“911, what’s your emergency?” The dispatcher’s calm voice broke through the static. Tina swallowed hard, her voice splintering. “I think—there’s a baby. In a blanket. On the side of the road. And a dog… he won’t let anyone near it. Please—send someone fast.”
The dispatcher’s tone was steady, practiced. “Ma’am, stay calm. Do not approach again. Officers and animal control are on their way.” Tina clutched the phone so tightly her knuckles blanched. Her knees quivered, but she nodded as though the unseen voice could steady her.