Wind rose, carrying brine and the distant bark of sea lions. She cupped gloved hands around her mouth and called into the emptiness: “She’s here!” The sound vanished, absorbed by surf. Silence answered—an indifference so complete it felt personal. Another wave of dread crashed, heavier than the last.
She crouched, fingers trembling on the carrier’s wire mesh, debating whether to haul the cub back to town for round‑the‑clock care. Yet Hallett’s warning rang: Hours, not days. Leaving now might doom them both. She rocked back on her heels, fighting tears, eyes stinging from salt and fear.