Before she could respond, another girl stepped forward sharply. “Stop making things up, Lukas,” she snapped. “Why would Lucy run off into the woods to bark with strange dogs? You’re just trying to get her attention. It’s obvious you’re lying to get close to her.” Her tone was biting.
Lukas felt his face flush with embarrassment. “I’m telling the truth,” he insisted. “I saw them with my own eyes. I know it sounds unbelievable, but I’m not lying.” The crying girl hesitated, torn between hope and doubt, while her friend crossed her arms impatiently.