The barking was echoing through my skull; the low growl ringing in my ears in between the bellowing howls. I sprang up in the bed forgetting where I was. My eyes adjusted to the moonlight from the window. I ignored the sleeping girl next to me and slithered out of the bed.

I searched my clothes out on the hardwood floor and dressed quickly. Slowly and quietly I walked to the window and looked down the peaceful block tucked away in the Hamptons. There were a few mansion-sized houses on the street and many trees in between them.

Seeking out the source of the barking, I glanced up and down the block. The cold glass of the window pressed against my body as I leaned closer.

Stupid stray dog.

The barking had sounded as if it was right next to my ear. The sound was familiar and I couldn’t figure out why.

Growing up, I never had pets and I was not an animal person by any means. There was only one dog I had ever liked and she had passed away over fifteen years ago. I began to wonder if the girl I went home with had a massive dog; an extremely protective dog who didn’t like me in her bed. Fearful of my possible revelation and also cowardly, I left the house quickly. The dog was merely a deranged excuse to ditch the girl before she awoke. I didn’t leave a note or my number. I doubt she caught my name and if she did, she probably didn’t remember it. Damned if I knew her name…