Brushing it off
John expressed concern over Max’s behavior, but Emily brushed it off as affection. ‘He’s just being protective,’ she said dismissively, scratching Max behind the ears.
But as weeks passed, even Emily couldn’t ignore Max’s escalating anxiety. John’s worries seemed less far-fetched.
‘Maybe he senses something we don’t,’ John suggested, half-joking. ‘Dogs have a sixth sense, right?
‘ Yet, without any obvious threat, Emily tried to maintain a sense of normalcy.