[EXT. EMPTY STREET – EARLY MORNING]
The sun rises over a quiet town, casting long shadows on the pavement.
A small puppy, no more than a few weeks old, walks unsteadily down the sidewalk. His fur is dusty, his belly empty, and his eyes—wide with confusion.
Every sound makes his ears perk up.
Every face he sees, he hopes is hers.
PUPPY (soft whimper):
Mama?
He sniffs the air, nose twitching. He follows the scent of old food… then a familiar smell. His tail wags—maybe it’s her!
He runs to a doorway.
But it’s just a stranger, who shoos him away.
[EXT. ALLEYWAY – LATER]
The puppy curls up beside a trash can. His legs are tired. His hope is fading.
He remembers her warmth. The way she licked his ears. The way her heartbeat kept him calm.
Now there’s only silence. Cold concrete. And hunger.
[EXT. STREET CORNER – SUNSET]
He tries again. Another block. Another scent. He stops every few steps, looking back like he’s afraid he’s missed her.
Still… nothing.
He lets out a soft whine, sits down, and looks up at the sky.
PUPPY (quietly, to no one):
Mama… where are you?
