People stream up and down sidewalks, cross back and forth across streets, and swarm in and out of stores, voices ringing out as they search for Christmas gifts. They aren't dissuaded by the biting wind and twenty-five-degree temperature and tramp through the three inches of snow on the ground. Six to ten more are anticipated by morning, along with hail, freezing rain, and black ice. Despite the threat of less-than-optimum weather conditions, happiness infuses the atmosphere. Excitement. Hope. Camaraderie. Parents herd and hustle children along. People enjoy each others' company, and strangers smile at one another, hearts lightened.

However, not every situation is epitomized by sweetness and light. Someone isn't joyful or hopeful, and he certainly isn't happy.

Scanning his surroundings, he takes cautious steps forward, uncertain of the reception he'd receive if he were seen. Some people are kind and welcoming, but he's learned the hard way that others are unpleasant--even vicious--for no reason. Therefore, he keeps his distance despite being tempted by the delicious food smells in the air. Water is all he's had for days, though, so he eventually rummages through the contents of a restaurant trash can, looking for something to eat. The leftovers he finds combine to make a kingly feast, but the restaurant owner, Tim, isn't happy to discover the hungry scavenger in the trash and kicks him. "Beat it, you worthless mutt!" Tim yells, chasing him with a broom.

The mutt in question flees, terrified. Glancing backward at his pursuer, he stumbles into a large hole filled with water. He looks like the Mud Monster from Hell when he emerges, the goop encrusting his body starting to freeze. Still fearing pursuit later, he looks over his shoulder and runs straight into something. He discovers two dogs facing him, one a large, frowning German Shepherd. The other canines introduce themselves, and he reveals his name is Free, but he remains wary. His entire body feels frozen, he aches all over, and now this! Barely able to remain on his feet, he wonders about the other dogs' intentions.

Humans aren't the only ones who feel and dream. Dogs do, too. Free has dreamed of a happy, loving home forever, but his life has been anything but easy. And now he wonders if he's about to die...

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• Literature & FictionShort Stories

• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• Lending: Disabled
• Print Length: 33 Pages
• File Size: 1,687 KB