random page (3)

Rows of old, paint-chipped houses lined the street, their lawns dotted with leaves and rusting lawn ornaments. He wandered for what felt like forever, scanning every corner for any sign of movement.

He almost gave up until he spotted a small figure darting across the street. His heart leapt. It was a dog—a tiny, scruffy thing just like the one in the flyer.

“Lucky?” Elliot called, his voice uncertain.

The dog stopped and turned to him, head cocked in curiosity. It was Lucky. The mismatched brown patches, the floppy ears—it had to be. Before Elliot could approach, Lucky bolted down an alley.

“Hey! Wait!” Elliot shouted, sprinting after the dog.