[EXT. DIRT ROAD – EARLY MORNING]
A tiny brown puppy, barely old enough to walk straight, stumbles down a dusty path. His nose is to the ground, sniffing every leaf, every footprint.
His ears twitch at every sound.
His mother is gone.
He doesn’t know where.
But he’s trying — heart full of hope and paws full of blisters.
[EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD STREET – LATER]
Cars whiz by. People pass without noticing. The puppy stops near a bench, shivering, too tired to walk any farther. He curls up, trying not to cry.
That’s when she sees him.
SOPHIE (12, kind-hearted, carrying a backpack) walks over slowly, kneels beside him.
SOPHIE (gently):
Where’s your mama, little guy?
He looks up at her. Big, round eyes. No bark. Just a silent plea.
[INT. SOPHIE’S HOME – EVENING]
Wrapped in a blanket, belly full for the first time in days, the puppy sleeps in Sophie’s lap. Her parents watch from the doorway, smiling softly.
SOPHIE (whispering):
I don’t know where your mom is…
But if you want, I can be your person now.
The puppy lets out a tiny sigh and nuzzles closer.
