The Silent Storm Hid the Trace of My Disappearance

My parents moved into a new place, and the front-gate security registered the faces of both dogs, but somehow left out mine, their own son.

I went downstairs to walk the dog and found I couldn't get back in.

I called my mother. Her voice was flat with impatience.

"Aren't the dogs with you? Both of them are in the system. Just pick one up and scan it open."

I hauled the fifty-pound golden retriever up into my arms, and sure enough, the gate opened.

I ranked below the dogs.

Once I was inside, the hurt got the better of me.

"Couldn't you register me too?"