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In a sunny park clearing, Skyler stands among tall oak trees, green eyes wet, reaching toward a fluttering yellow butterfly overhead. Kota presses against her leg, ears perked, while Laika watches alertly beside a wooden bench.
Skyler chased a butterfly at the park. Her blonde hair bounced as she ran. Kota and Laika followed close behind. "Pretty butterfly!" Skyler giggled. She ran and ran. When she stopped, Aunty SaSa was gone. The trees looked different. Skyler's green eyes filled with tears. "SaSa?" she called. Kota pressed against her side. His big brown eyes were gentle. Laika stood tall, her amber eyes watching. "Home?" Skyler asked the dogs. Kota barked softly. They would help her.
On a dappled afternoon path beside the park’s tall stone fountain, Laika sniffs the ground at the lead, tail high. Behind her, Skyler grips Kota’s thick black fur, gazing hopefully at the familiar water spraying into sunlight.
Laika sniffed the ground with her silver nose. Her ears stood up straight. "This way," she seemed to say. Kota walked beside Skyler, keeping her safe. His big black body was warm and soft. Skyler held onto his fur. "Good doggies," she whispered. They walked down a twisty path. Birds sang in the trees. Skyler felt less scared now. "We find SaSa?" she asked. Kota's tail wagged. Laika led them past the big fountain. Skyler remembered the fountain! They were going the right way.
At a fork in the sunny park path, Skyler stands close to seated Kota while a friendly jogger in bright running gear kneels beside them, smartphone held up to call for help. Wooden benches and blooming bushes frame the moment.
A jogger stopped running. "Are you lost, little one?" she asked kindly. Skyler nodded. "Want SaSa." The jogger smiled at the protective dogs. "These are good friends you have." She pulled out her phone. "Let's call for help." Kota sat right next to Skyler. Laika circled them, watching everything. Soon a park ranger came. "We got a call about a lost girl," he said. "Aunty SaSa is looking for you!" Skyler clapped her hands. "SaSa!" The ranger led them to the park entrance.
At the park entrance under warm late-afternoon light, SaSa kneels to embrace smiling Skyler, their silhouettes framed by the gate. Kota sits at SaSa’s side enjoying her head pat, while Laika leans in for an ear scratch.
"Skyler!" Aunty SaSa ran to them with open arms. She hugged Skyler tight. "Oh, my sweet girl!" Tears ran down SaSa's face. "I was so worried!" She patted Kota's big head. "Good boy, Kota." She scratched Laika behind her ears. "Good girl, Laika. You kept her safe." Skyler smiled big. "Doggies helped!" SaSa hugged all three. "My brave protectors," she said. They walked home together. Skyler held SaSa's hand. Kota and Laika walked proud beside them. Safe. Together. Home.