I Hit the Neighbors’ Dog With My Car. What Now?

A young reader asks for advice on confessing.

I am staying with my parents until I go back to college in September. A few days ago, while I was driving home — way below the speed limit! — the neighbors’ dog darted into the street. (It looked like he was chasing something.) I slammed on my brakes and felt a thud. I got out of the car and saw that I had hit the dog. He was dead. I carried him to my neighbors’ house, but no one was home. So, I left him on the doorstep. I was going to write a note, but I chickened out. Now, the neighbors have posted signs around the neighborhood asking if anyone knows what happened. I feel terrible! Is it too late to speak up? ANONYMOUS It’s never too late to do the right thing. (You know that!) I get that you panicked in the moment. By not telling your neighbors, though, you have added needlessly to their anguish. Can you imagine coming home to a beloved pet lying mysteriously dead at your door? Still, I’m glad you wrote. Let’s think of this as the first step in redeeming yourself.