The Waiting Game

At the forest's edge, a small cottage stood, shrouded in the

morning mist. Inside, old Elias waited patiently, his tired eyes

scanning the empty road. From the woods, a cautious, muddy dog appeared,

its gaze fixed. Elias noticed the dog, slowly setting his cane aside,

and offered a hand. The dog hesitated, a moment of tension in the

quiet morning air. Then, with a small step and twitching ears,

it moved forward.