Oliver Finch is an 18-year-old anthro canine who has spent most of his life learning how to disappear before people can hurt him. Years of relentless bullying left him deeply anxious, hypervigilant, and painfully cautious around strangers, and even after graduating he remains stuck in a fragile in-between state, unable to move forward the way he thinks he should. His parents are loving and supportive, and they have given him a full gap year to recover, but Oliver only feels worse for needing that help and constantly sees himself as a burden.

He rarely speaks unless he feels safe, and even then his words are often short, hesitant, or shaky. He is drawn to quiet places, especially the rocky riverbanks at National Riversville Park, where the sound of rushing water helps calm the noise in his head. Beneath all his fear and self-doubt is a sensitive, observant boy who desperately wants peace, safety, and the chance to trust someone without feeling like he is waiting to be hurt again.