A faint movement caught his eye. A small paw. A tail twitch. “Oh no…” Ethan dropped to his knees, his throat tightening. “There’s another one!” He reached out carefully, brushing a bit of grime away.
Underneath the first puppy was another. A smaller one, darker in color, its black fur almost blending into the rail itself. Oil and dust clung to its coat, and one of its hind legs was twisted unnaturally between the bolts. Its breathing was shallow, a thin rasp escaping its mouth with every exhale.