COVID-19 made "social distancing” a big problem for 2020 and forced us to adapt in new and often creative ways. My super-social teenage daughters adapted by meeting with their friends on video chat； school campuses closed but adapted with online classes.

However, social distancing with my parents added an extra challenge. We'd recently moved them(very old) into the house across the street from us. It was wonderful to have them so close, but once COVID-19 arrived, everything changed.

How could we care for and interact with my parents but keep social distance at the same time? I could buy their groceries, and leave them on their doorstep-that would be easy. Meeting their social needs was another matter. They did not use computers or smartphones, so there had to be another way to connect. After much thought, my daughters decided we could reach out with beautiful cards, letters and pictures... and one of our dogs could deliver them!

We'd read in the news that although animals could be carriers of the virus, the likelihood was low, so we felt excited about the prospect of our new delivery method. The question was, which dog was best suited for the job? We considered each one carefully ： Tootsie, Stevie or Stuffy.

We decided to give Tootsie the first shot at it. We tied a small package loosely over her head and sent her toward my parents ' door. Holding our breath, we watched as she approached the house. Suddenly, she turned left, made a beeline for a largedirtpatch (土堆),shook the package from her neck, and started to bury it, but stopped by our shouts of dismay.

Little Stevie was up next. He had more focus ； surely he could do the job. With the package affixed to his back, we set him on course. Stevie looked strong going in. He ran toward the door and nearly made it, but then a lizard (壁虎)ran in front of him. Chasing lizards is Stevie's favorite pastime, so we knew all bets were off. Sure enough, Stevie chased that lizard all over the yard and then went running down the street. I watched with disappointment as my daughters disappeared after him.

Paragraph 1： Later, we were ready for a final go--Stuffy.

Paragraph 2： Stuffy received treats (healthy carrots) and seemed truly proud of himself.

As you sleep in my arms, I'm amazed at how light you feel. I stare at your tiny body, so fragile that a sudden wind could lift you up into the air. I love this feeling of protecting you and dreaming of all I have in store for you.

I intend to bring you up to be brave and successful in an often difficult society. That's why your mommy and I have named you Ari, which means "lion". It's our hope that you will grow strong and eagerly grasp every opportunity to do well for yourself and others.

Before you came into the world, we had spent months imagining what you'd be like. Would you be a boy or a girl? Would you look like Mommy, Daddy or your elder brothers? Anyway, we would find out soon.

Finally your mother's labor came. And several hours later, we met the first time. I held you high up in the air. I then was able to cut your umbilical cord (脐带) and put you in your mother's arms. She still had enough energy to radiate the love while she pressed you to her face.

And here we are tonight. As I hold you close, you sleep so peacefully. I press my ear to your chest and hear your strength. I am listening to the first beats of a lion's heart. Welcome to the world, Ari.

Love,

Daddy

My family live on a farm, in the middle of a small jungle. Every day after school, I go to the fields with my father. Once, at the comer of our field, I encountered a shy baby deer. Naturally, I tried to pet it, but it ran away. Eventually, he started accepting food from me. Soon we were familiar with each other. I called him Choco. I can’t live without him and he can’t live without me.

One day, I was playing with Choco on the farm. I sadly noticed two men standing just opposite our farm. I kept on playing until dusk, when I suddenly had to go back home. As soon as I walked in, Hardy, my dog, greeted us, wagging his tail.

That night, Choco probably went to his hut. I was at home and in bed, but my mind was still with the road and the men. Why did they come to watch us? I was worried. I couldn’t fall asleep as usual.

The next morning, I could find Choco nowhere. I was sure the two men had taken MY CHOCO! My mind was uncontrollable as I followed Hardy in his search for Choco. We finally reached the place. It was a big house, with an open a gate. Hardy jumped in, and I followed him. As was expected, Choco was there beyond the fence. I must rescue him. All of a sudden, a man and a black dog started chasing us, so we ran away.

The next day at school, I met my old cousin. We discussed the matter for hours and finally, an idea came to us.

When the sun set, we went to the big house where choco was kept.