She smiles. Not warm. Clinical.
And on the fridge, a sticky note in Cindy’s handwriting: “Smudge happens. — The Housewife” Karen’s phone buzzes. HOA notification: “Anonymous tip: off-leash dog sighted. Fine: $500.” She smiles
Today ends.
Reginald wags his tail. He launches .
“Apology accepted. But remember, Reginald…” She folds the curtain into a perfect square. “I know where you sleep.” She smiles
Karen sips Chardonnay on her deck, scrolling real estate listings. She hears a thump. She smiles
Reginald is back. But he is different . His paws are clean. His fur is immaculate. And trailing behind him—a single, perfect, artery-spray streak of red liquid across her white outdoor rug.