Drawing beginner

 This is the fifth chapter of the short story I wrote called 'The Three-Legged Dog'. Please enjoy reading it.  “Cooper! No!" Jake's scream echoed through the stream. Just as RECTface calculatedly hid himself, it was none other than Cooper who burst through the backyard door. The neglected and forgotten old friend stood between Jake and the alligator without a moment's hesitation.  ​“"Woof! Woof! Woof!" Cooper, his usual gentle demeanor gone, bared his sharp teeth and barked. As if to warn Jake not to touch him, he stood fiercely in front of the alligator's massive snout, his fur standing on end. While Cooper was buying time, his father, who had heard the screams and rushed out, shouted in shock at the sight before him. "Jake! Back off!" The alligator had no intention of letting its prey slip away. Its yellow eyes flashed, and with a flash of lightning, it opened its mouth and pounced on Cooper, who had been blocking its path. ...

 This is the fourth chapter of the short story I wrote called 'The Three-Legged Dog'. Please enjoy reading it.  The humid Florida heat seeped through the brush around the creek. Jake sat down on a blanket in a shady spot near the creek beyond the backyard. Rectface stood erect beside him, as usual. "RECTface, explain to me the difference between solids and liquids you learned about in school."  Jake asked, biting into a freshly delivered slice of pepperoni pizza. The robot's eyes flashed yellow and gave an immediate answer. "Matter exists in three states: solid, liquid, and gas, depending on temperature and pressure. The biggest difference between solids and liquids is the way the molecules are arranged and whether they change shape accordingly."  The robot's explanations were more precise than a textbook, and free of any unnecessary details. Jake nodded, sipping his cola. Cooper would have simply sniffed the pizza, drooled, or interrupted,...

 This is the third chapter of the short story I wrote called 'The Three-Legged Dog'. Please enjoy reading it.  As time went on, RECTface’s efficiency completely took over Jake's daily life. Unlike Cooper, the robot didn't make a mess of his room or climb onto his bed with its muddy feet. Most importantly, Jake was incredibly attracted to the fact that he didn't need to be fed, brushed, or have his poop cleaned every morning.  ​""RECTface, bring my homework bag." "Okay, Jake. I'll bring it in ten seconds." The robot carried out its commands without a single error. Jake had become accustomed to leaning against its cold metal arm, reading a book, or listening to its analysis of game strategies. The robot's occasional wry joke or cold tone still irritated him, but the drug of convenience quickly overcame his discomfort. "Cooper, get out of here! I'm watching a movie with a robot."  Cooper, who was wagging his tail...

 This is the second chapter of the short story I wrote called 'The Three-Legged Dog'. Please enjoy reading it.  On a peaceful Sunday afternoon, a truck loaded with a huge box pulled up to Jake's house. His father, with a particularly excited expression, opened the front door and welcomed his visitor. "Come on, Jake! Come say hello. He’s your best friend, and he'll be your friend from now on."  ​What slowly walked out of the box was a humanoid robot with a sleek, silver-white body. On its chest was a name tag that read 'RECTFACE,' and on the screen in front of its face, yellow, smiling eyes appeared.  ​"Hi, Jake. I'm RECTface, your learning and safety assistant."  A hard, mechanical sound echoed through the yard. Jake touched the robot's arm, curious, but Cooper, who was nearby, reacted differently. Uncharacteristically, Cooper tucked his tail between his legs and growled softly. The metallic smell he instinctively sensed seeme...

This is the first chapter of the short story I wrote called 'The Three-Legged Dog'. Please enjoy reading it.  Florida afternoons were always filled with sunshine, as rich and sweet as orange juice. As the humid breeze tickled Jake's nose, he was convinced this was the best place in the world to live. "Cooper! Come here!"  At Jake's shout, Cooper, who had been rolling around on the backyard lawn, suddenly raised his head. It was Cooper, Jake's family's treasure and troublemaker. True to his name, Cooper wagged his tail and ran towards Jake.  Jake's house was a place that exuded the leisurely charm of Florida. A wide, palm-lined driveway stretched out in front, and neighbors' cars passed by, gently greeting each other. Conversely, behind the house was a completely different world. A clear stream flowed between lush mangroves. It was a natural treasure trove, where, if you were lucky, you might spot tiny turtles or waterfowl. Occasionally...

Did you work hard on something today? If you put in the effort, you will surely achieve good results. However, this man seems to want a different outcome.  Hey friend! There's still a month left until the match. Take it easy. Isn't it hard?  puck You work hard too. The sweat you shed today will return as tomorrow's glory.  It's okay. Never mind that...  . . . . I hope the doll I bought today comes back tomorrow as my girlfriend.  When the energy you pour out today doesn't immediately translate into visible results, you might wonder if you are on the right path. However, the time you spend today does not simply vanish; it becomes a solid foundation that will sustain you tomorrow. Growth occurs not as a smooth straight line, but in the form of stairs. Even if you feel like you are stuck in a plateau for a while, once enough energy is accumulated to reach a critical point during that time, you will experience rapid growth at some point. The effor...

 'What is the reason for hiking? After all, we're just coming back down...' Have you ever had thoughts like this? Are you perhaps thinking this right now? We hike for various reasons. Some do it for their health, others to see the magnificent scenery, some because they enjoy the fresh air, others because they like the company of others, and some for a spirit of challenge... Whatever the reason, hiking is difficult. You get out of breath, thirsty, your legs give out, and you hurt your knees... Although there are many such difficulties, learning to endure and overcome them seems to be one of the important reasons for hiking.  We will encounter many difficulties throughout our lives, and we shouldn't give up immediately every time. Learning patience and perseverance seems to be a key reason for hiking. How about climbing a nearby hill today? What is the reason for hiking? After all, we're just coming back down...