I returned my focus to the dog, whose presence now seemed less random and more purposeful. The poor creature had been standing guard over this message, though by whose command, I couldn’t guess. I crouched down, untying it from the fence and gently rubbing behind its ears, grateful for its inexplicable patience and trust in me.

Questions crowded my mind as I led the dog back to my car. Who had left this message, and why now? What was I supposed to remember? I placed the envelope on the passenger seat and looked at the dog, who had already settled comfortably on the backseat, its eyes closed in a peaceful slumber. It seemed content, as if its task was done, and now the burden rested with me.