Page 7 of There's No Place Like Oz

“You really are Toto.” She said into my shoulder, nuzzling me there. I could feel the slight dampness of her tears as she wiped them on my tunic.

“Yes.” I confirmed while I held her.

“You’re warm like him, and you’re soft like him, and you have the same energy as him. I can sense his heart and soul in you.” She started the list in a way that made me think it was more for herself than for me. “I’m so glad you’re okay.” She wrapped her arms around me too now, and she squeezed the muscles of my back. “If you had gotten hurt, I don’t know what I would have done.”

“I feel the same about you, Dorothy.” I relaxed completely, feeling fortunate she’d accepted me in earnest. “Now let’s figure out how to get out of here and get back to Kansas.”

I let her go, and she stumbled backwards a few steps. I could see the way her eyes were combing my entire being, trying to understand and memorize my new form. She took a deep breath and started over. “Yes. Let’s figure out how to go home.”

Chapter 5

Once the initial shock of it all had worn off, I was grateful to be here with Toto. No matter what happened in this wild place, at least I knew for sure that he was someone on my side. If I could count on nothing else, I could certainly count on that.

But now that his identity had been established, we really did need to figure out how to get out of here. If they thought I was some sort of sorceress and they planned to… uh… use my blood to feed their crops, I didn’t know how good my chances of survival were.

As I came down from my panic, I took a moment to search for possible escapes. I’d tried the door already, and it was locked tight, while there were no windows to break, dirt to tunnel through, or broken stones to pull away. Chances were likely we would be imprisoned in this small room until they’d decided what to do with us. Fortunately, the fireplace provided plenty of light to what was otherwise a drab, simple, and rather small place that felt even more cramped now that there were two of us.

I should have started calculating some elaborate plan, but as the high and adrenaline of shock had started to wane, I realized exactly how emotionally and physically exhausted I was. I wouldn’t be coming up with anything tonight, and sleep might do my more good than relentless fear and stress.

The bed was far too small for either of us to sleep in though, and I would feel guilty taking the rug, since Toto was much larger than I was. At best, maybe I could manage the bed if I stayed in fetal position all night. Not the most appealing, and the blanket itself wasn’t even big enough to cover my legs, but I didn’t have many alternatives.

Toto—ahem,Tobiasfrowned as he watched my internal debate, easily read by the way my face was darting back and forth between the bed and the rug. His attractive brow furrowed again. It was still such a strange concept to me that my little Scotty dog was now a six foot one, tall, dark, and handsome stranger.

“Take what you can of the bed. I’ll sleep on the floor.” He said with a gentle nod. “The fire should be plenty for me to keep warm.”

“Oh, no, that wouldn’t be fair. I can’t—”

He didn’t even wait for me to finish my protests before he positioned himself on the floor at the foot of the tiny bed. He used his arm as a pillow, and he settled in to the rug. It was a strange sight. I had to keep reminding myself he was used to being a dog, and this new body was probably just as confusing for him as it was for me.

So I listened, and I climbed onto the little bed, and I scrunched myself up as small as I could, pressing my knees tightly against my chest, and hugging them there so I wouldn’t accidentally sprawl out over the edge and kick him in the head.

I closed my eyes and we both did our best to get some rest.

… Yet, even in all the turmoil and strife of the day, it was still difficult to fall asleep. I was beyond exhausted, but my mind was utterly restless.

I opened my eyes again and stared at the wall for several moments, accepting the futility of rest. I had no clue what was to become of me when the morning came, and I my anxiety wouldn’t let me forget it.

But it wasn’t just that. Even though I’d been single for so long, I just…

I wasn’t used to sleeping alone.

“It’s weird trying to sleep without the warmth of my little Toto teddy bear.” I spoke cautiously through tentative desperation. Though he was human now, I still kind of wanted that warmth. He was still my best boy deep down, regardless of his new body, and… I needed Toto. I hadn’t gotten him as a service dog because I’d simply wanted to take him everywhere. His support was the difference between my ability to function in my day to day versus being an emotional wreck. “I-I mean, it would probably be awkward now but—”

Before I could say another word, Tobias was at my side and hoisting me into a princess hold. Then he laid me down on the floor with him and held me tight against his body, wrapping me in the full length of his warmth like he was a cocoon around a tiny little caterpillar. My eyes widened at the sensation of firm pecs and well-built abs behind me, while I was cradled between some very powerful biceps.

“I’ll always keep you safe, Dorothy. Taking care of your mental health will never be awkward.” He whispered gently into my hair. His low, calm voice made me shiver. But having his soothing body heat was everything I needed in that moment. I should have been too embarrassed to sleep, but I really did feel safe with Tobias.

The gentle crackle of the fireplace was like a peaceful lullaby, and the rise and fall of his chest was like a mother rocking her baby to sleep. I was out in a near instant under the most restful comfort.

The next morning, we woke to see a platter in our room, slipped in while we’d both been resting, I presumed. It was a breakfast of meat and eggs and veggies that were tinged with a purple hue. Even if someone had been there to explain, I wasn’t going to ask what kind of animal they came from. I likely wouldn’t have heard of it anyway.

My stomach grumbled, but I didn’t trust the food before me. Tobias, however, was quick to indulge. He picked up his portion and dug right in with his fingers, shoveling potato-like chunks into his mouth.

“It’s actually really good.” He said enthusiastically.

“Aren’t you worried it could be poisoned or drugged?” I asked with a frown.

Tobias shook his head. “No. I would smell it if it was.”

---