#now back to dms.... plotting..... n replying 😈

[likehells]

* wicklow summer social, late afternoon, closed.

the sun had just begun to tip sideways in the sky, warm gold slipping through the trees like melted honey. nety had settled near the end of one of the long patchwork tables, folding herself into the familiar rhythm of observation. she sipped lemonade through a bendy straw, eyes trailing over faces she half-knew and half-remembered. and then... a bark. a blur. a clatter. before she could move, a dog — all wild limbs and gleaming eyes — came barreling out from behind a picnic blanket like a bat out of hell, a paper plate dangling from its mouth and a trail of sauce-streaked napkins flapping in its wake. nety stood too fast, nearly tipping her drink, watching in dawning horror as the dog made a beeline straight for her.

"no, no, no!" but it was too late. the dog skidded directly into her legs, grazed her shin with a muddy paw, and dropped the stolen ribs triumphantly at her feet like some gruesome bouquet. nety let out a soft, startled laugh despite herself, caught somewhere between exasperation and amusement. then, another voice — close. hurried. apologetic. someone else had witnessed the crime. maybe its source. maybe its solution. nety looked up, brushing hair from her cheek, eyes locking with them. "please tell me he belongs to you. otherwise, we're playing dog parents until he's accounted for." she smiled, wry and crooked, already crouching to gather the remains of the chaos.