A faint cry was heard in the bitter wind.
(Creak)… rustle of wood in a wicker basket
Through the relentless veil of falling snow, the dim silhouette of an old man appeared and vanished between the dark trunks of the forest. His clothes were worn and ragged, fluttering weakly against the winter storm as he trudged forward.
Before him moved the steady footprints of a great dog.
The animal walked with purpose, its thick fur dusted white by the snow. Now and then it turned its head, as if to make certain the frail figure behind it still followed.
At last, through the forest gloom, there emerged a crooked cabin—an old structure of weather-beaten timber that looked as though a single violent kick might bring the whole thing tumbling down.
(bark! bark!)
"Wait a moment, Argo," the old man muttered with a weary smile.
"One careless step… and I may crumble before the house does."
The great dog approached the fragile dwelling and gently nudged the door open, as though the ruin before him were the most precious shelter in the world.
Step by step, the old man followed.
One step.
Then another.
( thud )
Suddenly his strength failed him. The bundle of firewood slipped from his grasp, scattering across the cold wooden floor as he collapsed.
Argo rushed to his side at once, nudging the old man upright with careful persistence. Then, one by one, the dog carried the fallen logs and placed them into the fireplace, where the faint promise of warmth awaited.
The old man gave a quiet, breathless chuckle.
"Forgive me, Argo," he said softly.
"Your master is drawing close to the sky… or perhaps the earth."
He paused, gazing faintly toward the dim ceiling.
"Remember this, my friend… if ever the day comes when I vanish, you must scatter Maya's ashes upon the mountain she loved most."
He turned his tired eyes toward the dog.
"You remember it… don't you?"
(bark)
Argo barked once—firm, understanding.
With the dog's help, the old man slowly made his way toward the narrow bed whose once-white sheets had long since faded into grey.
He lowered himself upon it with great care.
"Good night, Argo."
(soft bark)
The great dog curled upon his own bed beside the hearth, its blanket as white as the falling snow beyond the window.
Outside, the winter storm whispered against the cabin walls.
Inside, Argo's watchful eyes slowly began to fade into sleep.