Briony crouched down and picked up the packet of fruit chews.
Lucky placed his paw gently on Briony's hand.
She looked at him and asked, “What’s wrong?”
“Woof! Woof!” Lucky barked at her, his voice even more urgent than before.
Little Nina came running over, one hand on her hip and the other yanking at Lucky’s floppy ear. Her cheeks puffed up in anger, making her look just like a little pufferfish.
“Mommy, Lucky’s being bad! I was nice and shared Mr. Ellsworth’s fruit chews with him, but he wouldn’t eat them and tossed them straight in the trash. When I scolded him, he went and tried to steal my whole packet!”
Briony was startled and glanced at Lucky. “Is that true, Little Nina?”
Lucky answered with two more anxious barks, spinning in frantic little circles and pawing at the ground, whining softly. Then he lunged again, trying to grab the fruit chews from Briony’s hand.
“See, Mom! He’s trying to steal them again!” Little Nina stamped her foot, on the verge of tears.
Hearing this, Lucky spun around and barked at Little Nina again, clearly frustrated.
Little Nina was beside herself with outrage. “You’re mean! We’re not friends anymore! I’m never sharing my snacks with you again! Hmph!”
As she spoke, she snatched the packet of fruit chews from her mother’s hand.
But the moment she grabbed them, Lucky lunged and clamped his teeth around the packet—
“Hey!” Little Nina squealed, clutching the candy with both hands, her eyes brimming with tears. “Lucky, you big meanie! Mommy, help me!”
“Lucky! That’s enough, let go—now!” Briony’s voice rang sharp and stern.
But Lucky, who was usually the most obedient dog in the world, just clung stubbornly to the packet, refusing to let go.
Briony frowned. This was so out of character for Lucky. He adored Little Nina and Mario—why would he suddenly make her so upset?
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