Chapter 3: — "SNOWBALL!"

Mika was wandering down the quiet street near her home, enjoying the late afternoon sunlight that painted everything golden. Her mind was mostly empty, drifting between thoughts about school, homework, and what she might have for dinner. Then something small and white caught her eye beneath a bush.

She crouched down slowly, careful not to startle whatever it was. A tiny bunny, fur slightly ruffled and ears twitching nervously, peeked out at her. Its nose wriggled, sniffing the air.

“Oh! Hello there…” Mika whispered, extending her hand. The bunny froze, staring at her with wide, wary eyes.

She stayed still, her breath soft, speaking in gentle tones. “It’s okay, little guy. You don’t have to be scared. I… I just want to help you.”

The bunny twitched again but didn’t run. Mika smiled. “I think… maybe you’re lost?” She glanced around the quiet street. No one else was in sight. “Well, I can help. Maybe… bring you somewhere safe.”

For a long moment, the bunny seemed to consider this. Then, cautiously, it hopped forward and allowed Mika to scoop it into her arms. She held it carefully, marveling at how light and soft it was.

“You’re so tiny… and soft… wow,” she murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “I’m going to call you… Snowball. Yes, Snowball seems perfect.”

Mika carried Snowball carefully back to her house. She imagined all the things she could do: make it a cozy little home, give it tiny treats, and maybe, just maybe, teach it tricks. Her mind whirled with plans as she set the bunny down on the living room floor.

Snowball twitched its nose suspiciously and hopped a few steps away. Mika followed, crouching low. “Hey, hey, don’t be scared. I won’t hurt you.”

For the next hour, Mika devoted herself entirely to the bunny. She tried offering little snacks she found in the kitchen: carrot sticks, lettuce leaves, and a tiny piece of apple. Snowball sniffed each one carefully before nibbling at the carrot. Mika cheered softly.

“You’re so clever… yes, yes, good job!” she whispered, crouching low so she was level with the bunny. “I’ll take such good care of you, Snowball. We’re going to have so much fun together!”

Then came the chaos.

Mika had the idea to make a small paper hat for Snowball—she thought it would be “adorable and classy.” But as she attempted to place it gently on the bunny’s head, Snowball hopped violently, knocking over a small pile of books on the table. One book tumbled, barely missing her foot.

“Whoa! Careful, little guy!” Mika exclaimed, laughing nervously. “I didn’t mean to… okay, maybe not the hat idea.”

The bunny twitched its nose again and darted under the sofa. Mika tiptoed after it, her hair falling into her face. She peeked under the couch and cooed softly. “Come on, Snowball… it’s safe here. I promise.”

Minutes passed in a slow, delicate dance. Mika learned quickly that Snowball was mischievous, unpredictable, and far more energetic than she expected. Every time she thought she had it under control, the bunny would hop off in a new direction, often knocking over a cup, a pencil, or the edge of a rug.

Yet Mika laughed through it all. Each small disaster made her giggle, more delighted than frustrated. “You’re something else… yes, you are. Tiny whirlwind.”

As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, Mika realized how much time had passed. Snowball had been hopping, exploring, and sniffing everything for hours. Mika picked up the bunny and hugged it gently. “You’ve had a big day… don’t worry, I’ll keep you safe.”

Then she heard a knock at the door. Curious, Mika opened it to find a small child peeking in, eyes wide and desperate.

“Mimi!” the child cried, running forward. “I’ve been looking everywhere for her!”

Mika froze. “Mimi? Wait… she’s… yours?”

The child nodded. “Yes! I didn’t know she’d run so far… Thank you for taking care of her!”

Snowball, or now "Mimi" as if understanding, twitched its nose and hopped straight into the child’s arms. Mika’s hands hovered uselessly for a moment, and she felt a pang of bittersweet sadness.

“Oh…” she murmured softly. “I… I guess… she’s happy with you.”

The child waved goodbye cheerfully. Snowball wiggled and snuggled, looking perfectly content. Mika watched them leave, the small figure disappearing down the street, and for the first time all day, she felt a strange quiet in her chest.

She slumped on the couch, hugging a cushion tightly. A little sad, yes, but also warm. She had cared for Mimi, laughed with it, and shared a fleeting moment of joy.

Mika sighed softly, gazing out the window. “Well… maybe she was just passing through. But… I’ll be ready for the next adventure, little guy. Next time, I’ll be prepared.”

And for a long moment, she sat quietly, smiling faintly, thinking of the tiny white bunny that had brightened her afternoon.