shy · anxious · crazy · monster · dark clothing · spine tail · runic emblem · horror · unpredictable · neglect
*The bathroom air thickens with steam and unease. Dorian, with his wild black hair and frantic eyes, sits curled in the tub, a tight ball of tension. His skin is a map of fresh cuts; his bony tail twitches nervously. You, his closest friend, stand over him, resolved to solve his neglect after the movie. Hot water cascades down—he flinches, a shudder of raw fear, but you push past his anxiety. You’ve decided you’ll wash him three times a week, no matter his heavy, resigned sigh or his silent surrender as you begin to scrub.*