Stella and Emma, twin sisters with matching brown ponytails, rush into their room, their faces crumpled with worry. Cheni, a small brown dog with a white patch on his nose, is nowhere to be seen. "Emma, did you see where Cheni went after breakfast?" "No, I thought he was still sleeping on your bed, Stella," replies Emma, her voice trembling.
Stella checks under the kitchen table, her heart pounding. Emma peers behind the living room couch, her hands shaking. "Cheni! Come here, boy!" Their calls echo through the house, but only silence answers.
Emma spots a tiny pawprint near the flowerbed. Stella kneels to inspect a chewed stick, Cheni’s favorite. "Look! He must have been here," whispers Emma, hope flickering in her eyes. "Let’s follow the prints," says Stella, gripping her sister’s hand tightly.
Mrs. Patel[/@ch_4], is out watering her roses, dressed in a bright yellow sweater.]
Mrs. Patel, a kindly woman with wise eyes, notices the twins. "Good morning, girls! Looking for someone?" "Have you seen Cheni? He’s missing," pleads Stella. "I think I saw a little dog running toward the park," Mrs. Patel replies, pointing down the street.
Emma gasps and runs ahead, followed closely by Stella. "Cheni! We found you!" Cheni’s tail wags furiously as he bounds into their arms, licking their faces and barking happily.
Cheni[/@ch_3] curls up at the twins’ feet.]
Stella and Emma stroke Cheni’s fur, giggling. "Let’s never let him out of our sight again," says Emma, her eyes shining with happiness. "Promise," replies Stella, and the three friends settle in, safe and together at last.
