Gemotions

The metallic tang of blood filled the air. Leo stared at the crimson stain spreading across his freshly-laid concrete path. The dog, a boisterous Labrador, yelped softly, its leg twisted at an unnatural angle. Leo had been mowing, and somehow, the dog had gotten through the fence.

Leo’s legs felt like jelly. He took a few hesitant steps towards the injured animal, his face drained of color. The dog, whimpering now, looked at him with wide, pleading eyes.

He gently, almost reverently, reached out to the dog. He couldn't speak, the words caught in his throat. He just hoped the animal was okay.