Leonard sat on his favorite cushion, his big brown eyes fixed on the racetrack outside. He imagined crowds cheering, the finish line ribbon snapping in the breeze, and the golden trophy gleaming in the sun.
"This year, I'm going to win," he whispered, tail giving a hopeful wag.
Leonard joined the others, heart pounding with excitement but paws trembling just a little. He tried to mimic the confident strides of the bigger dogs, but his short legs stumbled more than once.
Bella, a wise old sheepdog and race veteran, padded over for a gentle chat.
"Nervous, little one?"
Leonard felt his courage begin to melt away. The other dogs towered above him, muscles rippling and eyes fierce. He shrank back, wishing he could hide behind the starting cone.
"What if I come in last?" he thought, ears drooping.
"Winning isn't just about being first," she murmured.
"It's about running with all your heart. Everyone here was scared their first time. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and remember why you wanted to race."
Leonard closed his eyes, recalling his dream of crossing the finish line, feeling brave and proud.
Leonard stumbled at first, but memories of Bella’s words pushed him onward. He jumped over a stick, zigzagged around a puddle, and darted past a surprised greyhound. He didn’t look back, focusing only on the finish line.
Leonard didn’t win first place, but he finished with his head held high. Bella greeted him with a proud smile and a wag of her tail.
"You were braver than you think, little Leonard,"
Leonard looked around, heart swelling with joy. He realized he’d won something even more important than a trophy—he’d found his courage.
