The Guardian at the Fence

The scent of charcoal smoke drifted through the backyard on what was supposed to be a quiet afternoon. Mark stood by the grill, keeping an eye on the sizzling food, while his young son played in the dirt near the weathered wooden fence.

“Get off him!” Mark roared, his face contorted in terror as he raised the weapon, ready to strike the animal with everything he had to save his boy.