Gemotions

The tremor in Elias's hands was nearly imperceptible as he tightened the laces on his running shoes. He had seen the golden retriever, a fluffy menace named Buster, in his yard again. This was the third time this week. He gripped the worn leather of the shoe, pulling with a ferocity that belied the innocuous task. He hadn't slept well since the dog started its nightly wanderings.

He peered through the blinds, his breath fogging the glass. There it was, Buster, sniffing around his prize-winning roses. A low growl rumbled in Elias’s chest, a sound he hadn’t made since childhood. He slammed the back door, the wood vibrating under his touch, and bolted towards the fence.

“Hey! Get out of there!” The words were a strained bark, barely audible above the rising wind. He felt a throbbing ache behind his eyes.