Charming story, . The pandemic turned so many things upside down. Evidently pets were adopted in record numbers as people sought to replace the human interaction they were used to with the affection of a cat, dog, pig or cockatiel. Our little friends do give us unconditional love. I like how your story captured the self-examination your character had to undergo to assess his beliefs and open his heart and mind.
RE: The Ink Well Prompt #15: A pleasant company