Mochi was a small, scruffy puppy with big, hopeful eyes. He’d been wandering the streets of the city for as long as he could remember. Today was his third birthday, and he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sadness.
He spent his mornings scavenging for scraps of food, his afternoons napping in the shade of a nearby building, and his evenings curled up in an abandoned cardboard box. He had no one to play with, no one to cuddle, and no one to wish him a happy birthday.
As the sun began to set, Mochi sat on a curb, watching the people walk by. He yearned for the sight of a friendly face, a wagging tail, or a kind word. He wondered if anyone would remember his special day.
Just as he was about to give up hope, he heard a faint sound. It was the pitter-patter of small paws approaching. A tiny, fluffy kitten emerged from the shadows and sat down beside him.
“Happy birthday, Mochi!” the kitten meowed. “I brought you a gift.”
The kitten handed Mochi a small, dried fish. Mochi’s tail wagged with joy as he took the gift.
“Thank you,” he said gratefully. “This is the best birthday I’ve ever had.”
From that day forward, Mochi and the kitten, whose name was Tofu, were inseparable. They spent their days playing together, sharing their food, and keeping each other company. Mochi’s lonely days were finally over, and he knew that he would never forget his third birthday.
