George had tracked the mysterious red-hooded figure from Midtown to Uptown, using hidden surveillance and small clues after losing sight of him.
At this moment, George was in his police car, listening to reports coming in over the radio. So far, all reports had the same conclusion: no new sightings.
After ending a call, George eagerly opened the picture sent by Gwen.
"Yes! Fantastic!" he exclaimed as he saw Panda Big White peacefully sleeping.
He clenched his fist and struck the steering wheel in excitement. If he weren't driving, he might have jumped for joy. After a day of searching, Big White was finally found—and in his own home.
Without worrying about how the panda got there, George just wanted to see Big White as soon as possible.
Reaching a fork in the road, George turned the police car toward Roosevelt Road in Uptown.
He chose not to inform the animal protection organization or the Smithsonian Zoo until he confirmed Big White's presence at his house, avoiding another potential wild goose chase.
"All units, cease the search and await further instructions," he announced over the walkie-talkie.
"Received! Has Big White been found?" a female officer inquired over the radio.
"Yes, but I need to verify. Everyone's been working hard today, so take a break."
"I'll confirm soon."
"Understood!"
---
Arriving at his doorstep, George hesitated to knock. He took a deep breath, calming his excitement, and recalled events from the morning when Big White had disappeared.
There was no doubt Big White was highly intelligent, evident from his time at both the zoo and their home.
He had managed to escape via the fire escape, aware of the zoo staff's impending arrival.
Would Big White run again, knowing George was back?
After a moment of reflection, George called Gwen.
"Gwen, is Big White still there?"
"Of course, he's still asleep. Are you home?" Gwen asked, glancing at Big White sprawled on the floor.
"That's great. I'm at the door now, so keep an eye on him," George replied, relieved, and knocked on the door.
"You're here?" Gwen thought the call was odd but shrugged it off, returning to her snack and watching the sleeping panda.
She was glad Big White was resting; otherwise, their newly bought food might have disappeared.
As she ate, pondering Big White's day out, a knock interrupted her thoughts.
"Knock, knock..."
The sound jolted Gwen, and she opened the door with her toast still in her mouth.
"Dad, why didn't you call?"
"Is Big White still here?" George, still in uniform, peeked in, spotting Big White between the bed and window.
"Phew... Great," he sighed, fully relaxing.
"Dad, I need to tell you something," Gwen said hesitantly, finishing her toast.
"About the panda?" George gestured toward Big White, speaking softly.
"Yes, you won't believe what else this panda can do," Gwen pondered how best to explain.
"Go ahead, I can handle anything bizarre about this panda," George assured her, recalling Big White's earlier antics.
"Okay... Big White, he can talk," Gwen revealed, gauging her dad's reaction.
---
Silence enveloped the room, like someone had pressed pause.
Even prepared, George struggled to accept the revelation.
"...Talk? In English? Or another language?"
"English," Gwen confirmed. "He's been here long enough to speak it."
"Is it possible you misheard? His other antics are extraordinary."
"Please, he spoke American English, and we communicated," Gwen insisted.
"Alright... I need to think... A talking panda that uses chopsticks and works hard..." George mused, realizing this panda might surpass him in skills.
"I researched the Eastern Land, and they describe him as a perfect panda," Gwen added, sharing her findings.
"Like a legendary creature," she suggested.
"Does he have any other strange abilities?" George asked, intrigued.
"Isn't this enough?" Gwen raised an eyebrow.
"Indeed, a panda with mythical characteristics, one that knows how to work... I wonder if he can cook," George joked.
---
After some discussion, George half-believed Gwen's account. Without witnessing it firsthand, such tales seemed implausible.
It was like Big White's flying kick—despite witnesses, many online doubted it, as it defied conventional understanding.
Returning from Washington had been surreal. The missing zoo panda found in their trunk, devouring everything but tomatoes before escaping. Later, rescuing a girl from robbers, only to vanish again.
The entire city buzzed, the police and animal organizations in a frenzy.
And now, Big White had returned, peacefully napping in his daughter's room.
With this newfound understanding, George and Gwen faced the extraordinary reality of their peculiar guest.