In the heart of a quiet countryside village, where green rice fields stretched to the horizon and birds chirped from mango trees, lived a small but spirited puppy named Dam. With his shiny black coat, perky ears, and curious eyes, Dam was well-loved by everyone in the village — but especially by his human mom, Auntie Mali.
Every morning, Auntie Mali would ride her old bicycle through the village, greeting neighbors and stopping by the market to pick up fresh vegetables. Dam had always watched her with wide, longing eyes as she pedaled away, tail wagging furiously from the doorstep.
One day, Auntie Mali had an idea. She padded a cozy basket and secured it tightly to the front of her bicycle. “Today, Dam, you ride with me,” she said with a smile. Dam barked excitedly, hopping up and wagging his tail as if he understood every word.
She gently placed him in the basket and adjusted a small scarf around his neck — his version of a helmet. At first, Dam looked unsure. The bike wobbled a bit as Auntie Mali pushed off, and the wind ruffled his ears. But within moments, Dam stood proudly in the basket, tiny paws braced on the edge, his face lit up with pure joy.
Through the village they rode, the sun warming their path. The wind blew through the tall sugarcane, and children laughed and pointed as they saw Dam’s little head poking out of the basket. “Look at Dam!” they shouted. “He’s riding like a champion!”
Dam barked happily in response, his tail wagging like a flag in the breeze. The village dog had become a little hero — confident, proud, and utterly adorable in his moving chariot.
Auntie Mali stopped by the market, where villagers gathered around to admire the brave little passenger. Vendors gave Dam bits of banana and sticky rice, which he nibbled politely. He didn’t try to jump out or fuss. He just sat calmly in the basket, observing the world around him like a seasoned traveler.
After shopping, they rode past the pond, down dirt roads lined with palm trees, and through the temple grounds, where monks smiled and nodded in delight. Dam stayed balanced and alert the entire time, soaking in the sights, sounds, and scents of his village.
By the time they returned home, the sun was starting to dip low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the fields. Auntie Mali lifted Dam out of the basket, kissed his little head, and said, “You’re such a good boy, Dam. What an outstanding ride!”
From that day on, Dam became a regular part of Auntie Mali’s village rides. He was no longer just the curious puppy on the porch — he was a proud little co-pilot, exploring the world one bike ride at a time.
