Ella, a curious seven-year-old with bouncing curls, kneels in the grass, her hands already sticky with strawberry juice. Her younger brother, Max, is sprawled beside her, grinning as he tries to balance a strawberry atop his nose. Their shaggy golden retriever, Biscuit, wags his tail nearby, eyes round and hopeful.
"Ella, watch this! I bet I can eat a strawberry without using my hands,"
"No way, Max! You'll just squish it all over your face,"
Max attempts his strawberry trick, only to have the berry slip from his nose and roll straight to Biscuit. The dog snatches it up, tail wagging furiously, and the children erupt into laughter.
"Biscuit! That was supposed to be mine,"
"Woof! Woof!" (Biscuit gives a playful bark, circling them with excitement.)
Ella offers a strawberry to Max, holding it out with a smile.
"Here, you take the biggest one. You earned it after that silly trick,"
"Thanks, Ella. But let's give Biscuit one too. He did all the work!"
Biscuit sits expectantly, tongue lolling, as they each give him a small piece.
Biscuit[/@ch_3] rests his head on Max's lap.]
"Do you think there are strawberry planets up there, where dogs and people can eat berries all day?"
"Maybe! And on those planets, the grass is made of candy, and the rivers are strawberry juice,"
"Woof!" (Biscuit thumps his tail in approval.)
Ella picks up the last strawberry, splits it in half, and hands a piece to Max.
"Last one. Let's share. Best day ever?"
"Best day ever," he agrees, his smile as bright as the setting sun.
Biscuit lets out a sleepy sigh, and Ella gently pats his head.
"Tomorrow, let's pick even more strawberries,"
"And maybe make a pie!"
"Woof!" (Biscuit lifts his head, ready for new adventures.)
