The Boss Is Dead

Chp: 16 Fido

Another Thursday in this camp, it was about to snow in some days. The wind blew harshly through the thin fabric of tents, creating a sharp whistling sound that had become almost like music when you listened close enough. Sarah yawned and stretched, her muscles were aching from another night on the hard floor. As she sat up, her eyes automatically scanned the room for Fido's familiar shape.

But to her surprise, he was MIA. Now, Fido loves routine about as much as she loves a pedicure, so for him to not be in his usual morning spot was strange indeed. Strange and slightly alarming, like discovering a wrinkle or grey hair (oh, the horror!). Fido was always there when she woke up, eager for his morning walk and breakfast.

"Fido?" She called in a stage whisper, not wanting to disturb the rest of the slumbering campers. No bark or tail-wag greeted her, which was decidedly odd.

Sarah got up and padded barefoot around the room, checking all of Fido's favorite napping spots. But there was no sign of him anywhere. The knot in her stomach tightened.

She hurriedly put on her boots and jacket before going outside to look for Fido. The cool morning air brushed against her face as she walked through the compound, calling out for her missing dog.

Near the vegetable garden, she ran into Diana, Amanda and some other women from the camp, who were gathering some herbs for breakfast.

"Hey guys, have you seen Fido?" Sarah asked anxiously. "He wasn't in his usual spot this morning."

Diana shook her head, her brow furrowing in concern. "No, I haven't seen him since last night when we were all sitting around the fire."

"Me neither," Amanda added. "That's weird. He's usually such a social butterfly...always hanging around where the action is."

Sarah nodded, biting her lip. "I know. That's why I'm worried. It's not like him to wander off."

She continued her search, asking everyone she came across. Ben, Greg, Tom, and Jake all said the same thing - they hadn't seen Fido since the previous evening.

Sarah anxiously waited for Fido to return, growing more worried by the minute. Fido wasn't just a pet; he was family - and for each one of them.

She was about to suggest organizing a search party when a woman's terrified shriek pierced the air. Sarah's heart leapt into her throat as she sprinted towards the sound, praying it wasn't what she was fearing. Though she didn't know exactly what was that fear for but it was real bad.

When she rounded the corner of the storage shed, she saw Julia - showing something- backed up against the wall. Her eyes were wide with fright as she pointed a shaking finger towards the bushes.

She was in horror at what she saw there.

Fido, usually a friendly dog, was acting strangely. Hidden by the foliage, he was snarling and snapping, with foam dripping from his jaws. His eyes were wild and unfocused as he paced back and forth restlessly.

"Fido?" Sarah called hesitantly, her voice quavering. "What's wrong, boy?"

At the sound of her voice, Fido's head whipped around. For a moment, Sarah thought she saw Fido calming down and recognising her. But then he lunged forward with a vicious growl, teeth bared.

Sarah stumbled backward, her mind was in shock and disbelief. This couldn't be happening. Not Fido. Not her sweet, loyal dog.

By now, others had heard the commotion and come running. Ben quickly pulled Julia to safety who was now 6 months pregnant while Jake and Tom moved to flank the animal who was looking crazy.

"What's going on?" Greg asked, his voice high with panic. "Is Fido...is he...infected?"

But dogs don't get the virus right? Who knew at that moment?