Lila had always dreamed of having a pet otter. "Wouldn't it be wonderful to have an otter to play with by the riverbank?" she often mused aloud to the stars, hoping they might carry her wish to some magical place where it could come true.

Determined to make her dream a reality, Lila spent her summer learning everything she could about otters. She scribbled down facts about their habits and needs, her fingers stained with ink and her heart full of hope. "I need to be ready for when I finally get my otter," she told herself every day.

Each coin she collected brought her a step closer to her dream. Children lined up eagerly, their laughter blending with the rustling leaves, as Lila poured lemonade and spoke of her plans. "One day, I'll introduce you to my otter," she promised them with earnest eyes.

At long last, Otis, the otter, was finally hers. He was a bundle of energy, his fur soft and sleek, eyes twinkling with mischief. "Welcome home, Otis," Lila whispered, her voice trembling with joy as he chirped happily in response.

Otis was a natural explorer, diving and splashing, coaxing Lila into the water with playful nips and chirps. "You're faster than I thought!" Lila exclaimed, her clothes drenched but her spirit soaring as they played until the sun dipped low in the sky.

In the quiet moments, Lila realized that her dream had given her more than just a pet—it had given her a friend. "Thank you for being here, Otis," she murmured, and he snuggled closer, his presence a warm comfort against the cool evening air.