Jeremy was just about to settle into bed when the doorbell rang, cutting through the evening quiet. He sighed, feeling the ache in his joints as he shuffled to the door. Standing there was the little girl from next door, her breath misting in the frigid air.
“Mr. Rogers, there’s a dog in your backyard,” she said, her voice edged with worry. “It’s been there since morning, and I’m afraid it’s going to freeze.” Jeremy blinked. A dog? In his yard? He hadn’t heard a single sound all day, but the girl’s fear was unmistakable.