Short Story: [Emberfate] Pet-sitting

Hey everyone!

Alright, this is the second last story to be posted this month. It's the start of a new series with the Emberfate characters — pet chaos!

First up, we have Khanyisa's story, which will make up for the story that should be posted last month (Mar 2024). As with before, this short story is mostly written by Anna 'Lavinnia' Kończak and edited by me.

I hope you all enjoy!

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“I’m not sure what to do about my friend’s request,” Khanyisa lets out a long sigh. “Well, no, I guess I already accepted it... I felt obliged to — she said nobody else she asked could pet-sit for her that weekend on such short notice, but... Perhaps I made a mistake. I should have thought it through more first.”

You reach out with your thumb to gently smooth the worried crease between her brows and speak in a reassuring tone. "It's okay, I'll help you with the pet-sitting. Worst case scenario, I can take Lola to my place for the day."

Khanyisa's eyes light up, but she quickly changes her mind and shakes her head. "I-I can't ask you to do that. It's my responsibility since I agreed to help her..."

"Hey, you're my girlfriend. Your problems are mine. Who else are you supposed to ask for help when in need if not me?”

A faint blush rises to her cheeks, and she smiles at you, touched by your words. You take the opportunity to sneak in a quick kiss on her lips. "Besides, it might not even be that bad!"

"You... You've never seen Lola and Willow together on their playdates. They are pure chaos!" She shakes her head with an exasperated smile. "Adorable, but little balls of terror."

"Well, they are pups after all. Don't worry, between the two of us, I'm sure we can keep them from tearing your place apart." You pause to pet the furry head that suddenly appears in your lap, Willow having come running the moment she heard her name. "I'll head home to grab necessities and be back soon."

Khanyisa nods and peeks at her phone to read the new incoming text. "She said she'll be here to drop Lola off in two hours."

"Perfect timing," you smile as you give her a hug. "I'll be back before then."

***

Soon, you're once again stepping through the door of Khanyisa's apartment with Willow greeting you with her usual fervor as though you've been gone for a week and not a mere hour.

"Hey, Willow baby. Did you miss me?" You crouch down to rub her cute ears, eliciting a bark from her. To answer your question, she throws herself at you, ignoring your laughing protests as she gives your face a series of happy licks.

Once you manage to free yourself from the overly affectionate husky, you dash past your amused girlfriend as you beeline to the toilet to wash your face. Only when you emerge freshened up do you pull Khanyisa in for a kiss — in a much more delicate manner than Willow’s greeting.

The two of you sit on the couch, flicking through the channels on the television idly as you wait. It doesn't take long before the doorbell rings, and Khanyisa jumps to her feet — but an excited Willow beats her to it. In a flash, the husky is at the entrance, her tail wagging like a helicopter as she paws at the door.

"Khanyisa! Oh, thank you so much again for agreeing to watch Lola for the weekend. I owe you one big time. I'll treat you to the nicest dinner after I come back from the conference, I promise." The primly dressed lady throws her arms around Khanyisa and begins to quickly relay information about her dog's eating and health habits to your girlfriend. You, on the other hand, focus your attention at the young St. Bernard puppy who's already rolling around with Willow in excitement.

Lola seems to notice your gaze, and she turns her wide, wet eyes towards you. You offer your friendliest smile to reassure her, and she cocks her head at you in return.

Then the next thing you know, she's jumped into your arms, greeting you the same way Willow does — with excessive affection.

By the time the door closes, you've already been showered in dog slobber but fallen in love with the sweet puppy. Your girlfriend, now holding a bag of toys and dog food in her hand, looks at you on the floor in surprise and chuckles. "I can see Lola has taken a liking to you."

"She's so sweet! Aw, who's a good girl?" Lola and Willow both bark in unison, and you laugh. "Oh, this is going to be a great day!"

***

It only takes an hour for you to want to take back your words.

Khanyisa wasn't kidding — the two puppies are full of endless energy, and it only seems to multiply when they're together.

You and Khanyisa both collapse onto the couch, exhausted and giving up on chasing the two dogs around the apartment. One of her legs dangle off the side gracelessly, her foot bare as one slipper has gone mysteriously missing during the chaos.

"Well," she finally proclaims. "At least Willow is having fun."

You let out a weak laugh. "Apparently, Willow is a lot more sociable and extroverted than her owner is."

"You're absolutely right there." Khanyisa sighs, bringing her hand up to her face to hide a yawn. "You know, I considered adopting another dog so Willow would have company, since she loves having doggie friends so much. But after today? ...I don't think it's a good idea."

I snort. "Very wise indeed. Save yourself and just ask your friend to meet up at the dog park more often or something."

"Yes, that's the plan. Definitely not... here next time." She eyes the walls with a sheepish look. "I hope Granny won't complain about the noise."

As if on cue, a knock sounds on the door. Then you hear the voice of the kind granny next door, who often shows up to share some of her lovely homecooked meals with Khanyisa — though you suspect she does so to make sure Khanyisa doesn't consume instant noodles three times a day and keel over from a heart attack one day. "ARE YOU AND WILLOW ALL RIGHT, DARLING? THERE'S BEEN QUITE A LOT OF NOISE THIS AFTERNOON."

Khanyisa winces and shares a look with you. "Too late, I suppose."

She stands from the couch to go to the door to apologize and explain the situation to the granny, but she hesitates and leans down to brush her lips against yours. "I'm so sorry to drag you into this mess with me, but... thank you for being here, love. I wouldn't be able to manage without you."

You can't help but smile. "Of course. Anything for you."

Sure, this isn't quite the romantic weekend you had in mind — but as long as it's with Khanyisa, even the chaos is a precious memory you'll treasure forever.