Gemotions

The porch light flickered, casting long, distorted shadows across the lawn. Her breath hitched as a dark shape detached itself from the gloom. It was *him*, the neighbor's brute of a dog, Buster, again. A wave of icy dread washed over her, chilling her to the core.

She fumbled with the deadbolt, her fingers clumsy and unresponsive. The dog took a hesitant step forward, a low growl rumbling in its chest. Her heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic drumbeat urging her to flee.

She slammed the door shut, the sound echoing in the sudden silence. Leaning against the wood, she squeezed her eyes shut, imagining the dog's massive frame pressing against the other side. This had to stop, she thought, the thought a small, desperate prayer.