Once Upon a Story of Us
"Ms. Walsh, I heard it's your birthday today. I hope you don't mind me showing up uninvited?"
At her cue, someone led in a small, snow-white puppy. "Its name is Elmo. Isn't it adorable?"
As the fluffy puppy bounced toward her, Evelyn instinctively stepped back, bumping into a table.
Her face went pale, and a wave of fear and panic surged in her eyes.
"Take it away," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "I don't like dogs."