Ethan's boots splashed through puddles as he hurried behind the apartment complex, breath fogging in the cold night air. He kept calling Coco's name, soft at first, then louder, desperation cracking through every syllable.
"Coco! COCO, boy!"
His voice echoed uselessly between the buildings.
He checked the alley. The parking area. The little patch of grass behind the dumpsters where Coco sometimes sniffed at stray cats. Nothing. Every shadow looked like it might be a small, curled-up dog, until he got close enough to see it was only trash bags or a forgotten box.
After almost an hour of searching, the adrenaline drained out of him. His steps slowed. His throat hurt from calling. His palms were filthy from crouching and checking under cars.
"How could I lose him?" he whispered to the night.
No answer came.
"shit...." he cussed under his breath
