Stanley's mind went blank. He stumbled back, his hand shaking as he held the phone.

"He he he he..." I laughed as I looked at his disbelief, wanting to cry but feeling like my tears had already run dry.

He put down the phone, eyes wide with shock, and rushed over to grab me. "Is it true? Bonnie... is really dead?!"

I just smiled at him, not saying a word.

Suddenly, he remembered the dog feces and looked over at it. The rain had washed away any trace of ashes.

He dropped to his knees, staring at the now-clean spot where the ashes had been, as if struck by lightning....