A Little Walk to Escape

It was the same morning, and he had a sunny sight from where he set off for a little walk, his dog trotting faithfully behind him. He had never felt the need to put a leash on the dog, yet wherever he went, the dog always followed. When the two set out, no one remained at home. The house was left just like that empty and open. He began walking toward a small river that passed right beside his house. For a while, he stood and watched the water flowing through the river. Then he asked the dog, “Where does this river begin?” The dog, not understanding his words, gazed at him with unblinking eyes. He resumed walking. After a short while, he picked up the dog and threw it into the river. The dog let out a soft yelp, but the man walked on without a change in expression. His breath was still easy, his heart continued to beat without disturbance. He was as alive as he had always been. A little later, he heard the dog’s whimpering and the sound of pawsteps. He turned once to look back. The dog was panting, drenched completely, and saliva dripped from its mouth. He looked at the dog and continued walking. After walking a bit more, he picked up the dog and threw it into the river again. Once more the dog let out a soft cry and was swept away by the current. The man walked on. Soon, the dog reappeared, following behind him. Once again, he picked it up and threw it into the river. The dog floated away with the current. Lowering his head, he resumed walking. After a little while, he heard the dog’s quiet sobs again. He turned, and the dog looked at him one last time. There was no desire or demand in its eyes, it was only silence that remained. And this time, the dog was walking back toward the house. But before reaching it, the dog turned onto a side path, one that didn’t lead home. Soon, the dog disappears from his sight. And once again, the man continued walking.