Pupu stood frozen, eyes wide, staring at Poki. “Is that really you, Poki?” he asked in disbelief. Poki, lounging on a soft cushion in the sun, blinked slowly and gave a sleepy smile. “Yup, it’s me,” he purred, rubbing his round belly with pride.
It had only been a week since Pupu last saw Poki, but something had definitely changed. Poki’s belly had grown—significantly! Pupu walked around him in circles, sniffing and inspecting. “What did you eat? A whole watermelon?” he gasped.
Poki chuckled. “It’s not my fault! Grandma has been giving me extra treats, and Uncle Phong brought me fish soup every night!” Poki looked completely unbothered, rolling onto his back with a content sigh.
Pupu, being the more active of the two, just couldn’t wrap his head around it. “But we used to race every morning! Remember how we climbed the mango tree together?” Poki gave a lazy nod, “I still remember… but now I’d rather nap under it.”
Pupu decided to take matters into his own paws. “Okay, Poki! Tomorrow, we’re going for a morning walk. And no more sneaking snacks under the table!” Poki groaned but smiled, knowing Pupu just cared.
The next morning, Pupu woke Poki up before the sun rose. Poki waddled behind him, his big belly swinging gently side to side. Though it was tough at first, Poki began to enjoy the cool morning breeze and the little butterflies that fluttered by.
As the days passed, Pupu helped Poki get moving again—chasing paper balls, hopping over tiny fences, and even stretching in the sun. Slowly, Poki’s energy came back, and so did his old playful spirit.
“Your belly is still big,” Pupu teased, “but now you’re strong, too!” Poki grinned. “Strong enough to chase you again!”
The two best friends raced off, laughing and tumbling together, their bond even stronger than before.
