Chapter 3: Mom’s Decision

 Chapter 3: Mom’s Decision 



Johnny sat at the kitchen table, shifting in his chair as his mom stirred a pot of soup on the stove.

“Mom,” he said, hesitating. “Can we… can we get a dog?”

She turned to face him, surprised. “A dog?”

He nodded quickly, his words rushing out. “There’s this beagle at the pet shop. I saw him today. He’s small, and he looked so happy, and… I don’t know. I just—I think I need a friend.”

His mom’s face softened, and for a moment, she didn’t say anything.

Johnny’s stomach twisted. Maybe he shouldn’t have asked. Maybe she’d say no—

“I didn’t know you were thinking about getting a pet,” she said gently.

“I wasn’t. Not really,” he admitted. “But when I saw him, it just felt… right.”

His mother exhaled, stepping closer and brushing his hair back like she used to when he was younger.

“Taking care of a dog is a big responsibility, Johnny,” she said.

“I know,” he said quickly. “I’ll do all of it. I promise.”

She studied his face for a long moment.

She had seen the way he withdrew, how he avoided making friends, how he hid behind video games and music. She had tried to help in so many ways, but nothing seemed to reach him.

Maybe this dog could.

“Okay,” she said finally.

Johnny blinked. “Okay?”

She smiled. “Let’s go see him tomorrow. If it feels right, we’ll make a plan.”

Johnny’s breath caught in his throat. He hadn’t expected her to agree so easily.

“Really?”

“Really,” she said. “But you better be ready for some responsibility, mister.”

A wide grin broke across Johnny’s face, and for the first time in a long time, excitement bubbled in his chest.

Tomorrow, he would see the beagle again.

And maybe—just maybe—his life was about to change.


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