Liam, now extremely uncomfortable, remained silent, trying to calm his dog. He wished for a peaceful flight, but Clara’s growing hostility was becoming impossible to ignore. Atlas, sensing his owner’s anxiety, let out a soft whine, but Liam quickly hushed him. “It’s okay, boy,” he whispered. “Just stay calm.”
Clara didn’t let up. “This is just ridiculous,” she muttered again, her voice louder now. “Who knows what kind of diseases these dogs carry? I can’t believe I’m stuck next to this.” She shifted in her seat once more, as if trying to create more space between herself and the dog, even though Atlas was as far from her as possible.