Atlas, sensing Clara’s escalating anxiety, slowly rose from his place at Liam’s feet. He moved toward Clara, his movements slow and deliberate. Clara froze as the dog approached. Her breath caught, and she recoiled instinctively. The dog’s presence, though calm and non-threatening, seemed to have the opposite effect on her.
Clara’s pulse quickened. “No! Stay away from me!” she yelled, but Atlas didn’t budge. He stood in front of her, looking into her eyes with a calm, steady, and firm patience. For a moment, she seemed to want to shout again. But the dog, in his stillness, was offering something that held her transfixed—quiet, steady reassurance in a moment of panic.