8.A Lost Puppy

The closer he gets, the more urgent the cries become, filled with distress that unsettles him. Though his trained ear tries to identify the species making these sounds, the noise remains strangely unfamiliar. His eyes scan the vegetation, searching for any movement or hint of fur. Suddenly, he spots a small dark silhouette curled under a fallen tree trunk.
Addison holds his breath as he realizes he has found the source of the cries. From where he stands, the animal looks like a tiny black puppy. It visibly trembles, its fur tangled and covered in dirt. Despite his experience, Addison feels a strong urge to rush to the creature and comfort it. But he knows even a small, seemingly harmless animal can become dangerous when frightened.
Addison crouches slowly, lowering his height to appear less threatening. He begins murmuring softly, using his voice to try to calm the animal. As he inches closer, his mind races: is this truly a lost puppy? Or could it be something else, something entirely unexpected? He knows the answer to this question will determine his next move.