Emily picked up a book with a bright cover, her fingers tracing the letters hesitantly. Biscuit nuzzled her hand, encouraging her to begin. "B...a...k...e," she sounded out slowly, glancing at Biscuit for approval.

"I can do this, can't I, Biscuit?" Emily whispered, her voice filled with a mixture of hope and uncertainty. Biscuit thumped his tail, as if to say, "Of course you can!"

"The... d-o-g... dog... ran," Emily read aloud, her voice gaining strength. She beamed at Biscuit, who responded with a gentle bark of encouragement. "We're getting better, Biscuit!"

"Once upon a time," Emily read fluently, her voice clear and steady. She paused, looking at Biscuit with delight. "I did it, Biscuit! I really did it!"

"Thank you, Biscuit," Emily laughed, hugging him tightly. Biscuit wagged his tail furiously, barking in delight as if to say, "I knew you could do it!"

"Tomorrow, we'll read even more," Emily promised, her voice filled with determination. Biscuit snuggled closer, his soft snores a comforting lullaby to Emily's dreams of stories and adventures yet to come.