Chapter 2: Mr. Pebble
The day my braces came off, it felt like freedom. My teeth felt smooth, my reflection strange - different, not prettier exactly, but lighter. My new contact lenses made the world sharper.
Walking home, I spotted a small white dog limping near the convenience store. "Hey, puppy… are you lost?" I crouched.
He wagged his tail hesitantly. Behind him, a flier fluttered on the wall:
MISSING DOG – MR. PEBBLE. 7-21 Haneul-dong. Please return.
I looked back at the dog. "Mr. Pebble?"
He barked once.
How could I walk away?