illphated
The Guardian of Alamo Street
The rain drummed softly against the roof of the little house on Maple Street. Inside, Bella sat on the couch, her cup of tea warm between her hands, while Shadow, her black Labrador, lay at her feet. His thick fur gleamed with hints of blue and purple in the dim light, his eyes watchful, ears twitching at every creak of the old wooden floors.
Her husband, Mark, was away on a business trip, and while Bella was used to the quiet nights alone, something about this evening felt… off. Shadow must have sensed it, too. He had been more alert than usual, his body tense, his tail still.
Then, a sound—just barely a whisper—came from the back door. Bella’s heart skipped a beat. It wasn’t the wind. It wasn’t the rain. Shadow’s head snapped up. A low growl rumbled deep in his chest.
Bella set her cup down, her breath hitching. “What is it, boy?” she whispered.
Shadow was already moving, silent but swift, his massive frame pressing against her legs protectively. Then, a loud click. The back door. Someone was trying to get in.
A shadow passed the window, barely visible through the rain-streaked glass. A hand fiddled with the lock. Bella’s pulse thundered in her ears.
Before she could react, Shadow launched toward the door, his deep bark booming through the house like a war drum. The sound was enough to freeze whoever was outside. But Shadow didn’t stop there—he clawed at the door, snarling, his powerful body slamming against it.
The intruder hesitated, then bolted. The sound of hurried footsteps splashing through the wet grass faded into the night.
Bella stood frozen, gripping the back of the couch, her breath coming in sharp gasps. Shadow returned to her side, panting, tail wagging slightly as if to say, It’s okay now, Mom. I got this.
She knelt down, wrapping her arms around his thick neck. “Good boy,” she murmured, her voice shaking with gratitude. “My good, brave boy.”
Shadow licked her cheek, his warm, solid presence anchoring her in the moment. As the storm raged outside, she knew she was safe. Because her guardian was here. Because Shadow would always protect her.