He lifted the towel slightly. The fox kit blinked weakly, its nose twitching as it let out a small, uncertain sound. Shira chuffed in response, a low, breathy exhale that made Lily’s chest tighten. “She knows,” Lily whispered. Ethan nodded. “Yeah. I think she does.” For a long moment, none of them spoke.
Shira pressed her massive head against the glass, her breath fogging the pane. The fox kit stirred, curling instinctively toward the sound. Then Ethan stepped back, giving her space. “She’ll rest easier now,” he said quietly. “And so will I.” Over the following week, Shira’s strength returned.