A Summer Hike

The author and his small dog go on a hike near Black Mountain (NC, USA) on a nice day in June of 2004. However, sullen thoughts concerning his crumbling first marriage mar the outing. When he stops to rest a second time, the cruel hand of fate snatches his faithful companion. 

Approximately 1700 words. Largely autobiographical. No sex. No violence (at least not witnessed or expressed). No drugs.