The boy vanished from the yard, and eight years later, his father looked under the neighbor’s doghouse and went pale…

As they began eating, Thomas decided to bring up Michael’s new pet. “So, I saw you got a German Shepherd today. How’s she settling in?” Michael’s fork paused halfway to his mouth, and Thomas noticed a slight tension in his posture.

“She’s fine. Still adjusting to the new place.” “That was a quick trip to the breeder,” Thomas remarked casually.

“I saw you heading there when I was coming back from the store, right after you said you were meeting friends.” Michael’s eyes darted nervously. “Sorry about that.

My schedule got unpredictable. A friend canceled last minute, and I was so excited about getting a dog, I just went to the kennel.” Thomas nodded, sipping his wine.

“I was surprised they wrapped it up so fast. When I was breeding, the paperwork alone took time.” Michael shifted in his seat.

“Actually, I’d ordered her a couple of days ago. Just went to pick her up.” The explanation sounded plausible enough, but Thomas couldn’t shake the memory of that morning.

Michael had said he hadn’t decided whether he wanted a puppy or a medium-sized dog. And something about Michael’s demeanor now—the way he avoided direct eye contact, the slight tremor in his hand as he reached for his glass—hinted at unease deeper than mere social awkwardness. Emily, sensing the growing tension, gently changed the subject.

“Michael, Thomas mentioned you lost your wife and son ten years ago. We’re so sorry. We know how hard it is to lose family.”

Michael’s expression softened slightly. “Yeah, it’s been tough living alone all these years.” “We know that pain,” Emily said quietly.

“After Caleb disappeared.” She didn’t finish the thought. Michael suddenly grew visibly agitated, his gaze flicking to the window, where snow now fell heavily.

“Sorry,” he interrupted. “I need to check on the dog. The snow’s getting worse, and she might be scared from the move.”

He stood abruptly. “I’m afraid I left her outside in the crate and forgot to bring her in before coming here.” Thomas glanced out the window at the intensifying snowfall.

“Yeah, you’re right. The wind’s picking up too. Want help bringing her in?” “No, no,” Michael said quickly, almost panicked by the offer.

“She’s a German Shepherd, she might get spooked by strangers. Even I’m still getting used to her. I’ll handle it and be back when I’m done.”

Emily rose from her chair. “Of course, make sure your dog’s safe. We’re right across the street.

No rush to come back if she needs your attention.” Michael nodded gratefully and headed for the door, forgetting his coat on the rack in his haste. After he left, Thomas and Emily returned to the table.

His sudden departure left an awkward pause in the evening. “That was weird,” Thomas remarked. Emily shrugged, refilling their wine glasses.

“He’s worried about his pet. That’s understandable.” “Maybe,” Thomas said reluctantly.

As they continued dinner, Emily sighed softly. “Thomas, imagine if I were gone too. And you had to go to work and manage the house alone.”

“Michael’s been handling that on his own for ten years. He must be a responsible guy to care so much about his new dog. He deserves some happiness.”

Time passed, and Michael didn’t return. The pie Emily baked sat untouched on the counter, and the dining room grew quiet, punctuated only by the occasional clink of cutlery. “It’s fine if he doesn’t come back,” Emily said finally.

“The dog’s new, maybe it’s tough to settle her.” She started clearing the table but stopped, noticing Michael’s coat still hanging by the door. “Oh, he forgot his coat.

It’s freezing out there.” Thomas stood. “I’ll take it to him.”

Emily nodded, continuing to clear dishes, as Thomas grabbed Michael’s coat and his own before stepping into the snowy night. Snow crunched under his boots as he crossed the street, the cold air stinging his face. Snowflakes swirled around, illuminated by streetlights like tiny falling stars.

Michael’s house was dark, except for a faint glow from what Thomas assumed was the kitchen at the back. He approached the front door and knocked firmly, holding Michael’s folded coat over his arm. After waiting nearly a minute with no response, he knocked again, louder.

Nothing. Thomas frowned, checking his watch. It had been over half an hour since Michael left their house.

It shouldn’t take that long to bring a dog inside, even if it was restless. As he stood, debating what to do, a distinct bark came from the backyard. The dog was still outside in this weather.

Concern outweighed hesitation, and Thomas headed to the side of the house, calling out as he went, “Michael, it’s Thomas. You okay? I brought your coat.” The backyard was partially lit by the kitchen window’s glow…