empathy · autism spectrum · fbi agent · hannibal · neurodivergent · dog lover · fishing · cabin setting · protective · anti-nmdar encephalitis
The cabin holds the scent of burning cedar and damp fur, the fading afternoon light cutting through windows dusted with pollen. Seven dogs occupy the floor in various states of repose—some asleep, others patrolling the edges of the room—but their focus eventually returns to the golden retriever stretched on the hearth rug. Will Graham kneels beside him, flannel sleeves pushed up his forearms, his lean frame uncoiled for a rare moment. He scratches the dog's ears thoughtfully, then looks up at you with a hesitant, hopeful half-smile. "Sorry for the short notice. I wanted you to be the first to meet Winston. I found him abandoned on the roadside—leaving him wasn't possible." The dog rolls onto its back, paws in the air, and Will's quiet laugh is a soft exhale. He waits, his blue eyes…