The little white puppy had always believed that every car ride meant going somewhere safe. That evening was no different. Curled quietly inside a small bamboo cage, he looked through the narrow gaps with hopeful eyes, wagging his tiny tail each time he heard his owner’s voice. Even though scratches covered his small body, he still believed he belonged beside the person he loved most.

The motorcycle slowly stopped along a quiet roadside. Without a word, the man lifted the bamboo cage onto the dusty ground, climbed back onto the motorcycle, and started the engine. The puppy barked excitedly, expecting the man to return in just a moment. But instead, the motorcycle grew smaller and smaller until it disappeared into the distance.

The little puppy threw himself against the bamboo door with all the strength he had. He pushed with his head, scratched desperately with his tiny paws, and cried as loudly as he could. The cage rocked violently across the dirt road. Again and again, he refused to stop, convinced that if he could just get out quickly enough, he could still catch up.

Then, with one final desperate push, the bamboo cage tipped over and rolled across the ground. The worn-out latch snapped open. The puppy burst free without hesitation and sprinted after the fading motorcycle, his little legs moving as fast as they could.

He ran with every ounce of strength in his body. Dust covered his once-fluffy white fur, and the small cuts on his skin stung with every step. He never looked back. His eyes stayed fixed on the empty road ahead, believing that his owner had simply forgotten him and would surely stop if only he could catch up.

But the road stretched farther and farther.

The motorcycle was long gone.

Still, the puppy refused to give up.

His breathing became heavier. His tiny legs began to tremble. The cheerful little tail that had wagged only minutes before slowly dropped. Finally, his front legs buckled beneath him, and he collapsed onto the roadside, too exhausted to stand again.

As the sun disappeared below the horizon, the air grew colder. The puppy curled into a tiny ball beside the empty road, his stomach aching from hunger. Cars occasionally passed by, their headlights sweeping across his small body, but none of them slowed down. Each passing vehicle made him lift his head for just a second, hoping it might be the one that had left him behind.

Night soon covered everything in darkness.

Gathering the last of his strength, the puppy tried to stand once more. He managed only a few shaky steps before his weak body gave out. He vomited the little food that remained in his stomach and staggered helplessly, unable to keep his balance. Shivering from cold, hunger, and exhaustion, he quietly lowered himself back onto the ground.

His eyes remained fixed on the road.

Even after everything, the little puppy was still waiting…

Still believing that the person he loved would come back for him.