Anika was curious about the giant who had brought the boy in, and knowing what she did about the rope and sedatives used on the boy, she thought the police would be interested in where the animal came from as well. Nurses whispered in the break room: It waited all night. Others peeked through the blinds toward the loading dock.
Reporters began calling, sniffing the scent of a miracle. Administration deflected, calling it an “ongoing investigation.” Anika ignored the drama. Her attention stayed on Evan—his small frame under warming blankets, vitals steady. When she adjusted the IV, he murmured, eyes unfocused: “Bear.” She squeezed his hand. “He stayed.”