After unexpectedly coming home to find a “Dear John” letter from his girlfriend, Daniel feels the calling for a fresh start—packing all his belongings in the car and taking a road trip out west hoping to rediscover what is essential to life.

When his car breaks down in the mountains of Wyoming, he walks for several miles in search of assistance. After stopping at the first home he passes, he meets an old hunting guide and dog trainer named Kurt, who generously welcomes him in and offers to let him stay until the mechanic shop reopens after the weekend.

This feel-good, sweet and cozy short story is a philosophical fiction about the wisdom imparted from an older man to a younger one. In their conversations, Kurt offers mentorship and life lessons to Daniel that change the trajectory of Daniel’s life.

This is a story about mentorship, friendship, regret, second chances, meaning, and Daniel going on to find love and knowing how to hold onto it.

“The False Treeing Hound” is a short story written by three-time award-winning indie author G. Edward Martin. This short story is one of twelve original stories from Martin’s debut work “13 Acorns- Modern Short Stories for Thoughtful Adults.”

Additionally, this short story is one of Martin’s personal favorites.

Opening line: "This is the story of the unexpected mentor who redirected my life in a single day"