Diane had already followed the unfamiliar dog farther than she ever expected when the animal finally stopped in front of a small house.
The dog turned toward her, then looked at the young man standing nearby.
It was almost as though the animal believed its job was finished.
Diane was holding a photograph connected to her late son, Caleb.
She looked at the young man.
“Where did you get that picture?”
His expression changed immediately.
He looked at Diane, then at the dog.
“You knew Caleb?”
The question felt almost impossible.
Diane answered quietly.
“I’m his mother.”
The young man went completely still.
Then the dog walked past him and entered the house.
“You’d better come inside.”
Diane hesitated.
She had no idea who this man was.
She had no idea why Caleb’s photograph was in his possession.
And she certainly had no idea why a strange dog had appeared at her son’s memorial bench that morning, stared at her for several minutes, and then walked away as though expecting her to follow.
