Under the couch, Teito found the dog sitter's favorite slipper. She gave it a good chew, wagging her whole body. The slipper smelled like home.
She shoved the slipper deep into her toy basket and gave it a big push with her nose. The basket tipped over with a clatter.
The slipper landed on the welcome mat with a soft thud. Teito let out a long whine. She didn't mean to make such a mess.
Her ears flattened against her head. She pressed her nose against the gate latch, pushing and nudging again and again. The latch gave way with a click.
The gate swung wide with a creak. Teito trotted down the path, her nose close to the ground, taking in every smell she could find.
A house with a red door. She sniffed the garden — cat. A house with a blue door. She sniffed the flowers — damp earth.
Then she reached a house with a yellow door. Warm bread floated from the garden, making her tail wag. Teito's ears perked right up.
A girl sat on the green lawn, reading a big book. Teito barked once — a sharp sound that rang out across the quiet yard.
The girl looked up from her pages. She smiled big. 'Hi there, little one!' she said. Teito froze, one paw raised, tail still.
The girl patted her lap with a gentle gesture. Teito jumped up, circled twice, and flopped down into her lap with a long, rumbling sigh.
The girl's fingers traced the curve of Teito's ear. 'You're here,' she whispered, brushing back a soft strand.
Moonlight streamed through the window, making Teito's white fur glow silver in the quiet room. The girl read on, one hand resting gently on Teito's side.