Benji's Arc

Chapter 1 of 3

Benji sleeps with one eye open — not really, but close enough. His person breathes slow and steady in the dark above him, safe for now. That's what matters. That's what he's here for. He's small, yes, but his teeth are pointy and he's not shy about using them. Every creak, every whisper of wind, every shadow that shifts — he tracks it all. A shape moves near the entrance. Benji's head snaps up. Someone is creeping toward his person, toward the wheel of yellow cheese sitting on the ground nearby. The stranger reaches out. Benji doesn't wait. He launches forward, barking sharp and loud, and sinks his teeth into the stranger's hand. The stranger yelps and stumbles back. Benji plants himself between his person and the entrance, growling low. The stranger runs. His person stirs but doesn't wake. Benji settles back down, ears up, watching the dark. The mouse scrambles away into the planter, disappearing among the cacti. Benji's heart pounds but he holds his ground. His person rolls over, murmurs something soft, and goes still again. The cheese sits untouched. The night stays quiet. Benji keeps watch until the sky begins to pale, until he's sure nothing else will come. His person is safe. That's all that counts.