From behind the glass, Noah whispered, voice trembling, “Dad…he doesn’t know it’s gone.” Daniel said nothing. He only held his son tighter as the lion kept his silent vigil. King circled the corner where the bundle had been, pawing gently at the stone. He lowered his head, sniffing, nudging, a low rumble of confusion slipping from his throat.
After a few moments, he curled protectively around the empty patch of ground, as though the fragile creature were still there. Meanwhile, Ben was already sprinting down the service corridor, the bundle cradled tight against his chest. The vet team rushed to meet him, snapping on gloves, laying out instruments under the bright fluorescent lights.