She stepped outside into the cool mist, hoping for another wave of support. But only two people had returned—familiar faces, quietly waiting near the porch. One of them had a pet carrier while the other one held onto a leash, their eyes tired but kind. The surge of volunteers from earlier had dwindled. Hope had clearly worn thin.
For a brief second, doubt crept in. Maybe they were right. Maybe he was gone. But Samantha swallowed the fear building in her throat and straightened her spine. She hadn’t come this far to walk away. Pablo had given her light when she needed it. Now, she would return the favor.