Jax laughed along with her. He wished that this moment could last forever, but unfortunately, it had to end. Sweetie, you need to come home. That was all his mother texted him. He imagined that if she were saying it, it would be in an urgent manner. Alarmed, Jax told Aspen, "I've got to go. Family emergency or something." Then he opened the gate to the dog park and walked out, Maxie hot on his tail.
Striding across the road, Jax wondered what was happening now. Besides, his great-uncle who he hadn’t even known existed died last week. Wasn't that enough craziness for a month?
Jax received another text from his mother. Actually, you don't have to come. I'm capable of taking care of it myself. Jax muttered something under his breath but took a U-turn back to the park and sat down on a bench. The chilly wind iced his face.
Jax sat there for a few more minutes, contemplating life. Finally, he got up. Dog and owner marched into the horizon together. Jax saw his mother's car pulling out of the driveway, so he waited until it got on the road and walked across the street and into his house.
