The golden afternoon sun glowed softly over the small yard, turning the grass into a warm carpet of gold and green. The gentle breeze carried the smell of blooming flowers, and from the porch came the cheerful laughter of two little ones — Kevin and Sumi. They were inseparable friends, both young, full of energy, and endlessly curious. But today, their attention was completely taken by one furry friend — their loyal dog, Lala.
Lala was a gentle golden retriever, big enough to look intimidating from afar, but her heart was nothing but pure love. Her fluffy coat shone in the sunlight as she wagged her tail, always ready for fun. The two children adored her. Whenever Lala barked playfully or rolled on the ground, they giggled and rushed to her side.
That day, Kevin and Sumi decided that Lala needed some “special hugs.” They had just finished their snacks and were full of energy. Kevin, the more mischievous one, ran to Lala and wrapped his tiny arms around her neck. “Lala! You’re so soft!” he squealed. Sumi, not wanting to be left behind, came running and threw herself gently onto Lala’s back. “Me too! Me too!” she shouted, laughing with delight.
At first, Lala looked a little confused. She tilted her head, her ears twitching, as if asking, What are you two doing now? But when Kevin began to stroke her fur and Sumi started to giggle against her back, Lala relaxed. She wagged her tail even more, turning her head slightly to lick Kevin’s cheek.
“Ah! Lala kissed me!” Kevin laughed, wiping his face but smiling wide. Sumi, seeing that, pouted playfully. “Lala! Kiss me too!” she demanded. As if understanding her, Lala turned her big head and gave Sumi a gentle lick on the cheek. The girl screamed with laughter, falling backward onto the grass while Kevin burst out laughing beside her.
The two kids couldn’t get enough. They climbed back up, hugging the dog again and again. Lala patiently sat still, letting them cling to her like two little monkeys hanging from a tree. The moment was filled with warmth and joy — three innocent souls playing in a world that belonged only to them.
But soon, their play got a little more adventurous. Kevin had an idea. “Let’s ride Lala like a horse!” he said with a grin. Sumi gasped. “Can we?” she asked, unsure. Lala looked up at them curiously, her tail still wagging. “Just for fun!” Kevin said. He gently placed one leg over Lala’s back, sitting up straight like a proud little cowboy.
“Yee-haw!” he shouted, pretending to hold reins in his hands. Sumi clapped her hands and laughed so hard she could barely stand. But before she could join, Lala slowly stood up, making Kevin wobble. “Whoa!” he cried, holding onto her neck. Lala didn’t run — she just took a few slow steps, as if to test her balance. Kevin giggled and patted her. “Good girl, Lala! You’re the best horse ever!”
Sumi finally climbed on behind him, wrapping her arms around Kevin’s waist. The two kids sat on Lala’s back, clinging tightly, giggling with excitement. Lala seemed to understand they were having fun, so she walked gently around the yard, her golden fur glimmering under the sun.
From the porch, their mom looked on with a smile. “Be gentle with Lala, kids!” she called. Kevin shouted back, “We are, Mom! She’s our best friend!”
They continued their little adventure for a while — Lala walking gracefully as the two children clung to her, laughing with every small bump or wobble. Sometimes, Lala would stop and look back as if to check, Are you two okay? And they would answer by hugging her tighter.
After a while, the game turned into a rest. Lala lay down under the shade of the big mango tree, panting softly. Kevin and Sumi followed her lead and cuddled close to her sides. Her warm body made them feel safe, like a giant pillow of love.
“Lala,” Kevin whispered, resting his head on her belly, “you’re the best dog in the whole world.”
Sumi nodded, her little hand stroking Lala’s fur. “I wish she could talk,” she said softly. “Then she would tell us she loves us too.”
Kevin smiled. “She doesn’t need to talk. Look, she’s smiling.” And indeed, Lala’s mouth was slightly open, her tongue hanging out as she breathed peacefully — the kind of expression only a happy dog has.
The peaceful moment stretched on. Birds chirped from the trees, and a butterfly fluttered close to them, landing briefly on Sumi’s hair before flying off again. The world felt simple and magical, the kind of happiness that doesn’t need any words.
After a few quiet minutes, Sumi suddenly said, “Do you think Lala ever gets lonely when we go to school?”
Kevin thought for a moment. “Maybe a little. But Mom said dogs have big hearts. They always wait for the people they love.”
Sumi frowned slightly, hugging Lala tighter. “Then I’ll hug her extra today so she won’t miss me tomorrow.”
Lala turned her head and gently nudged Sumi’s face with her nose, as if saying, I understand.
As the sun began to dip lower, the yard filled with a soft golden glow. The kids were getting sleepy from the afternoon warmth. Kevin yawned and stretched, lying flat on the grass beside Lala. Sumi leaned against Lala’s back, her eyelids growing heavy.
The gentle dog stayed still, watching over her two little humans like a guardian. Her tail moved slowly, brushing the ground back and forth. It was her way of saying, I’m here. You’re safe with me.
When their mother came out again, she smiled at the sight — the two children sleeping peacefully beside the dog, their hands still clutching her fur. She quietly took her phone and snapped a photo, wanting to keep that memory forever.
“Good girl, Lala,” she whispered, patting the dog’s head. Lala looked up at her with calm eyes, then lay her head back down, closing her eyes as well.
Evening came, and the sound of crickets replaced the chirping birds. The sun had set, but the warmth of that moment lingered — a picture of friendship, innocence, and trust.
From that day on, whenever Kevin and Sumi came home from school, the first thing they did was run to Lala. She would bark happily, her tail wagging wildly, and the two kids would cling to her again, laughing and shouting her name. It became their little ritual — their way of saying, We missed you, and we love you.
Lala might not have understood every word, but she felt it. She knew that those two little humans were her world — just as much as she was theirs.
And every hug, every giggle, and every afternoon spent together reminded them all of one simple truth: sometimes, love doesn’t need to speak — it only needs to be felt.
That was how Kevin and Sumi clung to the dog — not just with their arms, but with their hearts. ❤️🐶
