Chapter 7 — The Tail Wag of Confession
The golden retriever bounds across the threshold with total confidence.
Its tail wags enthusiastically in a wide, sweeping motion from side to side.
It looks up with bright, innocent eyes as if expecting a treat for coming inside.
Fresh mud drops onto the floor as the animal shakes its wet coat one more time.
The dark brown dirt spatters against the baseboards and the edge of the living room rug.
The dog eagerly walks right back onto the pristine rug, leaving a fresh, undeniable signature of its crime.
Rachel stares down at the dog’s muddy paws as they stand right next to her feet.
She looks from the filthy paws down to the ruined carpet, and then back up at the golden retriever’s happy face.
Benjamin clears his throat quietly, folding his arms as he watches his wife process the undeniable proof.
Rachel opens her mouth to speak, but no words come out.
The golden retriever sits down squarely on the center of the rug, lifting one muddy paw off the ground in a polite, expectant gesture.