“Let’s have a feast tonight,” roared the Wolf, announcing the sheer elation that chaperoned killing the first deer in Spring.

Spring – when flowers bloom, nature thrives, and when the predators are at their utmost brutal form. 

"Let's add a Dominoes competition to make it a night worth remembering – the lower end of the food chain needs to know who's in charge!" Sneered the Leopard, licking their lustrous coat that glimmered like shooting stars.

“Let’s let this glorious night announce our union as well – the Leopard and the Wolf – a union for generations to remember,” suggested the Leopard. 

The Wolf smile switched to a frown with a ghoulish fear materializing on their face.

Commitments. The Wolf loathed commitments and Leopard knew that. The Leopard has tried to convince the Wolf at numerous occasions, but this was the first time they succeeded.

Isn’t life just about hunting, bedding the right animal, and reveling in the joy? The thoughts crowded the Wolf’s mind. 

And so, the night came. With Domino players from even the farthest of jungles ready to take a gamble and rub off their skill in their challengers’ faces. The foxes served drinks to the animals – mysterious drinks with shades of sunset red cloaking those fidgeting fizz bubbles. The Wolf loved all hues of red.

“Ahm…” The Leopard began. The Wolf knew where this was going. “On this glorious day, we announce-“ 

THUD! 

The Wolf loud fist on the table broke the Leopard's speech. "Wait, wait, my love. Let our guests have their drinks first.” 

“LET'S RAISE A TOAST TO THIS MAGNIFICENT SEASON!" 

Every predator raised their chalices, including the Leopard, as they indulged in their mystifying drinks.

Silence. Pin-drop silence. 

The Wolf stood tall as each one of their guests dropped down to the floor. Falling like haphazard dominos. Poisoned.

Saturated hues of scarlet colored each animal's face as they took their last agonizing breaths. 

The Dominoes game DID play on that night, but it was a very different kind. Where dead bodies fell – one after the other.

The Wolf leaned onto the dying body of the Leopard. "My love, I hate commitments. I had to do that – you were forcing me." The Wolf walked out, smiling at the sky, which was also faintly red. 

The Wolf had won at this Dominoes game.

Moral: Commitments shouldn’t be forced. Get committed only when it feels right.

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