Gemotions

The frantic pounding at my door was becoming a familiar rhythm. I knew, even before I opened it, what I would see. The worried face, the frantic gestures, the inevitable request. Buddy.

"He was just in there, sniffing around!" Mr. Henderson exclaimed, pointing a trembling finger toward my backyard. "I swear!" He sounded genuinely upset.

I stepped outside, squinting. The gate was closed, the latch secure. The grass was undisturbed. I looked at Mr. Henderson, his face flushed, and I felt a strange, cold knot form in my stomach.

"Are you certain?" I managed, my voice barely above a whisper.