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, an alligator would appear...

​“Good! Cooper. You're in great shape today, aren't you?" 

Jake tossed an old tennis ball high into the air. Cooper leaped into the air and snatched it with unerring accuracy. He landed on the soft grass, his hips swaying, and Cooper landed in front of Jake.

 

Florida was warm year-round. Jake could roll around in the yard with Cooper in shorts year-round. The natural environment was so well preserved that unknown birds sang beyond the fence, and the air always smelled fresh and green.

“Okay, let’s go again!” 

Jake swung his arm again. The ball flew in a parabolic arc toward the bushes near the stream behind the house. Cooper barked excitedly and sprinted toward the bushes. Jake laughed and chased after Cooper. 

the three-legged dog - Jake's best friend(1/6)