The Fluffy Intruder

Although the dog hadn't made a sound since it arrived, which worried Rocco at first, the sight of its tail wagging enthusiastically in response to his touch reassured him.

At least it seemed healthy and capable of movement.

If the dog had been found at the scene of a mafia skirmish, it must've witnessed unimaginable horrors.

Rocco couldn't help but wonder if its owner had been one of the victims.

If so, the poor creature had lost its family.

Perhaps it had even seen its owner's lifeless body…

"I'll be your family now," Rocco whispered, burying his face in the dog's soft fur. "You'll eat lots of good food and play as much as you want."

The dog responded with a cheerful nuzzle, closing its red eyes in delight.

Can it understand me?

Rocco marveled.

It seems smarter than most people he knows.

As he continued to pet the dog, a thought struck him.