Asha crouched beside Jamie. “You miss him?” Jamie nodded. “But maybe he belongs there now.” Asha smiled. “Want to visit him up close?” Jamie’s eyes widened. “Really?” She nodded. “We’ll be careful. I think Meera will allow it.”
The next morning, under supervision, Jamie entered a small enclosure beside Meera’s habitat. Nibbles rushed to greet him, tail wagging wildly. Jamie scooped him up, laughing through tears. Meera stood nearby, still and watchful. “She’s letting you borrow him,” Asha whispered. “Just for a bit.”