The dog lay stretched across the doorway in a silent vow, refusing to leave or even eat. Manny was the only one from whom it took some food. Every passerby received a low growl, but Manny’s presence seemed to soothe the animal instantly.
Near midnight, a nurse reported finding a side door to the pediatric wing propped open with a small rock, cold air drifting inside. No one claimed responsibility. The incident unsettled the staff, and security began sweeping the corridors, radios crackling with terse voices. Manny felt unease settle heavily in his chest.