Ethan trudged down the familiar path to school, the crisp air nipping at his cheeks. As he rounded the corner, a stray dog caught his eye, its ribs visible beneath matted fur. Ethan knelt down, opening his lunch box, and offered a bacon and sandwich. "Here you go, buddy," he whispered, watching the dog devour the food with gratitude in its eyes.
Ethan couldn't shake the feeling of being followed. He turned and saw the same dog trailing him, its eyes locked onto his. Ethan hesitated for a moment, then smiled, "Alright, you can come with me," he decided, sneaking the dog through the back door into his small backyard. The two played until the sky turned a deep indigo.
Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, Ethan's parents, noticed the extra set of footprints in the backyard mud. Mrs. Thompson gasped, "Ethan, what is this?" Ethan stood by the dog, pleading, "Please, can we keep him? He won't be any trouble, I promise!" After a tense discussion, they agreed to let the dog stay in a house they would build outside, if Ethan took full responsibility.
Ethan watched as the dog ran toward another boy, tail wagging. Confused, he approached, "Is he your dog?" he asked. Jake, the boy, nodded, "I've been looking for him everywhere. I'm so glad he's safe," he replied. Understanding the bond he had formed with the dog, Jake offered, "You can visit him anytime. Here's my address."
Ethan sat quietly amidst the cheerful chaos, his eyes often drifting to the empty dog house outside. Suddenly, the door burst open, and in bounded the familiar dog, followed by Jake holding a small puppy. Mr. Thompson smiled at Ethan's wide eyes, "Happy Birthday, son. Meet your new friend." The room filled with laughter as the puppy tumbled across the floor, and Ethan felt his heart swell with joy.
Ethan sat on the porch, the puppy nestled in his lap, the loyal dog lying contentedly by his feet. "Thank you," he murmured to his parents, who nodded, pleased to see their son so happy. As he looked up at the stars, Ethan knew he was no longer alone, surrounded by the warmth of family and the unwavering loyalty of his new companions.
