I grab the leash from its hook and swing it over my shoulder.
I listen as my socks pad through the rooms of our house and
into the hall by the door. I pull on my boots and tighten a
scarf around my neck.
I call our dog, Buddy, and fasten his harness. Buddy wags
his tail, whipping it in the air. I fumble with his leash clip and
hook it onto the harness. My fingers unlatch the door and
Buddy’s nose nudges it open.
We step out of the cosy warmth and into the frosty
morning. I see my hot breath blowing in a puffy cloud. Buddy
drags me toward his favourite track. We veer off the main
path and through the crunchy, dead leaves from the forgotten
summer. I spot a worthy prize for Buddy. I almost let go of the
leash as I lunge for the stick before Buddy can grab it.
Looking at my watch, I realise it is time to head home.
I throw the small, knobbly stick back the way we came. Buddy
scurries along with me in tow as we re-enter the main street.
“Look, Buddy! It’s Mum!” I exclaim as Mum pokes her head
through the front window. Sure enough, Buddy lunges towards
our house. Happily, we step back into the warmth.
