“It was probably wolves,” Mom said, and turned away, gagging.

I stroked poor Curly’s paw, the only part not matted with blood.

Dad stood behind me, hand on my shoulder. He spoke with his fingers: “Don’t say a word” he squeezed.

There would be more, I realized, my chest hollow.

Dana Mele is a writer and attorney who lives in upstate New York with her husband and toddler. She writes Dead End Darling, an online serial about survival, second chances, and zombies, and her work is forthcoming in 101 Words. In her spare time, she avoids bears.