Toby's Secret

Toby, my birthday dog from age 8. My family always watched us,

their eyes always on him. One night, abnormal howling. Toby looked so

different. Mom grabbed me, warning, 'Stay in your room!'

Years later, after he passed, I realized. The vet said Toby was two,

but we had him for ten years. Ajax confessed: Toby was Marimbo,

Dad's friend. Dad owed money, panicked, and called the police.

Marimbo vowed payback. Toby's ice eyes, his build, his 'singing' all mirrored Marimbo.

Uncanny. My family was protecting me. Without their constant watch,