A shimmering blue circle opened at the riverbank. The small dog stepped through with a soft pop.
The young boatman called softly, "Mau! Mau!" The small dog froze. A tiny muddy paw print led toward the water.
Pip trotted after the prints. Sniff, sniff, pause. The boatman ran behind, his sandals slapping the sand.
Pip dove into the shallow water. His collar flashed bright gold. The light revealed a small bundle wedged between two roots.
The young boatman gasped and reached in. He pulled out a tiny shivering puppy with a red ribbon.
The boy wrapped the puppy in his cloak. He hugged it tight. Pip sat beside them.
The sky turned pink and orange. The boy patted Pip's head. "Thank you, little friend."
Pip leaned into the touch. He looked toward the shimmering blue circle at the edge of the reeds.