The Stray Who Guarded the Road

A small girl lived where nature still breathed freely. Outside her house lived a stray dog.

No collar. No name. No home. Just the earth beneath him… and a heart

full of loyalty. Every morning she walked to school, and every morning, the dog stood up.

Not for food. Not for love. But because it was his duty. Even on quiet mornings,

the dog barked at rushing vehicles. Whenever someone crossed too fast, he stepped ahead

and warned them. Once, a man stopped just in time— Saved by a bark

he ignored until that day. The road was dangerous. Vehicles rushed past without care.

People shouted. Some threw stones. The dog didn’t fight. He just barked again… softer.