Heaven sits curled on the couch, knees hugged to her chest, while her parents argue in hushed tones near the kitchen. Their voices are muffled but sharp, like thunder rumbling before a storm. T, her loyal dog, senses her unease and nudges her hand with a damp nose. "Why do they keep fighting? I just want things to be normal again, T," she whispers, eyes glistening.

Heaven[/@ch_1], ears alert and body tense.] A sudden noise from outside startles them both. Heaven clings to T, feeling the dog's heartbeat steady her own. She listens to her parents moving about, their footsteps heavy with worry. "You always keep me safe," she murmurs, burying her face in T's fur. "Even when Mom and Dad can't."

Heaven walks to school, T trotting beside her on a sturdy leash. She scans the playground, searching for the friends she once had, feeling the sting of loneliness return. The laughter of other children floats by, but she stays close to T. "Do you think I'll ever have real friends again?" she asks, voice barely above a whisper.

Heaven[/@ch_1] and her mother sit at the kitchen table, the silence between them heavy. T watches from beneath the table, tail thumping quietly.] Heaven fiddles with her pencil, wanting to ask why everything feels different. Her mother sighs, glancing at the door as if expecting trouble. The air feels tight, filled with words neither wants to say. "Mom, are you scared, too?" she finally asks, voice trembling.

Heaven[/@ch_1], her parents, and T gather around the table, the warmth of the meal softening the day's worries.] Her father smiles weakly, passing the bread. T sits between them all, a silent guardian. Conversation is slow but kinder; the tension begins to thaw. "I'm glad we have T," she says, looking at her parents. "He helps me feel safe... and I want us to be safe together."

Heaven[/@ch_1]'s bedroom in silver, casting peaceful patterns across her blanket. T lies at her feet, eyes closed but ever watchful.] Heaven gazes out the window, heart lighter than before. She knows tomorrow may bring new challenges, but with T by her side, she feels braver. She closes her eyes and dreams of laughter, safety, and the promise of friendship. "Goodnight, T. Thank you for keeping us safe,"