Dad Inspects the Tree
Mark decided to take a closer look. He walked out to the tree with a flashlight, examining it from every angle. There was nothing unusual about the old oak—it was the same tree that had stood in their yard for years. The bark was intact, and there were no signs of damage or nests. Yet Max’s barking continued. Mark tapped on the trunk and heard nothing out of the ordinary, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.
Dad Inspects The Tree
Max’s Barking Turns to Whining
Suddenly, Max’s barking turned into a high-pitched whine. He sat down, still staring at the tree, his tail wagging nervously between his legs. Mark had never seen him act this way before. It wasn’t fear, but something close to it. Max whined again, scratching the ground at the base of the tree. The change in his behavior sent a chill up Mark’s spine. Whatever was bothering Max, it wasn’t going to go away on its own.
