Maybe it could serve as a distraction. A peace offering. Something to shift the dog’s attention long enough for her to act. It wasn’t foolproof, but this is all she could think of right now. She could throw the toy towards the dog and when it was distracted, quickly unloop the harness.
Maya layered herself in her thick winter coat, then pulled on two sets of gloves, one over the other. Her trainers were still by the door. She laced them tightly, knees creaking as she stood. The rabbit went under one arm, the rake in the other. She was ready.
When she stepped outside, it had already started to drizzle. The wind wrapped around her like a warning. Debris skittered across the lawn, and the sky above churned in deep, unsettling colors. The dog’s barking had grown hoarse, but it hadn’t stopped. It barked like it didn’t know how to stop.
Maya moved forward slowly, boots sinking slightly into the grass. “Easy now… gentle,” she called out, her voice barely audible above the wind. The dog twisted against the fence again, glancing at her between bursts of noise. She held the rabbit up, heart racing. “It’s okay,” she whispered. “I’m here to help.”