Nine thought he was not a cute puppy. He was often overlooked, like a shadow in the bustling world of puppies. Today, of all days, he felt this more clearly. Today was his birthday.
He could sense the excitement in the air. Other puppies were being showered with attention, with toys, treats, and endless pats. Their barks were filled with joy, their tails wagged with abandon. Nine watched, his own tail drooping in disappointment.
He tried to be cheerful, to wag his tail, to play with the other puppies. But their attention was always drawn to the prettier ones, the ones with shiny coats and perky ears. Nine felt like a misfit, an unwanted shadow.
As the day wore on, the realization dawned on him: perhaps it was his appearance that was the problem. Maybe if he were prettier, people would pay attention to him, would love him. A wave of sadness washed over him. He had always thought that love was unconditional, but maybe he was wrong.
He retreated to a quiet corner, his spirit as dull as his fur. He was just a puppy, after all, wanting nothing more than to be loved and cherished. But the world seemed to have other plans. As the day turned into night, Nine curled up in a small, empty space, his heart heavy with loneliness. His birthday, a day that should have been filled with joy, had turned into a painful reminder of his perceived inadequacy.
