Chapter Text
Amari leaned back against the cool metal bench in the small park across from the towering glass structure of an architectural firm where her friend, Jenny works.
She glanced sideways at her friend, who sat beside her, a radiant smile dancing across her lips as she listened intently.
“Amari, so sinasabi mo na natanggal ka sa trabaho dahil hindi mo na pinagbayad yung matanda sa kapeng inorder niya??” Jenny chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief.
“Hindi ko alam kung tanga ka ba o sobrang bait mo lang talaga eh!”
Amari couldn’t help but laugh as well, though the sound was tinged with the bitterness of her recent setbacks.
“I know! Pero kasi sobrang kawawa naman si manong eh! Tutal naggawa naman na yung kapeng inorder niya eh bakit hindi ko pa ibigay, di ba? It’s just a cup. Malay ko ba na matatanggal ako ng dahil lang sa isang tasang kape?” she replied, her voice laced with exasperation.
But deep down, Amari recalled the sting of her manager's words: "You are fired!" The phrase echoed in her mind like a broken record, reminding her of her unfortunate record of dismissals.
The first had stung the most—the food cart incident at the shopping center.
Amari had always prided herself on her kindness.
The elderly woman had struggled to lift her heavy load of groceries, and Amari, acting on instinct, had left her post to help.
However, upon her return, the sight of her empty cart and the open drawer ripped her heart.
The cash she had earned that day and some of the food she had lovingly prepared for hungry customers had vanished.
Her kindness had cost her—quite literally.
Then there was the restaurant, where she had felt a pang of empathy for two street children who wandered in, thin and weary-eyed.
She remembered their astonished expressions as she had offered them food, her heart swelling with hope that they would feel cared for, if only for a moment.
Yet, her compassion was met with disdain from her employers, who saw the act as a breach of policy rather than a gesture of humanity.
Lastly, her foray into café service had ended in similar disaster when she had declared the coffee free, considering the old man's predicament.
The memory of his apologetic face was both warming and devastating; he had truly forgotten his wallet.
How was she to know that her good intentions could lead to her third termination?
The realization was a gut punch—her kindness was being treated as a liability.
“Amari, you need to teach yourself to be a little selfish sometimes,” Jenny advised, her voice mingled with genuine concern and an undercurrent of humor.
“Hindi lahat ng tao deserve ang kabutihan mo.”
Amari folded her arms, feeling the weight of her circumstances settle upon her again.
“Pero Jen, I can’t just turn off my empathy! Mas gugustuhin ko pang matanggal sa trabaho kaysa sa balewalain ang mga tao na nangangailangan ng tulong ko.”
She turned to face her friend, her expressive eyes sparkling with conviction.
“Ano pa ang silbi ng puso kung hindi natin ginagamit sa tamang paraan?”
Jenny took a moment, contemplating her friend's unwavering dedication to kindness that often seemed to work against her.
“May point ka naman friend, pero importante pa rin na balanse ang lahat ng bagay,” Jenny sighed, brushing a stray hair behind her ear.
“Just because you’re kind doesn’t mean you should let everyone walk all over you.”
The sun continued its descent, and shadows lengthened across the park.
Amari leaned slightly towards Jenny, her brow furrowed with uncertainty.
“Hindi lang ako makapaniwala na nangyayari sa akin ‘to. I need a job, Jen. Mapapalayas ako sa inuupahan kong apartment dahil late na ako sa renta, and I don’t have savings left. I need to figure this out.”
Her voice was earnest, and there was desperation lacing her tone.
Jenny reached out, taking Amari’s hand in hers, squeezing it reassuringly.
“I know, I know. Magtatanong tanong ako sa office if there's anyone looking to hire. Maybe something more flexible? You really deserve a break.”
She paused, her brows knitting together.
“Sa ngayon, siguro, umuwi ka na muna at magpahinga, huwag mo nang isipin ang mga nangyari, tapos na yan eh. You can keep your kindness without losing your job in the process.”
Amari nodded and allowed herself a faint smile, appreciating Jenny’s friendship.
They exchanged supportive looks, the bond they shared redefining the boundaries of hardship and kindness.
As they prepared to part ways, Jenny’s spirited demeanor returned.
“Anong malay mo, di ba? Yung susunod mong magiging trabaho is the perfect job you've been looking for? And who knows? Baka ito na yung job na will embrace your kind heartedness instead of punishing it! Just keep your chin up, okay?”
“Okay, I will. Thank you sa pakikinig, Jen ah? I needed this,” Amari replied as she turned to walk away, her heart lighter but her thoughts still tangled in the complexities of kindness and the world’s often cold response.
—
Callie leaned back in her chair as the board meeting wrapped up, her fingers lightly tapping against the polished surface of the long, rectangular mahogany table.
She was a vision of professionalism, radiating an air of authority that belied her youthful looks.
Her mid-length hair, pulled back into a sleek ponytail, framed her heart-shaped face, highlighting her almond-shaped eyes which sparkled with a mix of determination and creativity.
Callie's tailored navy blazer accentuated her flawless build, perfectly coordinating with the tailored trousers that completed her ensemble.
As the final agenda item was dispatched, she exhaled deeply, a subtle smile curling her lips as she observed the reactions of her colleagues, some clearly impressed by the concepts she had presented moments earlier—her architectural designs that seamlessly blended functionality with aesthetic brilliance.
"Callie, could you stay for a moment, please?" her boss, Mr. Santos, called out as the other board members began to gather their belongings.
His voice demanded attention, carrying an unspoken weight that immediately piqued Callie's interest.
She watched as he gestured for her to remain, the subtle change in his expression hinting at the formality of the conversation to come.
Rising from her seat, she smoothed the front of her blazer and approached him with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.
Even as she walked, her confidence radiated, but beneath the surface, a flame of anxiety flickered at what might be in store.
As the conference room door swung closed, the ambient chatter faded into a muted hum. Mr. Santos leaned against the table, arms crossed, exuding a blend of authority and urgency.
Callie’s heart raced slightly; something significant was looming on the horizon.
"I'm sure you can guess why I need to speak with you," he began, his dark eyes locking onto hers with a decisive firmness.
"Alam mo naman siguro ang nangyayari sa Singapore office natin? Our office there is currently in jeopardy, and the board feels that we need someone we can completely rely on to oversee operations for at least the next month."
Callie blinked, a momentary disbelief washing over her before clarity settled in.
“I need you to look after our Singapore office for a month, Callie,” he continued, delivering the news with an undeniable finality that left no room for negotiation.
“Go get ready. You’re flying on Friday.”
The abruptness of it knocked the wind from her.
“But sir…” she stammered, searching for the words that would allow her to decline.
Her mind raced through the deadlines she was currently juggling and the intricacies of her ongoing projects.
But before she could voice her myriad of concerns, Mr. Santos pressed on, "No buts, Callie. You’re the only one I can trust to do this right."
He finished with a reassuring pat on her shoulder, which felt more like a command than encouragement.
“It’s already Wednesday today, sir…” she responded hesitantly, hope lingering that perhaps there was a misunderstanding—a flicker of time that might exempt her from this sudden obligation.
“I know, it’s great, right?” He chuckled lightly, his demeanor abruptly shifting from serious to oddly buoyant, leaving Callie stunned in the wake of his announcement.
As he exited the room, leaving her to process, she could only sigh and mutter softly, “What am I gonna do with Duke?”
Resolutely, Callie returned to her desk, her fingers dancing across her keyboard as she needed a solution.
With the looming deadline of her departure, time was not on her side.
She picked up her desk phone and dialed her assistant.
As the phone rang, she imagined Duke's hopeful gaze, the way he would tilt his head as if trying to understand her next move.
“Jenny, I need your help,” Callie spoke urgently as her assistant answered.
“I need someone who can house sit for me for a month… by Friday.”
She took a deep breath, her heart thumping as she imagined the challenges ahead in Singapore.
“It’s critical that they love dogs,” she added, hoping for a miracle that would ensure Duke remained happy and cared for while she took on this monumental task.
“I might have someone in mind, Ma'am Callie,” Jenny replied, a hint of uncertainty dancing in her tone.
“Yun nga lang, sana naka get over na siya sa takot niya sa aso,” she added, the last bit whispered; all Callie could do was raise an eyebrow.
“May sinasabi ka ba, Miss Robles?” Callie probed, puzzled.
“Ay wala po, Ma'am! Ang sabi ko po—ako na ang bahala!” Jenny insisted with a chipperness that seemed misplaced considering the circumstances.
“Okay, good! Thanks, Jenny.” With that, Callie began to form a mental checklist of personal and professional tasks she needed to tackle before her departure.
She had a lot to prepare for—a new country, a different office culture, and most importantly, ensuring Duke was well taken care of.
As she hung up the phone, Callie felt a strange mix of anxiety and excitement building within her.
—
Amari stepped out of the dimly lit elevator and walked through the familiar corridor of her apartment complex.
The faint scent of takeout lingered in the air, combined with the sound of muffled laughter from a nearby unit. She had always found comfort in the mundane, the rhythmic cadence of city life, even on days when it felt burdensome.
As she approached her door, her heart felt heavier than usual, an unsettling anticipation gnawing at her chest after a long day of searching for jobs that seemed to elude her grasp.
When she finally reached apartment 4B, the sight that met her eyes made her stomach flip.
Her heart dropped to her feet as she beheld the disarray before her: boxes and scattered belongings lay strewn across the threshold.
A gnawing dread filled her; she scanned the area for any signs that would offer an explanation.
The door was covered in a heavy padlock, gleaming ominously in the twilight.
As she stepped closer, she noticed a white envelope taped prominently to the door—too crisp, too formal for a moment filled with chaos.
She peeled it off and read the words that confirmed her worst fears: she had been evicted.
A wave of disbelief washed over her.
“Bakit naman ngayon pa?” she whispered, half-infuriated and half-sobbing at the injustice of her situation.
She had been struggling to make ends meet, but that didn’t mean she deserved this kind of treatment.
As her fingers fumbled in her handbag, she quickly retrieved her phone, urgency driving her actions.
Rashly, she dialed her landlord’s number, only to be met with the unwelcoming sound of the voicemail. Frustration coursed through her, and she dialed again.
But before long, she then realized that her number had been blocked.
Amari bit her lip, frustration mingling with tears.
What should have been an ordinary evening had spiraled into a relentless storm of stress.
Just as her tears began to fall—slowly at first, then in heavy, uncontrollable streams—her phone erupted to life with a jubilant ringtone disrupting her sorrow.
She took a moment to gather her breath, uncertain whether to answer or let it ring out like the rest of her day.
But curiosity took over, and she swiped to accept the call.
“H-hello?” she said, her voice a mixture of vulnerability and desperate hope.
“Amari! Oh my gosh, kanina pa kita hinahanap! I found a perfect job for you!” the cheerful voice on the line sang, bursting with infectious enthusiasm.
It was Jenny, and somehow, her excitement sparked a flicker of warmth in the cavernous pit of despair in Amari’s heart.
“Thanks Jen…” She sighed.
“Napalayas ako sa apartment..” Amari’s words tumbled out, heavy and laden with sadness.
Each syllable felt like stones in her mouth, her heart pinching tighter with every revelation.
"Even better!" Jenny replied, her voice rising in pitch, almost overwhelming Amari’s dreariness.
A moment of silence filled the gap between them, and Amari felt her eyebrows knit in confusion.
“Huh? Anong ibig mong sabihin?” she queried, a sprinkle of skepticism woven throughout her question.
Jenny’s firmness resonated through the phone, “Basta, dito ka muna mag-stay sa akin tonight. I’ll drop you off at the job location tomorrow, you can bring all your things. This is temporary pero atleast this job can buy you time habang naghahanap ka, go mo na ‘to, okay?”
Amari hesitated, momentarily caught between her practical devastation and the hopeful warmth her friend offered.
“Okay…” she finally conceded, her voice shrinking to a whisper as a blend of gratitude and uncertainty coursed through her veins.
As they arrived the next day at a grand, towering building that seemed to scrape the sky, Amari felt a cocktail of excitement and nervousness bubbling inside her.
Jenny parked and hopped out, gesturing for Amari to follow her.
They entered through the lavish lobby, where polished marble floors gleamed under the soft chandelier lights.
“Amari! Eto pala si Mang Lukas!” Jenny said, spotting an older gentleman standing near the entrance.
Lukas was a man of presence, with a twinkle in his eyes that suggested he was a connoisseur of humor as much as he was of wisdom.
“Magandang umaga po, Ma'am Amari! Welcome po kayo dito! Kapag po may kailangan kayo, nandito lang po ako— naihabilin na po kayo sa akin ni Ma'am,” he said, extending a hand.
“Maraming salamat po,” Amari responded, taking his hand and appreciating the warmth in his grip.
“Ang taas po ng building, mga ilang stories po kaya ito?” Amari added.
“Ay mababa pa nga yan eh, mas mataas doon sa library, kasi mas maraming stories doon!” A playful smile spread across his face.
“Wala talagang makakatalo sa kakornihan niyo, Mang Lukas!”
Jenny chuckled, and Amari joined in, grateful for the light-hearted moment.
With a hearty laugh ringing in the air, Jenny turned to Amari. “Oh sige na, mauna na ko friend, at baka ma-late pa ko sa trabaho ko! Good luck!”
As she walked towards the elevator, Amari’s heart raced.
She was going to be house-sitting in a luxury apartment!
The elevator doors slid open with a soft hum.
Stepping inside, she pressed the button for the 23rd floor, feeling a thrill run through her.
As the elevator smoothly ascended, she gazed up at the polished metal ceiling, her mind wandering to all the possibilities this opportunity might hold.
Level 23 arrived with a soft chime, and she stepped out into a wide corridor.
The air smelled faintly of vanilla, an inviting aroma that lured her forward with curiosity.
As she reached the apartment door, she marveled at the subtle opulence surrounding her.
Amari typed the passcode given to her by Jen and walked into the apartment, her breath catching in her throat as she took in the stunning interior.
“Hindi maipagkakaila na arkitekto nga ang nakatira dito..” she murmured to herself.
The space was immaculate—expansive and tastefully decorated with an eye for detail.
The floor-to-ceiling windows silhouetted the city skyline, while soft light filtered through sheer curtains.
Amari stepped further inside, the scent of vanilla enveloping her like a warm hug.
“Ang swerte ko naman, titira na nga ako dito ng libre.. ako pa ang babayaran?” she thought, slipping off her shoes to feel the plush carpet between her toes.
She locked the door behind her, drawn to a comfortable-looking couch that beckoned her to sink in and relax.
However, the moment she turned around, she encountered a sight that caused her heart to leap into her throat—an enormous Siberian Husky, its striking blue eyes locked onto hers.
The dog bore an uncanny resemblance to a wolf, its thick fur glistening under the warm light.
Amari froze, fear clutching her heart; her memories of a dog bite when she was seven flooded back.
She wanted to bolt, but her feet felt as if they were glued to the floor.
Just as the dog began to approach her slowly, sniffing curiously, Amari’s mind went blank, her instincts taking over as she fainted.
When she eventually came to, the first sensation was the soft pressure of something wet on her face.
Blinking, she opened her eyes to find the same Husky now leaning over her, licking her cheeks enthusiastically.
And with a frantic gasp, her consciousness slipped away into the comforting void once more.
Minutes or perhaps hours later, she awoke again.
The room was dim, flickering lights illuminating the space.
Amari’s heart raced as she surveyed her surroundings, recognizing that she was still in the apartment.
Following the eerie flashes, she noticed the Husky—now seated comfortably on the sofa, watching a cheerful sitcom on television, its expression utterly relaxed.
“Um, okay, aso nanonood ng tv?” she muttered, brimming with confusion.
She stumbled off the floor and reached for her phone which was conveniently placed on the side table.
“Lagot ka sa akin talaga, Jenny!” she thought, feeling a mix of panic and irritation.
When Jenny picked up, Amari launched into her grievances without a preamble.
“Baliw ka ba?” she exclaimed.
“Sorry na nga, friend.” Jenny responded, with mischief in her voice.
“Alam mo naman sigurong may aso dito?” Amari demanded.
“Sorry na nga kasi! I didn’t tell you about Duke kasi alam kong hindi mo tatanggapin ang trabaho eh. Pero promise, good boy yang si Duke. You don’t need to worry about him,” Jenny assured her cheerfully.
“Good boy? You call that thing a good boy?” Amari retorted, her heart still racing.
“He’s like a wolf! Ang laki-laki niya, Jen!”
Jenny giggled on the other end.
“Relax! Sabi ni Callie nag-iwan daw siya diyan ng ‘Duke Manual’ just in case. He’s harmless, really. You’ll see!”
“Callie?” Amari asked, still bewildered.
“Yes! Callie.. My boss? And let’s just say Duke is also her pride and joy. Kaya ingatan mo yan si Duke kung hindi yari tayo pareho sa boss ko..”
Jenny was practically laughing at the end of the line.
“Sa tingin mo nakakatawa ‘to? I still hate you, Jen,” Amari said in a resigned tone, rolling her eyes, although a faint smile tugged at her lips as the tension began to ease.
“Just give it time! I promise you’ll love Duke!” Jenny chirped back.
“Fine! You're lucky kailangan ko talaga ng trabaho ngayon!” and with that, they ended the call.
Alone, Amari took a moment to gather her thoughts, deciding to confront the situation head-on.
She found the ‘Duke Manual’ on the kitchen worktop, its bright colors somewhat of a comfort against the stark reality of her day.
Amari opened it, her heart softening at the photograph of Duke on the first page.
He was truly adorable—waves of fluff framed his smiling face with the caption, “Hi, my name is Duke” written in a playful font.
Flipping through the pages, she lingered on the first instruction.
“I answer to Duke, so simply just call me Duke!” she read aloud as she glanced over at the husky, who had taken a keen interest in her presence.
With newfound determination, Amari said, “Duke.”
In an instant, Duke’s ears perked up, and he tilted his head, tongue lolling out as he seemed to wait for more.
A smile crept onto Amari's face, and for the first time that day, the fear within her began to fade.
“Friends na tayo, okay?” she said softly, and Duke bounded over eagerly, all trepidation now replaced with furry exuberance.
Perhaps, she mused as she reached down to pet Duke still with slight hesitation, this wouldn’t be such a bad experience after all.
—
As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, Amari settled onto the plush couch, a soft blanket draped over her lap.
The air was rich with the scent of lavender from the fabric softener used on the array of cushions adorning the couch.
Her attention turned to Duke, who had resumed his vigil in front of the television, his striking blue eyes fixated on the flickering screen.
He was a majestic creature, his thick fur a tapestry of black and white, and although his attention was momentarily diverted by the animated antics on screen, Amari knew she had to dive into the ‘Duke Manual’ that had been left for her.
With a gentle flip, Amari turned to the second page of the manual.
The page was adorned with a heartfelt greeting and a picture encapsulating a moment of joy—a glimpse into Duke's world.
“Hi, this is my mom, Callie, and I love her so much.”
The words printed in cheerful, hand-drawn letters danced across the page like a playful breeze.
Below the text was a charming photograph of Duke nestled in the embrace of a woman with long straight hair that spilled over her shoulders.
Though Callie’s face was largely obscured by Duke’s thick fur, her smile radiated warmth and affection.
Amari found herself drawn to the image, unable to fully discern the details of Callie’s face, yet sensing the deep bond shared between the dog and his owner emanating from the photo.
“Ang cute,” Amari whispered to herself, her heart swelling with fondness for both Duke and his enigmatic owner.
Continuing her reading, Amari reached the section that provided crucial information.
The printed lines directed her to save Callie’s phone number for emergencies.
Pondering over the best way to store the contact, Amari swiftly took out her phone, tapping open the contacts app.
With meticulous care, she entered the name as "Duke’s mom," a title that felt both amusing and tender in its simplicity.
This small act connected her to Callie, solidifying her role as Duke’s temporary caretaker and drawing her deeper into the life held within these walls.
Flipping to the third page, the manual transformed from text to a vibrant showcase of Duke’s culinary preferences.
The page was alive with photographs of an array of delectable offerings: vibrant carrots, leafy greens, and fruits bursting with color—all lovingly laid out alongside a hand-written note.
“But my favorite of all is chicken. Please don’t say chicken in front of me, or else I’ll be excited. My mom says I’ve got chicken in the fridge.”
Amari burst into laughter at Duke’s exuberant personality portrayed in this manual.
The idea of a dog having such a detailed guide about his likes and dislikes was both endearing and amusing.
Perhaps this was the reason Duke had such a lively demeanor.
“Let’s test it, shall we?” she said playfully, directing her voice toward Duke, who momentarily paused his viewing.
“Duke… Gusto mo chicken?”
No sooner had the word left her lips than Duke transformed.
Sparked by an unmistakable enthusiasm, he bounded off the couch like a tightly wound spring released.
Circling around the living room in a joyful frenzy, he leaped in place, his paws barely touching the ground as if gravity had little hold on him.
As he whirled, his excitement was palpable, drawing an infectious smile across Amari's face.
It wasn’t just a verbal cue; it was like an orchestral performance that only he could fully appreciate.
Duke came to a sudden halt, standing at attention near the glass window showcasing a tantalizing view of the city skyline.
His gaze turned toward his food bowl, a silent yet poignant request echoing in the air: ‘I’m ready, where’s my chicken?’
With laughter bubbling in her throat, Amari strode toward the fridge, her heart lightened by Duke’s jubilation.
She opened the fridge door and was greeted by neatly labeled containers, one of which had ‘Duke’s Chicken’ written on it in clear handwriting.
Scooping out the golden, aroma-filled meal, she served it to Duke, who positioned himself before the bowl, eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Amari watched as he began to munch, savoring each bite as if it were a delicacy fit for royalty.
The sight was heartwarming, and Amari couldn’t help but lean down toward him.
“Oh wait, Duke, picturan kita diyan tapos i-send ko sa mommy mo mamaya, okay?” she said, reaching for her phone again.
Duke paused mid-chew, glanced up at Amari with an expression that seemed to say, “Seryoso ka ba?”
Before returning to his meal, as if the joy of food far outweighed the fleeting moment of fame.
As Duke resumed his feast, Amari returned to the ‘Duke Manual’, her curiosity piqued.
She read the bottom part of the page, which revealed, “My mom says there’s also food for you in the fridge. Enjoy!”
It was accompanied by a cheerful doodle of a human figure eating a hearty meal.
Amari couldn’t stifle her laughter, her heart buoyed by the thoughtfulness encapsulated in the manual.
She felt a swell of gratitude wash over her as she contemplated the delightful adventure of house-sitting.
The apartment—filled with the remnants of comfort and care—was more than just a temporary space.
It was a home of shared love, and the connections between its inhabitants—human and canine alike—were richer than she had anticipated.
“Alam mo, Duke, tama nga si Jen, walang rason para matakot ako sa'yo.”
In that moment, Amari found comfort in knowing she was a part of Duke’s world, even if just for a little while.
The luxurious apartment, the playful dog, and the open invitation from Callie blended into a kaleidoscope of experience.
As the TV flickered softly in the background, she could hear Duke happily munching away, unaware of the joy and warmth he had seamlessly woven into her evening.
And with a smile, she leaned back against her pillow and watched whatever was on tv.
As evening descended into night, the city outside began to twinkle with lights, and Duke made his way to his soft, cozy dog bed stationed in the corner of the living room.
Amari watched him curl up, a fluffy ball of fur, and spoke softly, “Oh, so is it bedtime now, is it?”
Duke responded with a languid stretch and a heavy sigh, effortlessly signaling that indeed, it was time to rest.
After saying goodnight, Amari retreated to the guest room, appreciating the ambiance—a warm glow from the bedside lamp illuminating the charming decor.
The room felt wonderfully homey, with soft linens draped across the bed and a lovely view of the city skyline outside.
After washing up, she crawled under the soft blankets, but her mind drifted back to Duke.
She recalled the photo of him happily munching on chicken and felt compelled to share it.
She reached for her phone from the nightstand.
Her fingers hovered hesitantly over the screen as she started typing a message, only to remove it moments later, unsure of how to convey her thoughts.
Finally, she settled on a simple, “Hi Mom, I am doing well,” and attached the photo of Duke devouring his dinner, a snapshot of pure happiness.
Within seconds, Callie responded, “Thank you, Amari. You're a lifesaver.”
A second message followed quickly: “I hope he’s been a good boy? Hindi naman siya masyadong makulit?”
Amari’s heart swelled unexpectedly at these messages, a happy warmth blooming within her chest.
In reply, she typed, “Sa totoo lang, I was scared at first when I saw him. But we’ve come to an understanding—na from now on, friends na kami.”
Amari chuckled quietly as she recalled their first meeting.
Callie responded almost immediately, “Yes, he usually gives those first impressions. Na-sesense ni Duke if people around him are genuine, so I’m just glad na ikaw ang ni-recommend ni Jenny to house-sit with Duke.”
Her fingers flew over the keyboard as she replied, “I'm actually glad too.”
She added a gentle, “Goodnight, Callie,” appreciating the connection that had formed between them over just a few messages.
Callie’s final message came through, “Sweet dreams, Amari,”
Amari then nestled deeper into her sheets, a soft smile dancing on her lips.
As she drifted off to sleep, she felt a deep sense of happiness, excitement for the adventures tomorrow would bring—and most importantly, the joy of having Duke by her side.