Neighbors Gather to Watch
Word spread through the neighborhood that Mark was going to cut down the tree. By mid-afternoon, a small group of curious neighbors had gathered in the front yard. Some came out of boredom, others because they’d been irritated by Max’s barking. As Mark revved up the chainsaw, he could feel the weight of their stares on him. Max stood near the tree, silent now, but still as alert as ever. His eyes never left the tree.
The Chainsaw Roars to Life
The loud roar of the chainsaw filled the yard, drowning out any remaining chatter from the onlookers. Mark approached the tree cautiously, positioning the chainsaw at the base. Sweat trickled down his forehead as he began the first cut. Each moment felt heavier than the last as if the very air around him was thickening. Max paced back and forth, tense, his ears perked up, as though anticipating something.
