The puppy crouched low, trembling but defiant, as one of them knelt with a practiced calm. A looped pole lowered slowly toward its body, tightening with a soft click. The puppy yelped, twisting and jerking violently, but the officers held steady, murmuring soothingly. In a few moments, they managed to slip it safely into the crate.
The noise around the platform softened. People clapped half-heartedly, relieved to finally move on. The station master exhaled deeply, signaling for the trains to prepare. “Alright,” he said, raising his flag. “Let’s clear the line.”