The order came on a Thursday morning. The director’s voice left no room for argument. “It ends today. The dog is out. The lions stay. No exceptions.” Ethan wanted to fight, but the looks around the table told him it was hopeless. Some staff seemed relieved, others guilty. Everyone knew this moment had been circling closer with each passing week.
When he entered the nursery, Bella bounded forward, tail wagging, cubs tumbling behind her in their uneven parade. They looked like a family greeting their parent at the door. Ethan crouched, stroking Bella’s ears, whispering, “I’m sorry.”