Gemotions

The porch light flickered, casting dancing shadows across the overgrown bushes. The rustle of leaves, then a soft pad, pad, pad. A chill went down Maya’s spine. She was outside to get the mail.

She froze, her fingers numb against the cold metal of the mailbox. The dog emerged from the darkness, its dark eyes gleaming. It was huge. She held her breath, willing herself to become invisible.

The dog sniffed at the ground, then turned its gaze toward her. Her muscles tensed. She willed herself to stand still. She swallowed hard, struggling to keep her breathing steady.