The warmth of the flames painted the room in soft gold. Raymond poured himself a mug of tea, the ache in his back still sharp, but bearable. He lowered himself into his chair and sat in silence. Outside, the storm had passed.
Inside, the old house felt… full again. The pig opened one eye, then rested her chin gently on the creature’s side. The hybrid blinked up at Raymond. He gave a small smile. “You’ll need names,” he said, mostly to himself. And for the first time in years, as the fire crackled and snow melted off the windows, Raymond didn’t feel alone. Not at all.