That night, he walked the darkened zoo, Daisy padding at his side. The cubs pressed against the bars of their enclosure, restless, teeth flashing in the dim light. Daisy whined, wanting to join them. Zachary whispered, “Not tonight, Daisy.” The words felt hollow, like promises he had no power to keep.
The zoo fell strangely quiet after the separation. Daisy lay in her kennel, ears flat, ignoring food. The cubs prowled their reinforced pen, pacing restless circles. Their roars echoed across the grounds like grief given voice. Zachary felt each sound cut into him, sharper than any reprimand.