The park is cold. She's probably better off in this weather than he is, but still Dean hadn't had the heart to take Annie with him when he left the apartment, intent on a long, quiet walk to clear his head. He's still feeling guilty about it when he takes the path nearest the trees, but hearing her phantom whimper is a little much, even for man as used to guilt as Dean.

He looks up, eyes widening when they settle on the source of the noise. From here, all he can see is a mountain of dark fur, peaked by two furry ears. His first instinct is to go for his gun, but Dean supposes there's a slim chance this is someone's dog. He clears his throat, wondering if the thing's just lost. "Hey boy."