Nights at home were always peaceful. We lived in a quiet neighborhood, one where neighbors greeted each other in the morning and children played in the street without fear. Our routine was simple: we ate dinner together, watched a little television, and when we got sleepy, we each retired to our own rooms. My wife…

and I slept in the master bedroom, while our six-year-old son, Emiliano, and one-year-old daughter, Camila, rested in their own rooms.

But that night, everything changed.

It was one of those early mornings when the silence was most profound. Outside, the only sounds I could hear were the distant hum of cars and the chirping of crickets.

My wife slept soundly next to me, and although I tried to sleep, I was exhausted.

Semy, our chocolate Labrador, slept in his own bed, just below the stairs. He has been with us for eight years and is more than just a pet: he is a member of the family. Since he was a puppy, he has won our hearts with his intelligence and gentleness. He is always attentive, always ready to play or be petted.