It was a bright and sunny morning in the small town of Sprinkle Hills. Lily, a curious first-grader, was getting ready for her friend's birthday party. She couldn't wait to celebrate and enjoy the delicious cupcakes that were promised.

As Lily arrived at the party, she noticed something strange. The birthday table was empty, and the cupcakes were nowhere to be found! Lily's friend, Emma, was quite upset. "Someone has taken the cupcakes!" she cried.

Lily decided to investigate the mystery. She asked all the guests if they had seen anything unusual, but no one had any clues. Just then, Lily noticed a trail of crumbs leading out the back door. She followed the trail and discovered the family dog, Buddy, happily licking his paws.

Lily realized that Buddy must have been the one who ate the cupcakes! She quickly told Emma and the other guests what she had found. Everyone laughed and forgave Buddy, who was just being his curious self. The party continued with a new batch of cupcakes, and Lily felt proud of herself for solving the mystery.