The Barking Continues Through the Night
Morning came, but Max hadn’t slept. His barking had quieted down to a low growl, but he remained at the base of the tree, watching it with unyielding focus. The Petersons’ neighbors were starting to complain about the noise, and it was becoming a neighborhood issue. Mark was torn between trusting his dog’s instincts and the growing pressure to do something about it. Sarah gave him a look that said it all: they needed to act.
Mark Decides to Cut the Tree Down
After a sleepless night and a day filled with Max’s growling, Mark made the decision. He would cut down the tree. It wasn’t what he wanted, but if it stopped Max’s obsessive behavior, it would be worth it. He borrowed a chainsaw from a neighbor and made a plan to cut it down after lunch. As he prepped the chainsaw, his hands shook slightly, a growing sense of dread filling him, though he couldn’t explain why.
