[EXT. CITY ALLEYWAY – RAINY AFTERNOON]
The street is slick with rain. Cars pass by, unaware. In a quiet, littered alley, two small dogs—muddy, shaking, and skinny—huddle under a dumpster. Their eyes dart with fear but also a flicker of hope.
A man, JAYDEN (30s), in a hoodie and boots, walks by holding a grocery bag. He hears a faint whimper. Stops. Listens.
JAYDEN (to himself):
That’s not the wind…
He walks into the alley, squatting near the dumpster.
JAYDEN (softly):
Hey, hey… it’s okay. I see you.
One of the dogs growls lowly. The other hides behind it.
Jayden slowly sets down his bag and pulls a protein bar from his pocket, unwrapping it and breaking off pieces.
JAYDEN:
I know you’re scared. I’m not gonna hurt you.
He gently tosses a piece toward them. The braver one sniffs, then cautiously creeps forward. After a long moment, it eats. The second one follows.
Cut to: Jayden walking home, one dog in his arms, the other trailing close behind under an umbrella he’s holding backwards to cover them.
🐶 Later… [INT. JAYDEN’S APARTMENT – NIGHT]
Two clean pups snuggle on a blanket. A food bowl sits nearby. Jayden watches them from the couch, a small smile forming on his face.
JAYDEN (voiceover):
“I thought I was rescuing them… but maybe they rescued me.”
