Anna opened the back door. She held up the bright yellow ball.
Max thumped his tail on the ground — click-clack, click-clack — then zoomed ahead.
They reached the park. Anna wound up and threw the ball as far as she could.
The ball landed in the tall grass with a soft thump. Max dashed after it.
But a blue butterfly drifted past his nose. Max forgot the ball and followed it.
Anna stood alone and called, "Max!" She stomped her shoe — thud, thud — but he didn't come.
Her shoulders sagged. She started walking toward the grass, searching.
Then she heard a wet snuffle. Max burst from the bushes, covered in mud and leaves.
He dropped the ball at her feet and shook himself — fwomp! Grass and dirt flew everywhere. Anna laughed out loud.
Anna carried the soggy ball home. Max walked beside her, slower now, tongue lolling.
At home, Max headed straight for his bed, circled twice, and collapsed.
Anna knelt and rested her hand on his warm, soft fur. Max sighed. His breathing slowed.
