The next morning, the air felt lighter over the sanctuary. Visitors hadn’t yet arrived, and the paths glistened faintly from the night’s rain. Shira was awake again, pacing near the glass for the first time in days. Her strength hadn’t fully returned, but her movement carried purpose. Ethan appeared with a small towel in his arms.
The fox kit stirred faintly inside, now clean and dry, its fur a warm reddish hue. Lily walked beside him, clutching her notebook tight. At the enclosure, Shira stopped pacing the moment she saw them approach. She stepped closer, head lowering, amber eyes locked on the small bundle in Ethan’s hands. “Hey, girl,” Ethan said softly. “Look who made it.”