An officer came, leaving pamphlets about reporting wildlife sightings. Elise feigned ignorance, stuffing them into the fire. Shadow pressed close, tail brushing her hand. The warmth steadied her, but guilt gnawed. She was deceiving everyone around her. The burden grew heavier each day.
Elise awoke one morning to claw marks gouged deep into the shed walls. Shadow’s frustration had carved them overnight. She traced the grooves with trembling fingers, realizing love couldn’t erase instinct. He needed space. Yet her chest ached at the thought of setting him free. Giving him up to the authorities was unthinkable.