What’s Wrong,Mella?

Mella walked alongside Rufian, who trotted on all fours, his fluffy white tail swaying playfully behind him. She gently hummed a lullaby that her mother always sang to her and her little brother at night, a tender melody that wrapped around her like a soft blanket. After a few moments, the music faded from her lips as she lowered her head, her heart heavy with unspoken pain. Powerful emotions swirled within her, making her hands tremblfe and her lips quiver.d

In the distance, Rufian's cheerful barks broke the silence, urging her to refocus. She turned her head towards him, forcing a bright smile through the veil of her sorrow. "Rufian, I'm a big girl, and like Mommy and Daddy say, big girls don't cry. I have to protect my siblings," she declared, her voice laced with an earnest bravery. Unbeknownst to her, this brave facade was merely the beginning of a struggle that threatened to fracture her spirit.

Rufian responded with an enthusiastic bark, his tail wagging even more vigorously in a show of support.

As they continued walking, Mella felt an internal tug-of-war unfolding within her, as if her very personality were teetering on the brink of shattering. Disorienting noises buzzed in her ears, resembling a cacophony of white noise that wrapped around her like an uninvited fog. A sharp ache blossomed in her head, but she steeled herself, determined not to let Rufian see her discomfort. The loyal pup tilted his head in confusion, sensing her shift in mood, and his keen nose detected a change in her sweet scent—a once-familiar aroma of flowers and candy that was now infused with something he couldn't quite place.

"Come on, Rufian," she said, her smile returning as she forced herself to hum once more, attempting to reclaim her earlier joy. Rufian, oblivious to the turmoil beneath her cheerful façade, happily trotted beside her, relieved that she was still by his side.

The temperature began to drop significantly, and Rufian let out a series of sharp barks as he glanced toward a dark cave. He noticed how Mella's light clothing left her shivering uncontrollably in the chilling air. In an attempt to warm herself, she covered her mouth and sneezed, prompting Rufian to bark once more, as if to say, "Bless you." "I've seen Daddy do this before," she murmured to herself, her teeth chattering. She collected dry branches from the nearby trees, settling down in the cave, determined to create a fire. With fervent effort, she rubbed two wooden sticks against a rough rock, but despite her determination, not a single spark appeared. Blisters began to form on her hands, and frustration seeped into her spirit.

As the branches slipped from her grasp, she realized her hands were growing numb from the biting cold. "Rufian, I'm fine. You don't need to worry," she reassured him, though her voice trembled. "Your fur will keep me warm through this icy night, and we can try again tomorrow." Mella's stomach twisted in hunger, a gnawing ache reminding her of her distress. Eventually, her weary body sought comfort against Rufian's warm fur, and he instinctively lay down beside her, closing his eyes, oblivious to her struggles.

Suddenly, Rufian's ears perked up at the sound of labored breathing. He jolted awake, looking over at Mella. Her eyes were shut, her expression strained, as she fought for each breath. Her forehead felt like fire against his cool nose, and concern washed over him. He nudged her gently, but her pained visage offered no signs of relief. Then she began to speak, her words tumbling out uncertainly. "R-Rufian, I s-see Mommy, Daddy, and Sinny." Her voice trailed off into silence, her thoughts drifting away like fragile wisps of smoke.

Desperate to help, Rufian gently tugged at her clothes, trying to pull her away from the unforgiving cold of the cave. With effort, he dragged her through the deepening snow, stopping often to glance around, hoping to find someone—anyone—for help. He barked loudly, but the stillness of the night swallowed his calls; no humans or animals responded. He spotted an unfamiliar path and hesitated, looking back at Mella, who lay still, wrapped in vulnerability. What weighed heavily on his heart was the realization that he could reach help faster alone. With a final reassuring bark, he promised to return, but she remained unresponsive as he turned and sprinted down the path in search of aid.

As he journeyed, other animals shunned him, some even resorting to aggression. Rufian whimpered, his spirit dimming with every rejection. Just when hope seemed lost, his ears perked up at the distant sound of voices. Following the unfamiliar scent, he quickened his pace, soon emerging on the edge of a small town. However, disappointment struck once more as merchants and adults flung trash in his direction, their faces twisted with disdain. Desperate, he barked for help, but their doors slammed shut in his face, and their shouts chased him away.

Meanwhile, back in the cave, Mella slowly opened her eyes to the sight of delicate snowflakes descending from the gray sky. Her body felt leaden, numb with frost. "Rufian, Rufian! Where are you?" she called weakly, a flicker of fear lacing her words. "If I close my eyes, will I see you, Mommy, Daddy, and Sinny?" She spoke into the stillness, and an echo of affirmation whispered back from her mind—a flicker of a response from the shadows of her hallucination.

Rufian whimpered softly, his heart heavy with despair as he searched for help for Mella. His ears drooped, and his head hung low, with his tail tucked tightly between his legs. Just then, a little boy appeared, clutching a large, succulent chicken bone in his tiny hands. Driven by hunger, Rufian didn't hesitate; he approached the boy eagerly, his instincts guiding him to accept the gesture of kindness.

As the boy gently petted his fur, Rufian felt a spark of warmth and safety return to his weary soul. With each morsel of food the boy offered, he began to unfurl from his shell of loneliness, finding solace in the laughter of the children around him, their joy mirroring the family he had once known. He marveled at their playful antics, but in the midst of their merriment, a pang of longing surged through him as thoughts of Mella flooded his mind.

Suddenly, an opportunity arose. The door cracked open just as one of the parents stepped inside, and in that fleeting moment, Rufian seized his chance. With a surge of determination, he darted through the door, racing into the world outside. The little boy's voice rang out, filled with concern. "Come back, Bone!" he called, a playful nickname he had affectionately crafted for the scruffy dog.

"Son, where are you going?" his father inquired, puzzled.

"I'm going to bring back Bone!" the boy replied, determination sparkling in his eyes as he dashed after Rufian, sending a merchant tumbling as they collided in their rush. Rufian felt a rush of joy at the boy's pursuit, knowing that together they might just be able to help Mella.