She would nudge his leg, sensing his unrest, but he could never explain the gnawing dread in words. One afternoon, the dread sharpened into reality. During a play session, one of the cubs swiped a paw too hard and knocked Bella flat. Ethan’s heart froze as he bolted toward the barrier, but Bella scrambled up, shook herself, and barked sharply.
The cub froze, head lowered, almost apologetic. The moment passed, but Ethan couldn’t stop trembling. He saw the staff’s faces through the glass—confirmation of their worst fears. Meetings turned harsher. Some staff demanded Bella be removed immediately. “You’re gambling with her life,” one said. “And with ours,” another added.