Buddy rang the doorbell
Nicole couldn’t contain her amusement as she swung the door open to find Buddy, the neighborhood’s friendly dog, who usually showered everyone with affection, standing there without his usual enthusiastic greetings. It was an unexpected moment that brought a lightness to her day, despite Buddy’s uncharacteristic reserve.
Buddy’s sudden dash into his owner’s garden seemed unremarkable at the moment, prompting Nicole to simply return indoors, dismissing the dog’s behavior as typical. It was only later that she would come to regret not following up immediately, realizing that this oversight was a critical error in what was unfolding next door.