Secret friend – part II.

Read the first part of the story here:

"There was only one rule: don’t open the door.”

Taking a deep breath, she slowly turned the handle, just enough to peek inside.

She hesitated, but the room was completely dark and empty. She could barely see anything. Then, suddenly, a loud squeak broke the silence, coming from her feet. Sara quickly looked down, and her eyes met a pair of shiny, black ones staring back at her. She gasped, stumbled back and almost tripped.

"A puppy?" she whispered in disbelief, struggling to catch her breath. But she quickly pulled herself together and knelt down to pet the little creature.

"How did you get in here?" she asked in a soft voice.

"I should be asking you the same," came an unexpected voice from behind. Sara got so scared that she fell backward.

Looking up, she saw her father standing there with his arms crossed.

"Didn’t we tell you not to open the door?"

"I know..." Sara replied quietly, her head hanging low in guilt. But her father didn’t seem angry. His expression softened when he saw the confusion on his daughter’s face.

"This little one here is Sophie, but it looks like you’ve already met her. Your mother and I wanted to surprise you on your birthday..."

"I’m sorry," Sara mumbled.

"It’s okay," her father smiled. "I’m glad it happened this way. At least now, you won’t be lonely anymore."

"And neither will she," Sara chuckled, looking at the puppy.

"Well, what are you waiting for?" her father smiled. "Go get your toys. Just be careful not to wake your mother!"