A hand rested gently on her back—it was the shelter’s owner. “You brought him back,” he said softly, eyes wet. “You didn’t give up on them.” News of Josh’s arrest had spread fast: multiple charges of identity fraud, animal cruelty, and illegal dog trafficking. Meanwhile, Gabby’s bravery earned her the title of Employee of the Year. But titles meant nothing at that moment.
Later, as the sky deepened to violet, Gabby sat barefoot in the grass, knees pulled to her chest, watching her boys. Juno chased Juniper in wide circles, barking with uncontained joy. Juniper clumsily carried a squeaky toy twice his size. Gabby gazed at the two lovingly and smiled – her world was whole again.