He was alone. In. The. Middle. Of. Nowhere! 

His fingers curled tighter around the camera strap slung over his shoulder. He had been searching for an old cemetery for his latest project, but his stubbornness had led him off the main road. Now, the cold gnawed at his legs, turning his movements stiff. He needed to retrace his steps before—

"Bark!"

His head snapped toward the sound. A scruffy black dog stood at the edge of the road, watching him with bright, alert eyes. Its tail was high, its ears pricked forward—not quite aggressive, but not exactly friendly either.

For a moment, he considered taking a picture. He reached for his camera, but as soon as his fingers brushed the lens, the dog turned sharply and trotted off into the misty fields.

A strange feeling settled in his chest. It hadn't run—it had left with purpose, as if it expected him to follow.

He shivered. Today really wasn’t his day.