My name is Max, and I’m a proud boy Rottweiler—big, strong, with a shiny black coat and tan markings just like the humans say I should have. I stretch out on the floor, rolling onto my back, and watch as my favorite humans begin their day. Marveah, the youngest, giggles as she tiptoes over to me, her curly hair bouncing with every step and her warm brown skin glowing in the sun. Marilyn, eleven, is already dressed, peeking over her glasses as she ties her shoes. Mylah, the eldest at eighteen, hums softly as she pours juice into three bright cups at the kitchen counter.
Marveah bursts out the door, her laughter trailing behind her as she grabs my favorite ball. She flings it high, and I launch myself after it, paws thumping against the earth. Marilyn claps for me, her smile wide and proud, while Mylah leans against the fence, phone in hand, snapping photos of our wild race. The sun warms our backs, and I feel like the happiest dog in the world.
After running so hard, I flop onto the couch next to Marilyn, my head resting in her lap. She scratches behind my ears, and I close my eyes, breathing in the scent of her skin and the faint traces of her shampoo. Marveah clambers up, wrapping her little arms around my neck, her giggle muffled by my fur. Mylah sits cross-legged on the floor, looking up from her phone with a gentle smile. "You’re such a good boy, Max," she says, and my tail thumps in happy agreement.
The rain means no more chasing balls, but I don’t mind. Marveah reads out loud from her favorite book, her voice rising and falling in excitement. Marilyn sketches in her notebook, sometimes glancing at me for inspiration. Mylah braids Marveah's hair, her fingers nimble and gentle. I nestle closer, safe and warm, and listen to the rhythm of their voices blending with the rain.
Mylah sits quietly, her arm draped around Marilyn, who leans against her shoulder. Marveah curls up beside me, her head resting on my side. "We’re lucky to have you, Max," she whispers, and I nuzzle her hand in reply. The world feels calm and perfect in this moment, my family close and safe.
I patrol the hallway one last time, making sure everyone is tucked in and the doors are locked tight. Satisfied, I curl up at the foot of Marveah's bed, her tiny hand reaching down to rest on my head. As I drift to sleep, I dream of running, playing, and loving my family, knowing tomorrow will bring new adventures with the humans I adore most.
