally forgot that the pet store was close to the pair's shared apartment. Of course they were out, they must have just finished up their dinner and were heading home. How was she going to explain this?
"Hello again." Yewon smiled, hiding the bag full of items behind her back quickly. "I didn't think I would see you both again today."
"Me either!" Eunbi said happily. "It's good to see you outside again!"
"What were you doing out here?" Sojung asked curiously. "Isn't your apartment in the other direction?"
"It is." Yewon nodded, her mind racing to come up with an excuse that didn't sound fake. "I just....needed to pick up something over here. The stores
Comments