Leonel kicked the ball across the green yard. Four dogs ran after it — two leaping, one barking, one sniffing near the fence.
The ball rolled behind the shed. The oldest dog followed, bumping gently into pots and boxes.
He called out with small woofs. The other dogs had already run back to Leonel.
Leonel found him and scooped him up. The dog's heart beat fast against his chest.
Leonel set him down and walked slowly toward the house. The dog sniffed his legs as they went.
The dog nudged Leonel's hand with his wet nose.
They reached the back door. Leonel opened it and the dog stepped inside.
Later, they played again. Leonel threw the ball and the dog ran.
The dog found Leonel every time.
His tail thumped the fastest of all. Leonel laughed and threw the ball again.
The ball rolled far. The dog ran after it, nose to the ground.
The dog found him. Leonel picked him up and held him close.