• I yawned as I turned the key in the lock to the store. The brown painted room was a mess as usual. I swept up the floor a little until I noticed something strange on the floor. Mud...and footprints! My heart started to race. 'Did someone break in last night?' I thought franticly. I calmed myself down and breathed slowly.
    I examined the tracks more closely. They looked more like... paw prints. 'An animal?' I thought. I looked around a little longer and found nothing. I sighed and went back to work. Suddenly, I heard a small bark. I looked behind the counter in the front of the shop and found the criminal.
    A small black dog with green eyes was sitting on the floor, his foot caught in the paints cupboard. I smiled at the little dog and set his foot free.
    I pet the dog on it's head as it had a look of...embaressment. I giggled and scooped the puppy in my arms. "Hey there little guy. What's your name?" I asked him. He stared blankly at me and barked once. I nuzzled his nose and held him to me like a little baby. "I think I'll call you Zeke." I said, putting once again on the floor. He barked twice and wagged his tail a little. "I'm glad you like the name too."

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    After a few hours at the shop, Elly finally came in with her boyfriend, Luzola. "Zel! I'm so sorry I'm late again. I was having breakfast with Luzu." she giggled. Her long red hair was tied back in a wild ponytail and her gray eyes were smiling, like usual. She was wearing a black ski cap, a brown plad skirt with black leggings, a tan turtleneck sweater, and Uggs. Typical Elly.
    Her boyfiend Luzola was wearing all black. His short brown hair slicked back with so much hair gel it was shining and his dark brown eyes were smirking evilly. I wasn't getting good vibes from that guy. I knew today, the minute he stepped into the shop this morning, something bad was going to happen.

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    Another few hours went by smoothly. Nothing bad happened so far, in fact, we had alot of customers come in today. I was almost too tired to move now. But, I had to keep my guard up, because now, it was just me, Luzola, and Zeke in the shop left.
    "Come again. Hey Zelni, can you look after the shop for a moment? I have to go get some more stock from Becker's place." said Elly, already rushing out of the shop without my permisson. I rolled my eyes and sunk behind the counter next to a sleeping Zeke. He looked so cute with his little wagging tail and perky little ears. I picked him up and sat him in my lap, stroking his head gently.
    Suddenly, Zeke jumped up and started barking like mad. "What is it boy?" I asked, standing up. I saw that there was a wall of fire blocking me off from the door. Through the heating flames, I could see the devious smile of Luzola.
    "Catch you in hell, Zelni." he cackled. I glowered at him and looked for a way out of the flames. I looked all around me and there was no way out...I was trapped! I ducked behind the counter and held Zeke close to me. I felt hot streams of tears down my face already evaporating into the air. I held onto Zeke tighter and cried harder, feeling the heat getting more intense.
    Just then, Zeke squrimned his way out of my arms and jumped into the fire. "Zeke!" I called after him, but I was too late. Zeke was gone, and I was next. I stopped crying, and realized, finally it was my time. The time I've waited for since I was young. But then, I saw feet in front of me and looked up.
    There before me was a handsome guy, about my age looking, with long black hair that flew into his green eyes stood there in a black long coat, black pants, and a black shirt. He grabbed both my arms and quickly threw his arm across my back and held me to him. He suddenly darted through the fires and out of the building into the crowd of people who were watching, just as the fire department got here.
    "Are you alright Zelni?" asked the stranger man's voice. I looked up into his eyes and nodded out of breath. He nodded once back and started to leave into the crowd.
    "Wait! How did you know my name?" I shouted after him. He glanced back at me and smirked.
    "Let's just say a little black dog told me."