Four years ago, I drove into town for a coffee. I had no idea that drive that should have been about ten minutes would affect my life years later in devastating ways.

It was only a dog. It was almost over the night it happened. I was on my way home when I turned a corner too fast and a german shepherd appeared in front of my car. I couldn’t stop, didn’t react in time to even swerve around the dog. There was screeching tires, a thud, a yelp, and then nothing. I’d never hit a living thing with a car before. My stomach started heating up and I realized I had spilled coffee all over the front of my shirt. I dropped the empty cup on the floor and hesitantly opened my door. I was afraid of what I might see.

The dog was lying motionless on the pavement, save for its eyes darting back and forth, its stomach rigidly rising and falling. I covered my mouth with my hand and saw that blood was slowly pooling around the dog. Nervously running my hand through my hair, I looked up and down the lonely street, but it was late and I didn’t see anyone. Checking the dogs’ collar, there was only a tag for a rabies shot. I couldn’t bring myself to leave the dog on the road, so I carefully picked it up and laid it across the back seat of my car.

In about five minutes I was at the vet’s office, surprised but grateful they were open this late. I carried the dog inside and a man immediately took the dog into the back room. The secretary asked me what happened, eyeing the blood and coffee on my shirt momentarily. I told her how I had accidently hit the dog and added that I only wanted to know if it was going to be alright and for them to notify the owner. I hadn’t been waiting long when the vet came out of the room and said that the dog couldn’t be saved. Guilt surged through me, and he said he would call the dogs’ owner and I should go home. That was all. Naturally I felt awful, but I’m not one who dwells on such things.

That was four years ago, and it was only a blurry memory now. I had other things I was focusing on. I was getting married in just a few days to my girlfriend of three years. I thought it would be the happiest day of my life, but it turned out to be one I wish I could forget.

That day in July was beautiful, as was Jennifer, my wife to be. There was nowhere I would rather be that day than right where I was, surrounded by family, friends, and the love of my life. Everything was perfect. The wedding, the dinner, the reception… all of it was amazing. Some people were dancing and laughing, others were taking pictures and catching up with old friends, but everyone was having a great time. That is, until something horrible happened.

It was late at night, but the reception was still going on. I was about to head outside for a cigarette when I reached in my pocket and found out I had none left. Jennifer said she would walk to the corner store just down the road and buy a pack for me, because she could use a little time away from the crowds. I will always regret that I didn’t go with her. Maybe I could have prevented what happened that night.

She was only gone a few minutes when she screamed. It was a piercing scream, cut short by a dull thud, and I just knew it was her. Terror gripped me, and I dropped the wine glass I was holding. Around me everyone stopped what they were doing and the room went silent, just as my wine glass shattered on the floor. Fearful, I ran outside, yelling Jennifer’s name, and many of the guests followed.

What I saw when I got to the road still haunts my dreams. Jennifer was lying motionless on the pavement, and an image of the german shepherd I had run over years ago flashed briefly in my mind. Her leg was twisted at an odd angle, there were gashes on her face, and blood was pooling around her, staining her wedding dress. My hand flew to my mouth as I stared at her, shocked. Kneeling by her side, I took her hand and saw that she was breathing. Slowly, but she was breathing. In the crowd behind me, a woman was on a cell phone, calling for help.

Looking up from Jennifer, I finally noticed the car that was stopped in front of her. A scruffy man stepped out from the driver’s side and stood casually with his arm on the door of his car. Instead of looking appalled, he looked very pleased. I was furious but stayed where I was. “Why are you smiling?! Look at what you did to my wife!”
He seemed very calm. “Yes, the outcome was rather decent, though I do wish I had been going quite a bit faster. She still seems to be breathing.”
“What…” I was stunned by his words.
“I can see you don’t know who I am. Allow me to explain… four years ago, you ran over a german shepherd and took her to the vet. Later, he called me to say she had passed on. I was devastated… after my family perished in that fire, she was all I had left. I loved that dog and you took her away from me! In that instant, I decided I would have my revenge. I found out your name, and since that night four years ago,
I’ve been waiting… waiting for the perfect time. When I discovered you were finally getting married, I knew that time had come. All I had to do was wait for the bride and step on the gas pedal… now, at last, I can truly rest in peace.”
I could hardly believe what he’d just said. I stared at him, speechless.

As the sirens in the distance grew louder, the man reached into his pocket and took out a gun. The crowd gasped and backed away. The man raised the gun to his own head, and looking at me with an ominous grin, he pulled the trigger.
I guess it didn’t all fit… anyway, what do you think? I kind of don’t like it but maybe that’s just me being my own worst critic or whatever… is there anything I should fix or change? What would you give it like out of 10 stars? Thanks, and please be honest.

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