"Get it off!" Jesse screamed as the beast's salivating maw inched closer to his face.
Its hot breath fogged up his vision, and for a brief moment, Jesse was certain he was about to be mauled to death.
Then—
Slurp.
The creature opened its mouth wide… and licked him straight across the face.
"Huh?" Jesse blinked, stunned, as the animal licked him repeatedly, its tail wagging furiously above him.
It wasn't a monster.
Jesse sighed, embarrassed of himself. 'It's just a dog.'
Suddenly, a girl came racing to the door, skidding to a halt at the entrance.
"There you are, you silly dog! I — d-dad?" Her eyes widened in surprise.
Mr. Hernandez grinned and spread his arms wide. "Mija, ven aquí."
Jesse, still awkwardly pinned under the dog, watched as she sprinted toward her father and threw herself into his arms.
"Why... How are you here?" she asked, her voice brimming with joy. "Mom said your assignment was postponed and you wouldn't be back for two weeks."
