The taste of blood still lingers in my mouth. It reminds me that I did a good job, that is why we are going on a walk. It is my reward!

 It has been a long while since I and Master had gone for a walk. I have grown since then, in size and in strength. Master, on the other hand, hasn't grown that much. On the contrary, he seems to have gotten smaller. Or maybe I have just gotten bigger. That is probably it. He is still the leader of our pack after all.

 Maybe I have forgotten, as it has been a while, but this walk seems different. First of all, my collar is squeezing my neck more than usual. Perhaps it's because of how short the leash is? Wonder why?

 Master seems unusual as well. I remember our last walk. He usually tried to speak with me, yet I don't really understand most of what he says. Right now he is simply mumbling something to himself. Also, it is already the third smokey stick he has put in his mouth and later dropped on the ground. They smell very bad, but Master likes them, so I don't complain. He knows best, after all.

 He is slightly trembling, and I don't know why. Is he afraid of something?

 Don't worry Master, I'll protect you! Just like before.

The walk feels nice. Looks like we are going into the woods.

Sometimes I like to run after foxes there, but Master usually gets angry, that I have run away. I can't really help it, as the chain is just too short, and when I break free it feels so good. I usually get scolded and beaten because of it. But I understand. Master knows best after all.

 I smell a fox-

 ''Come now! Follow!'' Master pulled my leash, as I went to where the smell was.

I really want to go after it, but I see that Master's winced in pain with that pull. His voice was trembling, but what he said is that I need to go with him. Okay.

 I really do feel bad about his hand. It was my fault.

 Back when I protected our territory from that invader, Master tried to stop me. I don't really understand why. When my teeth sank into the bastard's neck, and he stopped moving, I knew that I had done my job well. He wouldn't come near our pack ever again. But I accidentally mistook Master for another invader and bit into his hand.

 It was my mistake. After I let go, Master put me back on the chain. There was so much screaming, and other trespassers on our territory. I eventually scared them away, as they carried away the one I took care of.

 Surprisingly enough, I wasn't punished for biting Master. If anything, he is taking me for a walk right now. I try to apologize and try to lick it better, but he doesn't let me. Oh well, Master knows best after all.

 Anyway, even on this short leash, this walk is very pleasant. Many smells and many things to see. It has been a while since Master and I have gone on such a long walk. Especially through the woods.

 The last time was when I was still a pup. That was fun! He had a bone and he threw it. I like to run after the things master throws. Especially, because when I bring it back, his big hand embraces my head. That feels nice.

 This time Master has something strange on his shoulder. It looks very big and long. Seems to be made of that hard material my chain is made of. I don't think I could carry that, but if Master thinks I can, I will not let him down.

 He dropped his fifth smelly smoke stick. We have been walking for a while. I try to listen, but there is just so much interesting stuff around, that sometimes I pull the leash. It hurts Master, but he never punishes me. I shouldn't do that...

 Master seems angry now. He can't find any of those sticks anymore. Also, I have noticed, that he doesn't want to walk further- I need to pee!

 Anyway, why is master so unwilling to go further. Is there danger!?

 ''Calm down!'' Oh, okay. That means there is no danger. But why does master smell so unusual. I need to stay on guard! I must protect Master!

 This is a strange place we have arrived in. There is a hole, seems freshly dug, and also one of the things Master uses to dig holes next to it. A very strange place indeed.

 Wonder why is he tying me to a tree?

 ''S-sit!'' Oh! That means I need to sit, right?

Definitely. Master just petted my head, meaning I did good!

 I really do love Master, and I'm sure he loves me. But I actually love everyone in our pack, and I'm sure they love me as well. Even if they all seemed so sad when I and Master left for this walk. But I know, that Master knows best, as strange as he is right now!

 Master seems to struggle with something about that strange thing he brought. It kinda broke open, and he is trying to put something in.

 It dropped, but as much as I wanted to go after it, I still sat, as Master told me. He picked it up himself. Master knows best after all!

OH! He put it back together. Unusual indeed. I can't wait to tell this to the mom of the pack. Master really is the best!

But why does he smell so afraid, so distraught? Maybe I should-

 ''Sit!'' Oh, okay.

''Good boy...'' That was an interesting sound he made. I have never heard his voice make that sound. It was like a tree crack. Truly, what an unusual situation.

 I still feel like something is wrong. I feel on edge. Is the pack okay? If we aren't there, who will protect them. I really want to go back... But Master knows best, right?

 Of course! He loves the whole pack, just like me. And even as he points that strange, long thingy at me, I'm sure he knows best! He is Master after all! How could I doubt him!

 But he still looks strange. The salty water is coming from his eyes, just like the mom of the pack. I wonder why? Is it some sickness? I hope not.

 ''I-I'm sorry...'' I really didn't understand what he said, but that is okay. Master knows best, after all.

 I do wonder about this hollow, long rod Master is pointing at me. The inside seems so-

*BANG...*

...dark.