Pippo lines up on the sunny field. He kicks the ball hard. It thuds past the post.
The ball settles among the flowers. Pippo's ears droop low. He watches it quietly.
Pippo tries again. Kick, miss. He tries a third time. Kick, miss.
The ball bonks him on the nose. It bounces toward the fence. Pippo stamps his paw.
Pippo takes a deep breath. He runs up to the ball. He kicks it high.
The ball bounces straight up. It wobbles sideways. It hops right toward the goal.
The ball rolls slowly across the line. It stops against the net. Cheering erupts.
Teammates pile onto him. Everyone shouts his name. The sun shines gold over the field.