Wind whistles through a forgotten corner of the city. Trash litters the edges of a rusted fence. Hidden behind a broken billboard, a mother dog lies curled around four tiny puppies, all shivering from the cold.
A car slows nearby. A man, LEO (late 30s), gets out, carrying a box of food and blankets. He’d seen something here the night before — a flash of fur, a weak bark — and it had haunted him.
LEO (softly):
Let’s see if you’re still here, little mama…
He crouches down, peeking under the billboard. The mother dog growls faintly — protective but exhausted. Her ribs show. Her eyes plead.
LEO:
Easy… I’m not here to take. I’m here to help.
He slowly slides a dish of food and water toward her. The pups begin to whimper and nuzzle at her. She sniffs the bowl, then eats. Her tail gives a weak wag.
🐶 [LATER…]
Leo has built a makeshift shelter in the back of his truck with towels, food, and soft music playing. One by one, he gently lifts the puppies in.
LEO (smiling):
You’ve been doing this on your own too long. Let me take it from here.
The mama hesitates. He kneels beside her, hand outstretched.
LEO:
I’ve got you. And them.
She looks at her pups already cuddled up in the warm blankets. She finally steps forward, trusting him.
