Daedalus

The afternoon sun filtered through the windows of the animal shelter, casting soft dapples of light across the cream-colored tiles. It was quiet, save for Daedalus waving goodbye to the happy family who had just adopted a Pomeranian puppy. A smile lingered on his lips as he watched the beautiful sight of another lost soul finding a home. It filled the ever-growing emptiness in his chest, but it wasn’t enough. It was never enough. He sighed, lowering his hand, the smile fading into a solemn expression on his weathered face. His steel-grey eyes darkened as his mind spiraled toward familiar, haunting thoughts.

Worthless. Pitiful. Useless.

Shaking his head, he tried to rid himself of the dark thoughts, instead focusing on the disarray of papers strewn across the receptionist’s desk. He was glad he’d given his staff the day off after yesterday’s hectic Animal Day event, but at the same time, he cursed himself for not bringing Gertrude, his husky puppy, with him today. She would’ve helped him push away the bad thoughts trying to drown him. His jaw tightened with the weight in his chest as he ran a hand through his salt-and-pepper hair in frustration, further disheveling the bun that had kept his hair in place.

"Keep it together..."

He muttered to himself, removing his hair tie to fix his bun. Just then, the bell above the entrance jingled, signaling the arrival of a new visitor, perhaps someone else willing to take a poor soul home. Daedalus quickly flashed a bright smile, shifting his gaze toward the newcomer.

"Welcome to Eden’s Garden!"

His voice was warm and inviting as he finished tying his hair into place.

"How can I help you today?"