The following days were stressful. Zoe was often gone, and the house felt quiet and different. George tried to keep things normal, but it was hard. Rex’s constant jumping and nuzzling bothered Zoe, and it was clear to see.. George felt helpless, watching their easy, peaceful life slip away. Unspoken words and questions hung in the air, making everything feel uncertain.
One day, George came home to an empty house. Zoe was gone again, and Rex was alone. The bored dog had torn up a couch cushion. George sighed and got a broom to clean up. “This isn’t us, this isn’t our life,” he muttered to the silent room. Just as he started, his phone rang. He answered, and a low, unfamiliar voice greeted him.