Chapter 6 — Reaching for the Handle — Paul Prepares to Open the Storage Area
Paul kept his hand resting lightly on the cold metal handle of the lower cabinet door.
He paused for a fraction of a second before pulling it open.
He glanced back over his shoulder toward his father.
Hold your accusations for just a moment longer, Paul told him quietly.
George crossed his arms tightly across his chest.
The older man remained skeptical, though his posture had grown far more rigid.
He let out a short, skeptical breath through his nose.
He kept his gaze fixed intently on his son’s hand.
Rusty tilted his head and wagged his tail softly from his spot by the refrigerator.
The golden retriever let out a low, contented whine.
Paul tightened his grip around the smooth metal handle.
He slowly pulled the cabinet door open toward himself.
The door swung outward on its hinges with a faint, muted squeak.
The heavy scent of dried meat and kibble rolled out instantly from the darkened shelf space.