Dog

By Aaron Abilene

A man intentionally runs over a dog killing it. He forgets about it until months later the dog shows up and starts terrorizing his entire family.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aaron Abilene
• Release date: Jul 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223576938

Book preview

Dog

Aaron Abilene

Published by Aaron Abilene, 2023.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

DOG

First edition. July 10, 2023.

Copyright © 2023 Aaron Abilene.

ISBN: 979-8223576938

Written by Aaron Abilene.

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Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

Also By Aaron Abilene

Dog

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Also By Aaron Abilene

Dog

Written by Aaron Abilene

––––––––

The sun sank low in the sky, casting an eerie orange glow over the small suburban town of Millfield, Ohio. Rows of neatly manicured lawns lined the streets, dotted with white picket fences and children's bicycles. It was the kind of picturesque town that seemed to exist only in postcards or Norman Rockwell paintings.

Milt Hargrove stood on his front porch, sipping a cup of lukewarm coffee as he watched the last rays of sunlight fade behind the tree-lined horizon. A middle-aged man with a stocky build and a receding hairline, Milt was a cautious and introverted individual who found comfort in the predictable patterns of life in Millfield.

Another day, another dollar, he mumbled to himself, taking a deep breath of the crisp autumn air. He found solace in the familiar routine of waking up early, going to work at the accounting firm, and coming home to his wife and children. It was a simple life, but one that suited him just fine.

Hey, Dad! a voice called from inside the house, snapping Milt out of his reverie. Are we going to have dinner soon? I'm starving!

Coming, Toby, Milt replied, stepping back into the cozy warmth of his home. The fragrant aroma of roasted chicken and vegetables filled the air, a testament to his wife Daphne's culinary skills.

As he made his way to the kitchen, Milt couldn't help but feel a faint undercurrent of unease. It wasn't anything specific, just a general sense that something was lurking just beyond the edges of his carefully ordered world. He attributed this feeling to the traumatic experience he had in his childhood, which left him with a deep-rooted fear of the unknown.

Hey, honey, Milt said softly as he entered the kitchen, doing his best to put on a brave face for his family. Smells delicious.

Thanks, Daphne replied with a warm smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners. I figured we could all use a nice, home-cooked meal after the day we've had.

Speaking of which, Milt said, glancing around the kitchen, where's Bella?

Out back, Daphne answered, stirring the pot of steaming mashed potatoes on the stove. She's collecting insects for her science project.

Right. Milt nodded, feeling a small twinge of guilt that he hadn't been more involved in his daughter's life. He knew that his cautious nature often created a barrier between him and his children, but he couldn't seem to help it.

Everything okay? Daphne asked, eyeing Milt with concern. She knew him well enough to sense when something was bothering him.

Milt hesitated before responding, unsure if he should voice his fears. Finally, he decided to share them with his wife. It's just... this town, our life here, it all seems so perfect. I can't shake the feeling that something's going to come along and shatter it all.

Daphne placed a comforting hand on Milt's arm, her expression softening. I know you're scared, Milt. But we can't let fear control our lives. We have to live in the present and enjoy the time we have with our kids.

Milt smiled weakly, grateful for his wife's understanding. As they sat down to dinner that evening, he resolved to try harder to connect with his children and embrace the unknown, even if it frightened him. For now, at least, their little corner of Millfield remained a sanctuary from the darkness beyond.

––––––––

The sun had sunk below the horizon, casting the small suburban town of Millfield in a gloomy semi-darkness. Streetlights flickered on one by one, their amber glow illuminating the quiet streets that housed families who were now settling in for the night. Milt Hargrove glanced out the window and shivered involuntarily; the encroaching darkness always brought with it a sense of unease, a reminder of the traumatic event from his childhood that haunted him still.

Is dinner almost ready? Milt called to his wife, Daphne, trying to shake off the unsettling feeling. Daphne was an art teacher at the Millfield Community Center, a local haven where children and adults alike could learn painting and drawing under her patient guidance. Her passion for creativity often spilled over into their home, filling it with vibrant colors and inventive décor.

Almost, Daphne replied cheerfully from the kitchen, her voice a soothing balm to Milt's nerves. Why don't you round up the kids?

Sure thing, Milt agreed, heading towards the stairs. As he climbed them, he heard the familiar sounds of his two children immersed in their respective hobbies. Toby, their sixteen-year-old son, was hunched over his computer, his fingers tapping away as he coded his latest virtual reality game. The faint hum of his gaming console betrayed his love for video games, which often kept him isolated in his room for hours on end.

Hey, Toby, Milt said, knocking lightly on the open door. Dinner's almost ready. Time to log off.

Okay, Dad, Toby muttered, his eyes not leaving the screen. He seemed reluctant to tear himself away from his digital world, but he knew better than to defy his father when it came to mealtime.

Milt then made his way down the hall to Bella's room, where his nine-year-old daughter was sprawled on the floor, surrounded by a menagerie of stuffed animals. Her face lit up when she saw her father, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and imagination.

Hi, Daddy! she exclaimed, scrambling to her feet. Look what I found today! She held out a smooth, heart-shaped rock, her latest addition to an ever-growing collection of found treasures. Milt could see the adoration for all things natural in her eyes, a passion that extended to the dogs and cats she often begged her parents to adopt.

Wow, that's a great find, sweetheart, Milt said, forcing a smile despite his lingering anxiety. But it's time for dinner now, so why don't you wash your hands and come downstairs?

Okay, Daddy! Bella chirped before dashing off towards the bathroom, her collection momentarily forgotten.

As Milt descended the stairs, he took a deep breath, trying to focus on the warmth of his family and the safety of their home. He knew his fear of the unknown had a tendency to create barriers between him and his loved ones, but he was determined to push past it, for their sake. With each step he took, he resolved to be more present, more engaged, and more connected to the people who mattered most – his family.

––––––––

Milt entered the living room, where Toby sat cross-legged on the floor, engrossed in a virtual reality game. The soft blue glow from the headset illuminated his face, casting eerie shadows across his features as he moved through the virtual world. Milt could hear faint battle cries and explosions emanating from the device, a reminder of the far-off digital realms that so captivated his son.

Hey, Toby, Milt called out gently, not wanting to startle him. Dinner's ready. Time to pause your game.

Toby let out a sigh, lifting the headset off his head. Alright, Dad. Just give me a sec to save my progress. Milt watched as Toby's fingers danced across the keyboard, expertly inputting code that Milt could barely comprehend. He knew that Toby was part of an online gaming community, where he spent hours discussing strategies, sharing mods, and even creating custom levels for his favorite games like Echoes of Eternity and Warbound Crusaders.

Did you make any progress on that coding project for school today? Milt asked, trying to connect with his son's interests.

Yep, I finished the basic structure for the new app I'm working on, Toby replied without looking up. It's going to be a game that teaches kids about programming languages while they play. Pretty cool, huh?

Very impressive, Milt said with genuine admiration, though he couldn't shake the feeling of being somewhat disconnected from Toby's world.

Meanwhile, Bella sat on the couch, her eyes glued to a nature documentary about African wildlife playing on TV. Her small hands clutched a notebook, where she had been jotting down facts about the animals and sketching out their forms. She dreamed of becoming a veterinarian one day, inspired by the veterinarians she saw on television and her love for all living creatures.

Did you know that elephants can recognize themselves in a mirror? Bella asked, her eyes wide with wonder. And they can mourn their dead, just like people do!

Wow, I didn't know that, Milt said, smiling at his daughter's enthusiasm. You're going to be the smartest veterinarian ever when you grow up.

Thanks, Daddy! Bella beamed, her eyes shining with excitement.

Alright, kids, let's go to the dining table, Milt prompted, noticing Daphne carrying the dishes from the kitchen. As the family gathered around the table, Milt couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and concern for his children's passions. He knew there were challenges ahead, both within their interests and beyond, but he was determined to support them every step of the way.

––––––––

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow through the Hargrove living room window. Milt couldn't help but admire the way the light danced on the canvas Daphne was working on, bringing her painting to life. It was a serene scene of Millfield's nearby park, with children playing and dogs chasing after Frisbees.

Is that the park where we took Bella for her birthday last year? Milt asked as he approached his wife, cautiously peering over her shoulder.

Exactly, Daphne replied with a smile. I wanted to capture that moment, our family together in such a beautiful place.

Milt's heart swelled, though he hesitated to say anything more. His introverted nature often held him back from expressing himself emotionally, even with his own family. Instead, he settled for an appreciative nod.

Mom, can you help me with my art project? Bella called from the dining table, where she had spread out an assortment of colorful craft supplies.

Of course, sweetheart, Daphne said, wiping her paintbrush clean before joining her daughter. Milt watched as Daphne patiently guided Bella through the process, her calm demeanor and creative talents inspiring their young daughter.

Hey, Dad, can I show you this new game I downloaded? It's really cool! Toby shouted from the doorway of his room, headset still around his neck.

Uh, sure, son, Milt replied, trying to mask his discomfort. Video games were never something he understood, and while he didn't want to disappoint his son, he knew he'd struggle to connect with Toby over the topic. He reluctantly followed him into the dimly lit room, the walls adorned with gaming posters and shelves filled with gadgets.

See, you control this character, and you have to solve different puzzles to progress, Toby explained, handing his father the controller. Milt fumbled with the buttons, his fear of the unknown making him all the more uneasy.

Ah, I think I'll leave this to you, Toby, Milt said, handing back the controller. You're much better at these things than I am.

Thanks, Dad, Toby replied, a hint of disappointment in his voice as he took back the controller.

Milt retreated to the living room, feeling a pang of guilt for not being able to connect with his son over his interests. His cautious nature had always made it difficult for him to bond with others, even his own children.

Everything okay, honey? Daphne asked, her concern evident in her eyes.

I'm just... worried that I'm not doing enough for them, Milt admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Hey, Daphne reassured, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. We're both doing our best, and they know we love them. That's what matters.

Despite his fears, Milt couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for his family – for Daphne's unwavering patience, for Bella's boundless curiosity, and even for Toby's passion, even if he didn't quite understand it. They were his world, and he knew deep down that together, they could face whatever challenges life threw their way.

––––––––

The Hargrove family gathered in the living room on a warm Saturday afternoon. Daphne sat cross-legged on the floor, holding a sketchbook and pencil in hand as she sketched out a scene from their recent trip to the zoo. Bella perched beside her mother, gripping a field guide to insects in her tiny hands, her eyes wide with fascination.

Mom, did you know that dragonflies can fly forwards, backwards, and even hover in place? Bella asked, her voice filled with excitement.

Really? That's amazing! Daphne replied, pausing her sketching to admire Bella's enthusiasm for learning.

Toby, however, was nowhere to be found in the living room. The faint tapping of keys echoed from his bedroom, where he was hunched over his computer, his face illuminated by the glow of the screen. His headphones blocked out the world around him as he delved deeper into the online gaming community.

Milt stood near the hallway, hesitating as he tried to muster up the courage to go and talk to Toby. He knew that the constant isolation wasn't healthy for his son, but part of him couldn't help but feel intimidated by the vast technological world Toby had immersed himself in.

Hey, Toby... Milt began, knocking gently on his son's bedroom door. Would you like to join us in the living room? Maybe we could play a board game or something?

Later, Dad, Toby mumbled, not bothering to look up from his screen. I'm in the middle of a game.

Alright, but don't forget about dinner, okay?