Jamie finally managed to pull away from the grip holding him. He ran up beside Asha. “Please,” he said. “That’s my puppy.” Asha placed a hand on his shoulder. “I know,” she said, eyes still locked on the enclosure. “And right now… I think he’s her puppy too.”
Meera circled the puppy once, then lay down beside him. Her movements were slow and controlled, like she didn’t want to startle him. Nibbles wagged his tail again and nestled against her flank, tiny and warm. The crowd behind Jamie stood frozen, phones forgotten in their hands.