Gemotions

The sound of clanging metal jolted him awake. David sat up, his heart hammering in his chest. He'd been dreaming of silence. He stumbled to the window, the image of his yard filling him with a familiar dread.

Buddy, the canine menace, was at it again, this time trying to squeeze under the gate. David sighed, his shoulders slumping. He felt like his bones were made of lead. He needed to rest, to recharge.

He didn't bother getting dressed; he grabbed his slippers and trudged outside, ready to begin the ritual of returning the dog.