The forest was dense with the smell of pine as Jake and I trudged along the narrow path, Buddy’s leash loosely gripped in my hand.
It was a ritual of sorts, these hikes, a way to escape the humdrum of everyday life, and let Buddy stretch his aging legs.
Today, the air seemed particularly still, the kind of silence that presses into your ears.
Buddy stopped suddenly, nose twitching in the air.
His ears perked up, and before I could react, he bolted off the path.
“Buddy!” I called, my voice bouncing off the trees.
It was unusual for him to dash off like that.
Usually, he was content to meander beside us, sniffing at every leaf and twig.
Jake glanced at me, concern etched on his face.
“I’ll go after him, you stay here,” he said, already moving in the direction Buddy disappeared.
The seconds stretched into minutes, each one tugging at my nerves.
I paced, my footsteps muted by the carpet of pine needles.
In the distance, I heard Jake’s voice, a faint murmur swallowed by the forest.
Then, silence again.
Finally, Jake’s call came through, “Call 911! Hurry!”
My heart lurched, and I fumbled for my phone, my fingers shaking as I dialed.
As I waited for the call to connect, my mind raced with possibilities.
What had Buddy found?
The operator’s voice was calm, steadying.
I relayed the information, trying to keep the panic from my voice.
“An elderly woman,” Jake said when he returned, his face pale.
“Buddy’s staying with her.”
The minutes ticked by with agonizing slowness until the distant wail of sirens grew louder.
The paramedics rushed past, their uniforms bright against the earthy tones of the forest.
We followed as they navigated through the trees, leading us to the spot where Buddy stood vigil.
The woman lay there, frail and still, her breathing shallow.
Buddy didn’t move, his eyes fixed on her, as if willing her to hold on.
The paramedics worked swiftly, their practiced hands checking vital signs, administering oxygen.
It felt surreal, like watching a scene from a movie unfold.
I reached for Jake’s hand, finding comfort in his steady presence.
“I think she’s going to be okay,” one of the paramedics murmured, and relief washed over me in a wave.
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