4338.211 · July 30, 2018 AD
The One Who Stays
After rejecting Sarah, being rejected by Wendy, and seeing shadows that may not exist, Karl returns to the one presence that never questions him. Jargus waits with ninety pounds of uncomplicated joy and a towel held carefully in his mouth. In the small rituals—hot water, clean sheets, a dog's weight on his chest—Karl finds what he couldn't find anywhere else today: stillness. His phone slips from exhausted fingers mid-search. If answers exist, they'll wait. For now, just warmth and breathing.
Key turns in lock. Jargus already scrabbling on the other side—ninety pounds of German Shepherd enthusiasm. Simple, uncomplicated joy cutting through the day's chaos. Missing persons. Vanishing women. Sarah's hurt face. Wendy's slammed door.
Karl apologises for neglect that extends beyond just today, beyond just the dog. He's making a habit of failing beings who depend on him.
Sheds clothes in trail across flat. Shower hot, pressure working into knotted muscles. Steam obscures his reflection—fine, he's not interested in looking at himself anyway. Sarah's face keeps surfacing. The confusion. The hurt. The openness he couldn't reciprocate.
Bathroom door creaks. Karl's adrenaline surges—hand reaching for weapon that isn't there. It's Jargus. Sitting outside shower with towel held in mouth, drool darkening the fabric. Patient sentinel. Eager for bedtime ritual.
In bed, Jargus snuggles against him immediately. Substantial warmth and solid presence—comforting anchor.
Karl props phone, attempts last research on Killerton Enterprises. But exhaustion overwhelming. Eyes blur. Search term incomplete: "Killerton Ent—"
Phone slips from relaxed fingers. He slides down into comfort, surrendering to sleep.
Jargus adjusts position, head resting on Karl's chest. Right over his heart. Steady heartbeat counterpoint to Karl's own.
Final moments before sleep: simplicity and peace that eluded him all day. Brief respite from questions and guilt.
Unlike everyone else today, he hasn't managed to hurt Jargus. Yet.
