The alarm clock rang out. His brown eyes snapping open, Tiny looked at the time. It was eight in the morning. Sunlight streamed through the windows of his parents' bedroom. Sitting up, the young basset hound puppy smiled when he saw Hu sitting at the foot of the bed. Then he recalled that today was the 25th of December.

Christmas.

"Come on Hu!" Tiny cried, jumping out of bed. Waking up, Hu wagged his tail and barked. Grabbing his bathrobe off the bedpost, the young basset hound puppy stepped into his slippers. He ran out of the bedroom and through the hallway. Stumbling a few times, he made it to the stairs and rocketed down them. All the while, he was praying that his wish had been granted. Running out into the living room, he cried out, "Mom! Dad!"

He found the living room empty.

Trotting behind his master, Hu sat down and whined softly. The dog quietly looked up. Meeting his gaze, Tiny sighed. He could already feel tears brimming in his eyes. Taking a seat in the armchair, he bowed his head. Covering his face with his paws, he whimpered. His Christmas wish hadn't come true. Other kids around the world were probably getting what they wanted most. But not him, not today. It just wasn't fair. Trembling, the young pup allowed the tears to fall.

That's when he heard a car screech to a halt in front of the house.