#puppers!!!

he’s leaning against a tree,   enjoying the soft summer breeze.    it’s been a quiet few years but at least he isn’t lonely:   leon cracks a smile,   watching the pup chase after a butterfly.   must be nice,   being oblivious to the end of the world.   ‘     come on boy,    ‘   he calls after a while,   patting the retriever on the back as he blasts past him and hops happily onto the porch.   ‘    hot from all that running,   huh  ?   let’s get you some water.    ‘    the screen door squeaks as he pulls it open but leon lets it close with a slam,   whipping back around as his dog begins to bark   —   swiftly,   he picks up the rifle leaning against the railing and lines up the shot.   he won’t hesitate,   not again,   and his fingers tremble against the trigger…   until it becomes obvious this person isn’t a corpse.   stitch is jumping at the girl,   wagging his tail,   and she isn’t tearing him to pieces.   the gun is lowered but he keeps it with him as he steps off of the porch and makes the trip down the long driveway.     ‘    down,   bud.   you know better than that.    ‘     leon nods at the girl,   looking her over for cuts and wounds.     ‘    sorry about him.   not used to seeing people.    ‘