She stepped to the window overlooking the ambulance bay. The bear turned its head as if sensing her. Between them was glass, wire mesh, and two locked doors, yet something about its stillness felt intentional. “You knew where to bring him,” she said softly. Outside, the animal huffed once, a low mist against steel.
Security wanted the bear tranquilized before the morning shift. “Policy,” the supervisor insisted. “It’s your call, not my patient,” Anika said, then added, “But he’s behind barriers, calm, and no threat.” After a pause, the supervisor relented. “Six-hour hold, tops. Then it’s Parks’ problem.” She nodded. Six hours could change everything.