Щенок Элли, или Долгая дорога домой / Ellie the Homesick Puppy

‘Hi, Megan! Mum said I could come round and help you pack, if that’s OK with your mum and dad?’ Bella looked hopefully at Megan’s dad, who was struggling into the hall[31] carrying a massive box of china[32] from the kitchen.

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Bella stared around Megan’s room. ‘All these boxes!’ She slumped down on Megan’s bed sadly, and Ellie scrambled up after her to lick her face. ‘Oof, not so much, Ellie! Oh, Megan, I’ve known for ages you were going[34], but it seems so real now.’

Megan sat down beside her, and Ellie wriggled happily between them. ‘I know. Packing makes it seem as though it really is happening. The day after tomorrow…’ Megan’s voice wobbled, and Ellie turned to lick her too. What was the matter with them both? She looked worriedly from Megan to Bella and back again, making her big puppy ears swing. Something was definitely wrong. Ellie stood up with her paws on Megan’s shoulder, and stuffed her cold black nose firmly into Megan’s ear. That always made her laugh.

Megan did laugh this time too[35], and so did Bella, but somehow they still sounded sad.