The blast sent fur and ferocity flying harmlessly up and over the SUV, just as the recoil sent Chris to the pavement.  He hit his head and lay dazed for a moment, but fear and adrenaline shook him to his senses and willed him to his feet. 

"Aha!!! Got you bitch!" he giggled with wild glee as he surveyed the damage to what he now realized was a Honda CRV.  The windshield was smashed by the force of the dog's body and the hood was littered with its remains.  

"Adios, you exploding pinata ****!"  As he staggered to the other side of the Honda, he tried to come up with a witty acronym for CRV like 'Canine Resistant Vehicle' but nothing came to his mind quick enough to match his desire to see what was left of the dog.  His mind went completely blank as he took the last step and stared at what appeared to be the body of a girl.  He looked around for the dog, but knew there wasn't going to be one.  The girl was all there was.  Blood, muscle, bone, shredded clothing, blond hair, silver hoop earrings - the same ones he gave her for her birthday.  His head swam and the pavement came up to meet him.

The dream began with beautiful thoughts of swimming in crystal blue seas, but too quickly the skies turned gray and the waves coursed over his head.  Shark fins brought him back to consciousness.  He was face down in the rain and his head ached.  Memory returned and he thought for a long second before looking to where she lay.  He gasped.  No body.  He turned on his side to look up at the CRV.  No damage.  His words were almost audible.

"What the hell?"