“Come on, Bernie,” Jacob muttered, tugging gently on the leash, a flicker of unease prickling at his calm. But before he could lead them home, Bernie bolted. The leash ripped from Jacob’s hands as the dog charged into the forest, his sudden force sending Jacob sprawling to the ground, heart pounding.
“Bernie, stop!” Jacob shouted, scrambling to his feet, but the dog was already a blur of movement, vanishing into the thick undergrowth. The leash trailed behind him, catching on branches as he disappeared deeper into the forest.