It was a rainy Thursday afternoon, and Johnny was walking through his neighborhood. It was an affluent area, filled with large, impressive mansions—one of which belonged to his parents.

Johnny was the rugby captain at his school and already a student at the Academy. Everyone who had ever attended the Academy ended up becoming a famous rugby player. But Johnny? He was only 17. Most people didn’t get accepted until they were 21. It was unheard of—and just another reason everyone at school admired him. Especially the girls.

As he strolled down the quiet, rain-slicked street, the leash in his hand tugged slightly. He was walking his black Labrador, Sookie, her glossy coat dampened by the drizzle. She trotted beside him happily, tail wagging with each step.

Then, out of nowhere, another bark cut through the air.

Another dog—a golden retriever—bounded toward them, tail wagging, tongue out. It had no leash, no collar, and no owner in sight. The retriever immediately went up to Sookie, sniffing her curiously, and Sookie, ever friendly, responded in kind.

Johnny slowed his pace, eyes scanning the area for someone—anyone—who might belong to the dog.

But there was no one around.