The Melody Mystery: Lola, Her Cats, and a Squirrel's Adventure

Lola twirled in her room as the last notes of her music box danced through the air. She loved how the tiny ballerina spun in time with the tinkling tune. But when she reached for it the next morning—*oh no!*—the music box was gone!

“Tammy! Yukie!” Lola called. Her cats, Tammy (who was mid-nap on her pillow) and Yukie (who was busy poking her paw into an empty box), perked up. “We have to find my music box! Let’s follow the clues.”

On her desk was a little piece of paper with big, wobbly writing: *“To find your tune, don’t stop or delay— Start where soft pillows stay!”*

“That’s my bed!” Lola said. Off they went. Tammy stretched lazily but followed, tail swishing. Yukie dashed ahead, her nose twitching with curiosity.

Under the bed, they found another note: *“Not here, but don’t feel forlorn. Try the place where memories are born!”*

“The attic!” Lola exclaimed. Up the creaky stairs they climbed. The attic was dusty, and cobwebs tickled their noses. Yukie pounced on a box, scattering old photos. Tammy sniffed at a pile of books and sneezed. But no music box—just another note: *“You’re getting closer, so don’t feel dread. Look outside, near the garden shed!”*

Out they raced, Lola holding Tammy, who wasn’t thrilled about running. Yukie dashed ahead again, her black fur shiny in the sunlight. By the shed, they heard a rustle. Lola brushed aside a pile of leaves and gasped. There it was—her music box! And next to it? A cheeky little squirrel, holding an acorn.

“Oh, did you borrow my music box?” Lola giggled. The squirrel chattered and wiggled its bushy tail.

Back inside, Lola wound up the music box, and the sweet melody filled the air. She and her cats danced, and even the squirrel joined in, hopping happily.

“That was the best adventure ever!” Lola said, laughing. And from then on, the music box had one more fan: a playful squirrel who loved to listen.