Shiny Treasures and Feathered Friends

**Petra’s Backyard Mystery**

Petra stretched out on the soft grass, the sun warming her face. Her cat, Whiskers, was curled up next to her, purring quietly. Sam, her bouncy silver labradoodle, was busy chasing a butterfly. It was the perfect afternoon—until Petra spotted something shiny near the fence.

“Look, Whiskers! Look, Sam!” Petra called. She picked up the object—a smooth, silver button.

Sam bounded over, his tail wagging furiously. Whiskers opened one eye, twitched his tail, and padded after them.

Just then, Petra noticed another shiny object a few steps away. This one was a tiny, colorful marble. “What’s going on?” Petra wondered out loud.

Sam sniffed the marble and barked, “Woof!” Whiskers tilted his head, as if to say, *Let’s find out!*

Together, the three followed the trail. They found a bright blue feather caught on a bush and then a shiny soda cap near the garden bed. Each clue led them closer to the old oak tree at the back of the yard.

Sam sniffed the ground. “Good job, Sam!” Petra said. “Keep going!” Whiskers leapt onto a low branch and peered up into the tree.

Petra looked carefully, following Whiskers’ gaze. High above, she spotted a nest made of twigs—and shiny treasures! Then, with a flutter of black-and-white wings, two little magpies landed in the tree.

“They’re building a nest!” Petra exclaimed. “That’s why they’re collecting shiny things!”

Sam barked happily, his tail wagging. Whiskers meowed softly, his sharp eyes glued to the birds. Petra smiled. “Let’s help them!”

She ran back to the house and found an extra button from her craft box. Carefully, she placed it near the tree. “A gift for our new neighbors,” she said.

The magpies chirped in thanks, and Petra felt proud. Together, she, Sam, and Whiskers had solved the mystery—and made some feathered friends along the way!