Once upon a time, in a cozy little town, there was a young girl named Mia. She loved solving puzzles and was very good at noticing things others missed. One sunny morning, Mr. James discovered that his dear Maltese puppy, Fluffy, was missing from his house. Tears filled his eyes as he shared the sad news with Mia.

Mia knew something had to be done. She decided to start her own investigation. With a notebook in her hand, she went to Mr. James's house. At first glance, nothing seemed out of place, but Mia was determined to find a clue.

As she walked around the living room, Mia found a small piece of blue fabric caught on the corner of the sofa. 'This could be an important clue,' she thought, jotting it down in her notebook.

Next, Mia spoke to Mr. James's neighbors. One neighbor mentioned seeing a stranger walking a puppy early in the morning. Mia wondered if it was Fluffy and why a stranger would be walking Mr. James's puppy.

Mia then noticed that the lock on Mr. James's backyard gate was broken. 'The thief must have come this way!' said Mia as she looked closely at the damaged lock.

She reported her findings to the police. Officer Brown listened carefully and praised Mia for her sharp eye. 'You've been a great help,' he said. Officer Brown explained to the kids around how stealing hurts others and is always wrong.

With new determination, Mia returned to the neighborhood. She asked the kids playing outside if they saw anyone with a Maltese puppy. A shy boy pointed down the street towards Ms. Willow's house.

As Mia approached Ms. Willow's house, she heard barking. 'That sounds like Fluffy!' she whispered. Mia gently knocked on the door, waiting anxiously.

When Ms. Willow answered, Mia explained the situation, her voice steady despite her nerves. Ms. Willow looked surprised and allowed Mia to look around.

Mia found Fluffy in the backyard, playing with a blue chew toy that matched the fabric she found earlier! She called Mr. James and the police to share the good news.

Ms. Willow explained that she had found Fluffy wandering outside and took him in, thinking he was lost. She intended to look for the owner later that day.

Mr. James was overjoyed to have Fluffy back. He thanked Mia warmly for her logic and bravery. Mia felt proud knowing she had helped solve the mystery and return the puppy safely.