Progressive 12
When the Rain Hides
Mia watched the rain from her apartment window. The drops ran down the glass like tiny rivers. Usually, she liked rainy days. They made her feel cozy. But today, the rain made her sad. Her dog, Charlie, had been missing for six weeks.
“Why did you run off?” Mia whispered, holding Charlie’s leash. She had looked everywhere—called shelters, put up posters—but he was gone. The apartment felt empty and cold without him.
A Glimmer of Hope
Mia’s phone rang. It was her best friend, Emma.
“Mia,” Emma said, “I think I saw Charlie today. He was near the old oak tree in the park.”
Mia’s heart beat fast. “Are you sure? Maybe it was another dog.”
“I can’t be sure,” Emma said. “But go and check.”
Mia put on her raincoat, grabbed her leash, and ran to the park. The streets were wet and shiny from the rain. She felt nervous but hopeful.
The Search
At the park, the rain had slowed. It was quiet. Mia called, “Charlie? Charlie, it’s me!”
At first, there was no answer. She felt her hope fade. Then she heard it—a bark! A happy, familiar bark.
“Charlie?” she called. From behind a bush, a muddy golden retriever ran toward her. His tail wagged, his eyes sparkled. Mia dropped to her knees and hugged him. “I thought I lost you forever,” she cried. Charlie licked her face happily.
The Reunion
A man walked over, holding a leash. “Is this your dog?” he asked kindly. “He has been in my yard for weeks. I fed him and put up posters.”
“Yes,” Mia said, her voice shaking. “Thank you so much. I have been looking everywhere for him.”
“No problem,” the man said, patting Charlie. “He’s happy to be home.”
As Mia walked home, the rain stopped. Sunlight came through the clouds, shining on the wet grass. Mia felt light and happy. Charlie was back. The rain hadn’t just hidden Charlie—it had hidden her hope. Now she could enjoy life again.
Comprehension Questions
Why was Mia sad at the beginning of the story?
Who called Mia with information about Charlie?
Where did Emma say she saw Charlie?
How did Mia feel when she saw Charlie again?
What happened when Mia walked home with Charlie?
Your Thoughts
Have you ever lost something important and then found it? How did you feel?
Why do you think the rain was compared to hiding hope in the story?
How can hope help people keep trying when things seem difficult?
