The driver was moving silently, keeping close to the center of the road. On the passenger seat, an old dog was dozing, its head twitching now and then in sleep. There was a peaceful stillness in the car—the kind that often comes before something unexpected. Outside, the forest loomed dense and quiet, the trees like tall, watchful sentinels flanking the remote country road.
Then, out of nowhere, a car appeared ahead. It was a dull gray sedan, barely cutting through the dim light with its weak headlights. It moved unusually slow for a road so empty. The driver narrowed his eyes, watching as the car crawled forward. Something felt off.
Suddenly, the sedan slowed even more. Then, just as it approached the bend, the back door cracked open. A black garbage bag was tossed out onto the shoulder. The door slammed shut, and the car sped off, gravel flying behind it as it vanished around the corner.
The driver instinctively tensed, hands tightening on the wheel. Beside him, the dog growled softly and raised its head, eyes alert. Whatever just happened had shaken the quiet. The man eased his foot off the gas and pulled over. The bag lay still—too still—just feet away from the tree line. And then… it moved.
Heart racing, he stepped out of the car. The old dog followed, cautious but loyal. The bag was soaked, dirty, and heavy with mystery. He knelt beside it, hesitating. It could’ve been trash. Or something worse. But when he touched it, something inside jerked. Hard. He stumbled back, breathing fast. Then, slowly, he reached for the knot at the top and began to untie it.
What he found inside nearly took his breath away. A tiny, trembling puppy stared back at him—wet, shaking, eyes wide with fear. Its matted fur clung to its fragile frame, and it let out a soft, whimpering cry. The man’s shock turned to sorrow. Gently, he scooped the puppy into his arms. The old dog sniffed it, tail wagging faintly, as if to say, You’re safe now.
Back in the car, the driver wrapped the puppy in an old blanket. As they drove off into the evening, questions filled his mind—about the car, the people inside it, and how anyone could do something so cruel. But one thing was certain: this little creature wouldn’t be alone again. Not on his watch.