The paved trail beside the Oregon river was quiet that afternoon. Sunlight filtered through the tall trees while a 23-year-old woman traveled along the path on her electric scooter. Then something suddenly ran in front of her. A Golden Retriever. The woman immediately braked. There was no collision. But the dog didn’t continue across the … Read more
Sunlight filtered through the dense tropical trees surrounding the turquoise lagoon. A waterfall poured between moss-covered cliffs while mist drifted above the rocks. A 25-year-old woman was walking near the shoreline when something unusual caught her attention. Between several wet rocks was a black travel bag. It was soaked. At first, she might have assumed … Read more
Late-afternoon sunlight covered the quiet countryside orchard. Wildflowers moved gently in the breeze beside an old faded-red barn. Two young women were walking nearby when a gray tabby cat suddenly appeared. The cat approached them quickly. Then she stopped directly in front of them. She looked at the women. Then she turned toward an old … Read more
Warm sunlight covered the remote wildlife reserve. Red sandstone rocks surrounded a shallow stream while palm trees moved gently in the breeze. Everything seemed peaceful. Then something struggled near the ground. A small gray-and-white bird had become tangled in a piece of discarded black plastic mesh. One wing was caught. Part of the material had … Read more
Late-afternoon sunlight covered the busy parking lot outside an upscale American shopping mall. A 29-year-old mother slowly made her way between the parked cars. She carried her baby securely against her chest in a cream blanket. With her other hand, she pushed an old beige metal pram. The stroller had clearly seen better days. Its … Read more
Warm afternoon sunlight covered the busy downtown street. Cars moved between intersections while pedestrians passed the storefronts. Beside the sidewalk stood a 72-year-old man. He leaned against his silver walker with a large black trash bag nearby. Then a bright-yellow convertible slowed beside him. Two young men were inside. Without saying anything, they tossed several … Read more
A cold coastal wind swept across the muddy field. Wet grass bent beneath the gray sky while shallow puddles rippled near the shoreline. Then a powerful bald eagle struggled beside an old wooden post. Something was preventing him from leaving. A stiff piece of rusty wire had become tangled around one of his yellow talons … Read more
The summer afternoon seemed completely ordinary. Cars and pickup trucks moved along a quiet two-lane country road while tall dry grass swayed beside the shoulder. Then drivers began noticing a Golden Retriever. The dog stood dangerously close to the white line, barking toward passing vehicles. But he wasn’t trying to cross the road. He kept … Read more
Crystal chandeliers illuminated the elegant dining room. White tablecloths covered the tables while well-dressed customers enjoyed dinner beneath the warm lights. Then an older woman entered. She was 72 years old. Her dark-green coat was modest, and her black shoes showed signs of years of use. Beside her chair sat an equally worn object. A … Read more
Golden sunlight stretched across a dry hillside in Northern California. Dust drifted through the evening air while straw moved gently beside an old wire fence. Then something small struggled near the ground. A spotted bobcat kitten had become tangled inside loose black plastic garden netting. The mesh surrounded its torso and shoulders. Every attempt to … Read more