The sun had just begun to peek over the hills when Bibi finally stepped off the dusty road and into the quiet village. Her boots were coated with mud, her shoulders heavy with the weight of her backpack, and her heart even heavier with longing. She had been traveling for weeks—across mountain passes, through crowded cities, and along rivers that shimmered under the moonlight. But now, she was finally home.
Waiting at the edge of the garden, as if sensing her arrival, was a small, scruffy puppy with wide, curious eyes and a wagging tail. His name was Koko, and he had been just a tiny bundle of fur when Bibi left. He had been rescued from a rainstorm by a kind neighbor, then left in Bibi’s care just before her unexpected journey. Since then, he had been staying with Aunt Nala, waiting, growing, and learning to live without the one person who had promised to love him forever.
The moment Bibi saw Koko, her tired face broke into a radiant smile. She dropped her bag, ran toward him, and knelt on the grass. “Koko!” she called, her voice cracking from both exhaustion and joy.
The little puppy leapt forward, his excitement bubbling over in a flurry of happy yips, paw hops, and tail wags. He sniffed her hands, her shirt, her hair—making sure it was really her. Then he licked her face enthusiastically, as if to say, “Where have you been? I missed you so much!”
Bibi hugged him tightly. “I missed you, too,” she whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks. “So, so much.”
For the next few minutes, nothing else mattered. The world paused as Bibi and Koko melted into each other’s presence. The puppy nestled into her arms like a baby, and Bibi gently cradled him, planting soft kisses on his head and stroking his ears. She noticed how much he’d grown in her absence—his legs longer, his fur thicker, his energy fuller. But his eyes still held the same innocence and trust she remembered.
Bibi stood up slowly, holding Koko against her chest. “Let’s get you something nice, huh?” she said.
Inside the little cottage, everything smelled of lavender and wood smoke. Bibi opened the cupboards and began preparing a warm bowl of chicken and rice, just the way Koko liked it. She added a bit of pumpkin and parsley—his favorites. Koko waited patiently by her feet, looking up with sparkling eyes, his tail tapping rhythmically on the floor.
While the food cooled, Bibi carried him to the living room, where a cozy blanket and his favorite toys waited. She lay down beside him and started brushing his fur gently, removing little tangles that had formed during his time away from her. With each stroke of the brush, Koko seemed to sigh with happiness, curling closer and licking her wrist every now and then.
“I’m sorry I was gone for so long,” Bibi murmured as she brushed. “But I thought of you every single day.”
Koko responded by snuggling into her side, as if he already forgave her.
As the day went on, Bibi made sure Koko received all the affection he had missed. She took him for a walk through the orchard, letting him sniff the fresh spring grass and chase butterflies. They sat by the pond, where she tossed pebbles and he tried to catch the ripples. When the sun reached its peak, they rested under the shade of an old fig tree, and Bibi fed him cool water from her hands.
In the afternoon, she brought out a new toy she had bought just for him—a soft plush bone that squeaked when squeezed. Koko’s eyes lit up. He bounced excitedly and pounced on it, shaking it from side to side like a fierce little lion. Bibi laughed and clapped, then joined him on the grass to play tug-of-war.
That evening, Bibi gave Koko a warm bath. He squirmed at first, not quite fond of water, but she sang a soft song and reassured him with loving words. After the bath, she wrapped him in a fluffy towel and rocked him gently, drying him off and whispering sweet nothings into his ears.
Dinner was served with extra care that night. Bibi lit a candle and placed a flower beside his bowl. Koko gobbled his food happily while Bibi sipped tea and watched him, feeling more at peace than she had in weeks.
Later, as the stars began to twinkle in the sky, Bibi and Koko curled up on the bed together. He lay on her chest, his little heartbeat matching hers. She stroked his back and told him stories about her journey—about the mountains, the rivers, the people she met, and how every place reminded her of him. Koko listened with half-closed eyes, his head rising and falling with her breath.
“I promise,” she said, pressing a kiss to his warm forehead, “no more long trips. From now on, it’s me and you.”
Koko gave a soft whine and nuzzled into her, completely content.
As the moon rose higher, Bibi and Koko drifted into sleep, wrapped in each other’s warmth. After many days of separation and longing, they were together again—and the bond between them, once tested by time and distance, now shone stronger than ever.
That night, dreams of joyful reunions, cozy cuddles, and shared adventures filled their slumber.
And in the stillness of their quiet little home, the love between a girl and her puppy glowed brighter than the stars outside.
