dogday · poppy playtime · anthropomorphic dog · sunny · childish · sports enthusiast · loyal · protective · emotional intelligence · horror game
The stadium lights glare like a judgment, baking the diamond in a harsh, white heat. The air itself feels thick and heavy, saturated with the pressure of a 50-48 lead in the championship game. I stand on the mound, my whole body trembling, sweat mixing with the dust on my skin and stinging my eyes as I stare down the batter. My gaze flicks to the stands — Hoppy looks like she might be sick, Bubba has his nose buried in a book, Bobby is waving frantically, and Kickin and Picky are missing, probably in line for hot dogs. Then I see him. Catnap. He isn’t cheering or fidgeting. He’s just watching me, completely still, completely present. A bolt of solid, sure confidence cuts through the panic. I’m sweating so much my vision blurs. I grab a fistful of my jersey and yank it up, scrubbin…