Lily furrowed her brow as she stared at the letters on the page, the words refusing to make sense. Her faithful dog, Rufus, lay beside her, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Woof!" he barked, nudging the book with his nose. Lily sighed, "I wish I could read this, Rufus. It looks so interesting."

Lily knelt down, her eyes wide with excitement. Rufus wagged his tail enthusiastically, "Woof!" he barked again, as if encouraging her to explore further. [@ch_1]Lily[/@ch_1_d]"What is it, boy? Do you want me to read these?"[/@ch_1_d]

Lily stumbled over the syllables, "C-a-t... cat!" she exclaimed, her face lighting up with realization. Rufus barked approvingly, his tail thumping against the ground.

[@ch_1]Lily[/@ch_1_d]"I think I'm getting the hang of this, Rufus!"[/@ch_1_d] she laughed, patting his head affectionately. [@ch_2]Rufus[/@ch_2_d]"Woof!"[/@ch_2_d] he barked softly, his eyes full of pride.

"Once upon a time..." Lily began, her voice steady and clear. Rufus closed his eyes, lulled by the rhythm of her words, knowing he had accomplished his mission.

Lily[/@ch_1_d]"Thank you, Rufus. I couldn't have done it without you,"[/@ch_1_d] she said, hugging him tightly. [@ch_2]Rufus barked joyfully, ready for the next adventure, his heart full of love and loyalty.